Zidane, please don’t quit!
Zinedine Zidane gave a footballing masterclass last night as France deservedly knocked out favourites Brazil last night in Frankfurt . He showed that he can still turn it on at 34 and that when he does, no one can match him, not even current World player of the year Ronaldinho. His touch was sublime, his passing pinpoint, his repertoire of skills mesmeric. On top of that he delivered end product - it was his cross which Henry volleyed home for the only goal of the game.
Brazil started well as their new formation, with Adriano dropped in favour of Juninho Pernambucano, looked more mobile. Ronaldinho at last looked like he was going to have a good game, with a couple of intelligent passes. But he quickly faded and ZZ took control. He was so good was ZZ that at halftime Robinho stepped off the bench to shale the big man’s hand. His level of performance continued in the second half and as Brazil pressed for an equaliser, he and Ribery began to exploit the spaces left at the back. The champions never really threatened however and the French, so poor in the group stages but brilliant in the knockout rounds booked their place in the semis.
Brazil must now return home to face the ire of their fans. With the talent that they have in their squad their performances have been a disgrace. They thought they just had to turn up to win. Their stars were clearly out of shape and out of form. A lot of the blame must be Parreira’s - he did not prepare them properly and persisted with Ronaldo and Cafu despite their poor performances. He also moved Brazil away from their traditional style - which confused the players and a result they played as if shackled. France look hungry and if they can keep up this performance level, they will surely lift the trophy on 9 July.
July 2nd, 2006 at 10:23
It seems a shame that there is no drug testing for webmasters. I mean, what is this guy on? Ronaldo was the most dangerous Brazilian player - if anyone should have gone off it is Ronaldinho. Let’s have some professionalism from those running this site, not wild-eyed rants with no facts to back them up. Facts - sound familiar?
The mighty Raktar has spoken!
July 2nd, 2006 at 10:42
Raktar it seems you have been watching a different tournament to the rest of us. Ronaldinho did not have a good tournament I agree but Ronaldo a threat? Yes he scored 3 but the old Ronaldo would have scored 6. I suppose you are going to tell us that Serbia & Montenegro were the best team in the Group of death and were unlucky to lose 6-0 to Argentina…
July 3rd, 2006 at 11:28
This website perfectly illustrates the dangers of the internet. It appears that there can be too much of a good thing - i.e. free speech. There should be no room for provocateurs such as yourself on the world wide web.
Of course, Serbia and Montenegro was the worst team, not just in its group, but in the whole tournament. Yet, what does that have to do with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho!? It is an old populist tactic - go on the attack when you have no point to defend. Your demagoguery does not pass off as analysis or comment in my book. I hope your readers have the common sense to see through this and agree with me.
The mighty Raktar was here!