Going into the final I was leaning toward Maniche (Portugal) for the man of the tournament, with a slight edge over Cannavaro. Cannavaro was brilliant in the final, his best of the tournament, and everybody is talking about him for the golden ball. I agree.
If Im not mistaken it would be the first time a defender would receive this honor. Seeing how low scoring this tournament has been, it would be appropriate a defenedr gets it
Football my friends has become a game for those with money and reputations.
David Beckham has not been good enough to even carry the equipment for England let alone play for them since 2002 and yet he got in the team, in front of Aaron Lennon and Shawn Wright-Phillips on reputation alone.
David James is one of the worst Keepers England ever produced in an internation Team and yet he gets infront of Kirkland, Green and Nigel Martyn (when he was playing) on a reputation that he could be a good keeper when he concentrated.
Gary Neville is another one past his prime in the International set up but he still makes it on reputation.
Henry has proven himself to be a second-rate international forward and yet he gets in on his League reputation, despite failing to score for France regulaly.
Zindane has played his last tornament for France and it is only a matter of time before he retires from football completely. He is one of the greatest players of all time and was good in the World Cup. This award has been given to him to give him something positive to remember of this World Cup rather than being sent off.
In my opinion Canavarro should have gotten the award.
"there's only one way to win a war: shout, shout, and shout again!" - The Duke of Wellington ((Blackadder - Stephen Fry))
So after a month of soccer and all this hoopla, it ends with whose goalie can guess right and stop the ball. Kind of like the World Series ending with a Home Run Derby. Maybe the Super Bowl having it come down to the best of 3 field goals. Fantastic.
I agree, its not the best way to end it all. It would be like the masters coming down to 1 putt on the 18th, or a last second field goal in the superbowl ,or a game 7 3-2 pitch in the 9th with bases loaded ,big yawn.
But how else do you end it? Penaltis are cruel no dobt but at the same time can be exciting. I gotta say that Heck is simplifying the the whole process and tournament with his observation.
Also read that the WC viewing figures are up again I think the figure was on avergae about 1.3 billion viewers and peaked at 1.5 billion so that's up 3 - 5 million on 2002.
I also watched Zidanes excuse for butinng Matterazzi apparently he did it because Matterazzi said something about his sister and mother ( a terrorist whore has been suggested) now while I can understand the anger why do it in front of the world? do it in the tunnel or the car park not in front of a billion plus audience.
07-10-2006 07:13 PM
He rightfully got a red card for his bad behavior and he should not have been eligible for the award.
