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Zidane headbutt
The stage was set for a footballing great Zinedine Zidane to lead France to yet another World Cup triumph, having been the heart of their side in the 1998 campaign when they won the trophy at home. Yet again, he was the force behind France’s push for the title, leading from the front with an elegance and determination matched by his compatriots. 8 years after he tasted the glory, the hunger was still there.
The French faced the Italians in the final. They took an early lead as Zidane scored an audacious penalty against Gigi Buffon, as the ball clipped the post and went in, it seemed like Zidane had done it once again an would go on to cement his name in France’s footballing folklore as the man who led them to two World Cup titles. It did not last too long as Materazzi scored in the 19th minute.
But France still had their captain, they had hope, he even almost gave them the lead again in the second half through a header, but it was not to be. The game went into extra time as the score remained 1-1. The two goalscorers on the night were jogging in close proximity and exchanging words when Zidane turned to face Materazzi and slammed his head into the Italian defender's chest.
The dream was over as Zidane was sent off in his last game for France, Italy then went on to win on penalties as the French rued ‘what could have been’. But what remained of the game were 2 moments the infamous headbutt followed by Zidane walking past the World Cup trophy, within touching distance but out of reach.
Paolo Di Canio pushes the referee
Paolo Di Canio had talent and temper in equal measures. he was hardly one to stay away from a fight. He was one of those on whom the ‘red mist’ descended every so often and it translated to an incident that would check another mark in Di Canio’s long list of altercations on the pitch.
The most funny yet slightly scary moment was when Sheffield Wednesday took on Arsenal in 1998. Di Canio got involved in an argument that involved virtually all the players on the pitch but the fiesty Italian was the one that walked away the worst as in a fit of rage he pushed referee Paul Alcock to the floor leading to an incredibly comical moment that left the referee on the floor brandishing a red card at Di Canio.
The Italian was banned for 11 games and fined for his conduct on the pitch.
