Just how much will the head-butt affect Zidane's legacy?

Apparently, it was a racial slur.

OK, but still. Materrazi is Italian, Zidane is French/Algerian. What could he have said. And Materrazi's best friend on his Inter Milan club team is supposedly Obafemi Martens, a Nigerian.

They both played in Spain. Perhaps he said it in spanish.

Zidane played in Italy, so I'm sure he understands some choice Italian phrases Materazzi might throw at him but still, I can't imagine what would've pissed him off that much...

Not as bad as the Yanks in the 1004 League Championship Series against the Sox. Oh shit!

haha, 2004

that was an incredible play. what a save by the Bufon.

Sorry but that will never be forgotten. That video clip will be played ad nauseum whenver the France national team takes the field in future cups.

3) If you have nothing positive to a contribute to a conversation, don't comment! (hang on, I'm breaking my own rule here...)

At least you're living up to your username.

I was trying to say that I don't understand what really, really strong racial barriers exist btwn italians and french. Sorry to be unclear there. But then I read that Algerians are looked down upon even in France, and further some are claiming materazzi called zidane a terrorist. So evidently there is some background there.

But you're wrong on two counts. 1) People in America do watch football, they've talked about it a lot. 2) Americans do care about the French, one namely, being George W. Bush. A fairly important American, I think you'll agree. So making contradictory comments is fine, but make sure they're not wrong!

grow up Zidane. Who gives a fuck what the guy said. Be an adult.

Materazzi has flat out denied the racism claim. http://www.t...d_Cup06/home

That's entirely true! We admire Zidane for his dignity, passion and creativity, and totally support his courageous act against injustice. Looking back at the final match again, one can easily see Italian tactic to win the tournament ny hurting the French players, rolling and whining, and harshly provoking -- any dirty job they could think of, from the first minute when they intentionally hurt T. Henry so badly! The cruel acts of the Italian players indeed was unforgivable. It's only Zidane who had the courage to fight against sinful intentions! We support and adore him always!

Zidane IS an adult, and a courageous adult, that's why he did this brave act against the hooligan Italian player to protect human dignity, even at the expense of personal glory!!

Open your eyes and see the picture more clearly: the Italian team had planned the cruel attacks - verbal as well as physical

We should open our eyes and see more clearly: the Italian team had planned to attack brutally from all sides - verbally and physically - right from the start. It is so obvious. People like to criticize Zidane for losing his cool, but how can you, when someone call your mother and sister a whore, or wants openly to strip off the clothes of your wife, or wish cruel death befalling your whole family - how could you take that? I wonder why Zidane just butted with his head, which should not be too strong (disregarding the whining play of Marterazzi), and not with his strong fists?! I might even have faught Marterazzi on the face with both hands and then kick him hard to teach him a lesson of respect, forget about red cards or whatever!!