[kabar]

It is mere conjecture that France could have scored in the last five minutes against the best defense in soccer, including the world's best goal keeper. The French were lucky to score via penalty from the phantom foul. The loss of Zidane could have been used as a positive motivational factor. The penalty kicks are really almost like a coin toss. It is up to each player to exorcise the demons and score. Zidane would have been of little help as each player stood alone to face the Italian keeper.

I thought the loss of Henry was more devastating.

[kwyjibo]

Yes, Zidane's exit likely did not affect the outcome of the match. If Materazzi truly said that about Zidane's mother, he got what he deserved, as did Zidane. At least Zidane had the decency to accept his fate and not argue that he shouldn't have been ejected. I'm sure Materazzi and the other Italians were jawing at Zidane the entire game, and he chose his moment so he could minimize the impact on his team. He would've gotten away with it had the fourth FIFA official not seen the incident.

This is a real stretch, but imagine if Tiger Woods' playing partner had said something derogatory about Earl Woods. There would be one fewer pro golfer on the PGA tour today, and justifiably so. Of course, I'm assuming it would be impossible for one to swing a golf club with a golf ball permanently embedded in the back of one's skull. On a side note, I'm glad to see Tiger getting his mojo back.

I kind of like the fact that Zidane seems to be taking the "what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch" line about the incident.