The 2006 World Cup last produced probably the most unbelievable finish to a soccer profession there has ever been.
Already planning retirement after the sport, ‘s Zinedine Zidane was conscious it will be his final outing as a participant – and he went out with a bang. Actually.
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The legend had been the hero of the 1998 World Cup last when his nation received it for the primary time and a cheeky chipped penalty on this one had given the lead, just for Marco Materazzi to equalise for and ship the sport to extra-time.
And it was there that the 2 goalscorers got here collectively to supply some of the stunning moments ever witnessed on a soccer pitch.
As Zidane jogged away from the Italian defender following an altercation, a flurry of insults directed at him by Materazzi (the contents of which continues to be debated to today) noticed the Frenchman see crimson as he spun again and planted a thundering headbutt into the chest of his tormentor.
Following session among the many officers, Zidane was proven a crimson card which introduced his glittering profession to an ignominious finish.
France went on to lose on penalties and the picture of ‘Zizou’ trudging previous the trophy stays some of the defining within the historical past of the sport.