Celebrating “The Headbutt”

Exactly one year ago today, I was cheering for France to win the World Cup Final. Despite having a little Italian blood in me, I can’t bring myself to root for the single dirtiest sports team on the planet. (Unless, of course, the opponent is Duke.) It was Zidane’s final game. France had beaten perennial favorites Brazil in the quarters, and Italy had beaten their German hosts to get to the finals. Italy roughed up star Thierry Henry early in the game, Zidane scored on a penalty kick around the 20th minute, and the Azzuri responded with a header into the nett off a corner to make it a 1-1 game at halftime. The next sixty-five minutes of action was fairly forgettable.

Then came what was perhaps the most infamous moment in World Cup history, and the inspiration for this blog’s name.

There are few better ways to go out than in blazing glory. Except when you’re the captain of your national team and the world’s most important soccer match still hangs in the balance.