World Cup’s abiding image

THE great sadness of the 2006 World Cup was the madness of Zinedine Zidane.

When the final’s shoot-out penalty by David Trezeguet, which crashed against the crossbar and ultimately handed Italy the trophy, is long forgotten, Zidane’s headbutt into the chest of Marco Materazzi will stain the memory. Senseless. Shameful. It will be the abiding image of Germany 2006.

How desperate is that for the man voted the world’s best player three times. A man who had been France’s inspiration in reaching the final and who many believed deserved to strut the same stage in retirement as legends such as Pele and Maradona.