Zidane's career tarnished.

Today's World Cup Final was being watched by millions of people. Many who, like myself, did not particularly support either team (Italy or France) but wanted to see the stars shine for the last time in 2006 Cup play. Furthermore, this was the last game for the exceptional French player, Zinedine Zidane. In fact, that is how I decided on which team I was going to cheer for. I was going to cheer for Zidane to get a wonderful finale to his great career.

Watching his tarnished, early exit from the game was frustrating. I was then happy to see Italy win -- for Zidane should not have had the right to be excited about his performance. For someone of his stature in the sport to have acted so childishly was horrible. I was also embarassed because I had just finished explaining to one of my friends, who wasn't a soccer fan, how professional most soccer players are -- especially those at this level of play.

Thank you Zidane for proving me wrong. I wonder what your team thinks of you -- how would have this game turned out if you played the last 10 minutes -- if you could have participated in the shoot-out. Well, you won't ever know. Nor will you say that you can prove yourself again in 2010. I wanted to see a great exit, not a greatly regretable exit.

USA def. Ghana in 2010.