What did Materazzi say to Zidane?

Yes, this is the same head which knocked out Brazil eight years ago. The classic header...

The million dollar question on everybody's mind now will be the words Materazzi said to Zidane that provoked the head butt. Speculation is rife that he has abused Zidane's sister by claiming that she is a prostitute, Zidane himself is a terrorist due to his Algerian and Muslim descentry, an ungrateful dog which betrayed Italy, and much more.

For the time being, these are all unsubstantiated rumors and only Zidane himself can comment on the incident as Materazzi has denied any wrongdoing. Soccer Pundit takes a very dim view of such abuse as it is not sportsmanlike and absolutely despicable to achieve a victory in such a manner. Hopefully, FIFA can conduct a proper investigation into the matter and weed out such practices.

However, Zidane could also have exercised more restraint and focus his fury into scoring the all-important winner, instead of going tit for tat. For all his talent, unfortunately, he is prone to aggression at times and is no stranger to red cards. In the 1998 World Cup, he got a red card and was served a two-match ban before he arrived in the finals to conquer the Brazilians. His club career was also riddled with such disgraceful acts. This can be attributed to his tough upbringing where he played soccer in the streets. "You can take the man out of the rough neighbourhood but you cannot take the rough neighbourhood out of the man", says Thierry Henry.

To get red cards for belligerence is an irresponsible act where the interest of the team is concerned and is not a good example to show to budding youngsters who idolise him. Still he can be forgiven as he is after all human. Zidane must also be feeling bad and he must live with the mistake he has made that deprived his team and nation of another World Cup medal. Despite all that has happened, Soccer Pundit still has the highest regard for his skills, influence and vision and nothing has changed...