That was a beautiful goal by ZZ, faking the Spanish defender onto his backside to set up an open shot on goal. It was made even more poignant by his announcement that he is retiring after this World Cup.

The best soccer headline I have ever seen was during the 2002 World Cup. As you will recall, France shockingly went out in the first round after winning the cup in 1998. One of the London rags had a picture of Zidane on the front page, dribbling the ball during the final loss, with the headline "Zed's Dead". It did not leave the impression that they were too disappointed in the demise of France ;-)


>i think that the cheating comes from the business of club soccer, the win at all costs attitude. i know that in the past a panel has given players red cards after the match for cheating. this was in the news a lot this year in england over a chelsea player who kept doing it. TH did it in the french match that you were watching to get the free kick that resulted in viera's goal. some i think do it our of frustration but some intentionally play act in the hope that they get a free kick. video judges are definately needed for red card and goal decisions and i also think that is a comittee is setup to review all matches of a certain level, say the top league only, and penalties can be awarded afterwards, player suspension or taking points from the team then all this would stop over night but the fa in england and fifa as a global body are not up to this challenge. the last goal scored by zidane, showing his brilliance for a brief time, is excellent, he is so aware of everything around him
>that he doesn't even look at the goal when shooting he just knows.
>~M
>
>>I've been watching a little bit of the World Cup. I haven't watched much soccer since the old New York Cosmos, but I've found it very fun to watch.
>>
>>(And I just saw a great goal by France to take the lead).
>>
>>But I am curious of something - I realize these guys are tremendous athletes and tough as nails - but why is there so much diving and embellishment? Some of the acting that goes on where the collisions are minimal...it's almost funny. Do they have penalties for "diving" in soccer, the way they do in the NHL?
>>
>>Can France hold on? Stay tuned!
>>
>>Kevin