(Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
And yet, it was the indefatigable superhero who was the last man standing at the end of every battle leading into the much-coveted final.
Once again, he had come through for France, and he did it on his own terms.
He had insisted on the return of Thuram and Makelele, two players who proved instrumental to France’s magnificent World Cup run.
He assumed the captaincy and took it upon himself to reinvent the team’s lost spirit: "We live together, and die together.”
He did more than wake a sleeping giant, he resurrected a dead one.
Zidane’s inspirational leadership offered the world a unique glimpse at the power of sheer determination and its place in the highest level of sport. Fueled by an exemplary fighting spirit, the ailing but talented French squad was able to find its rhythm and outfox its younger opponents.
Suddenly, France found itself immersed in a beautiful dream that brought back the spirit of 1998; and once more, they had the genius of Zidane to thank for it.
Zidane’s rallying cry came after a sluggish start to the campaign that saw France unofficially written off as serious contenders in both the French and international press. It was just in time for the first do-or-die game against Spain.
The spark that was needed came from the most unlikely of sources: Spain’s top newspaper Marca.
Knowing that Zidane would retire upon France’s elimination from the World Cup and emboldened by Spain’s scintillating form in the group stages, the paper proudly exclaimed in its headline: “We’re going to retire Zidane!”
Spain did not retire Zidane. Instead, the incensed and combative Zidane retired Spain. He led France to a 3-1 victory, scoring the third goal in vengeful matador style.
The Spanish bull collapsed, and Zidane stood tall.
Next was Brazil.
Going into the World Cup, the Samba boys were the most celebrated team of the tournament. It was said that Brazil was the best team in the world, and Brazil’s reserves, the second best—a hint at the depth of available talent at coach Carlos Alberto Pareirra’s disposal.
But when it came down to the 11 versus 11, it was Zidane who danced the Samba with the ball.
In one of the most enthralling individual performances of World Cup history, Zidane outclassed Brazil’s highly-rated stars with his supreme control of the ball. Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and the rest were all left stunned in the aftermath of the biggest upset in the Tournament.
Brazil went home, and Zidane remained.
Then it was on to Portugal and its undefeated coach Felipe Scolari.
“Big Phil” had never lost a game in two straight World Cups. But if there ever was a man to reverse fortunes, it was Zinedine Zidane.
Henry was awarded an early penalty, and Zidane stepped up to take it. Ricardo took his position; this was the goalkeeper who had denied three spot-kicks from England’s best only a few days before.
But not Zidane; the French captain struck the ball with trademark confidence, beating the diving Ricardo.
Portugal went home, and Zidane remained.
The English press taunted their own players suggesting that Zidane ought to give the English stars a lesson on how to take a successful penalty. Elsewhere, all the attention was on the final.
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