ANGER
FINISH

Topics: Anger; Human Nature; Integrity; Regret; Reputation; Revenge; Self-control; Shame; Temper; Temptation; Victory

References: Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 16:32; 25:28; Acts 20:24; Romans 12:19; 1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Timothy 4:7; James 1:19–20

Zinedine Zidane led the French national team to a World Cup championship in 1998. Eight years later, Zidane reported that he would retire after the 2006 World Cup. The French team was not expected to go far, partly because Zidane was rumored to have lost a step. He proved them wrong.

In France’s second-round match against Spain, Zidane led the team to victory when he beat goalkeeper Iker Casillas for a goal. He was also instrumental in the team’s victory over highly ranked Brazil in the quarterfinals, using precision passes and his trademark spin move to split the Brazilian defense. In a semifinal match against Portugal, Zidane scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick. When the smoke cleared, Zidane had led his team to a second World Cup championship game, this time against Italy.

Things started out brilliantly for the superstar in what would be the final game of his exceptional career. However, his temper intervened. During the first half of overtime play, Zidane had a verbal confrontation with Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Zidane then wheeled around to face Materazzi, lowered his head, and slammed into the Italian’s chest, knocking him to the ground. The referee flashed a red card, ejecting the French captain from the game.

As large screens around the stadium replayed Zidane’s inability to control his temper, the once-proud legend walked off with his head lowered in shame.

—“Zidane Sent Off in Extra Time for Head Butt,” ESPNsoccernet (July 9, 2006)