I just saw this. He is coming back to help France qualify for the World Cup. To me is the best player in the world over the past 7-8 years. The guy's skills are unbelievable and he is a true leader and general on the field. Here is the link. Zidane's Back Zidane's Back 2
Zidane is fantastic, but past his prime. Germany will be led to the World Cup title 2006 by Michael Ballack.
You honestly think they're going to beat Brazil? Brazil is even more loaded than the last time they trounced Germany. Ronaldhino is not just a youngster, he's the defending footballer of the year. Ronaldo's still great. They now have Kaka, Robinho, and Adriano who weren't aroudn last time. Cafu is still a beast and Dida has more experience in international competition. This may be one of, if not the most talented national teams ever assembled. They will destroy Germany, no doubt about it.
Brazil has never won it in Europe. Did anyone think France was going to beat Brazil in 1998? No, but they did...
Yes Zidane is out of his prime, but he is easily France's most influential player. He could easily make the pairing of Henry and Trezeguet a little more productive, as both are amazing players. I love Ballack and wish he'd join United, but that man is a one-man wrecking crew. IF England, Brazil, can get their true CMs (Lampard, Emerson), they can cause some trouble for Germany. I would expect Portugal and Holland to make some noise, especially the Nederlands, a healthy Van Nistelrooy recieving crosses from Robben is absolutely insane. The best part about Zizou is how humble the man is, he always says he is not France's saviour, but he really is. France will probably qualify now, their goal tally soars with him coming back. Makelele is back as well, and he was an intregal part of Chelsea's success in the EPL. Thuram apparently is on the verge of a come-back as well, so their defensive ability increases. IMO, this only helps France, does not allow them to make that much of an impact against the more skilled teams. I am wondering if Zidane takes back the captain's armband, or lets Viera keep it .. Brazil will be very strong, Robinho and Kaka will only get better, Ronaldinho will tone his skills and will be entering one of the most productive years he'll have, and the fact that Adriano and Ronaldo are competing for the striker spots makes it interesting for Brazil's attack. In defense however, they aren't the strongest, and this might hurt them in the later stages. And if Ronaldinho gets injured, they'd be relying on Emerson/Ze Roberto/Kaka/Kleberson/Baptista to replace him, and Kaka is already playing another position. Emerson doesn't have the same flair as Ronaldinho, and would bring in a defensive presence, when Brazil needs an attacking one. Ze Roberto is a winger and Kleberson is just bad. Baptista can score like anyone, but his passing ability is not as good as Ronnie's. England can make it into the later stages if Sven can actually use his team wisely. Wright-Phillips should be playing on the left, not Joe Cole. Lampard should either be holding midfield or attacking it, not both. Gerrard should be attacking midfield and Beckham should always play on the right. Rooney should either be a set-striker, or a free midfielder. Pairing him with Gerrard in attacking midfield with Owen up-front is extremely lethal. Of course, just my opinion. Hm .. that was kinda long. And half of it had nothing to do with Zidane ..
Nice to get a good soccer debate going for once on the BBS. Brazil may not have won the World Cup, but they did just roll to victory in the Confederations Cup in Germany. They looked unfriggin' stoppable in that final game against Argentina. I'm not saying that Brazil is unbeatable, but I think they have to be the favorites. To have that much fire-power and still have a servicable defense makes a team an absolute juggernaut. They have to be a cinch for at least the last four. I also agree that the Netherlands and England will be tough. Did anyone see Quincy Owusu-Abeyie play at the youth championships? I know he's only 17, but I was absolutely blown away watching that kid play. Hopefully the Neterhlands don't pull their habitual choke job and blow it.
I hate Germany so I hope they don't go very far. The only German player that I have ever liked is Mattheus #10. That guy was amazing!!! Personally I love Brazil but Holland is my 2nd favorite team and they are probably the best nation never to have won the WC so I am pulling for them. What a final it would be if it were Brazil v. Holland (Mouth watering!!!). I think Zidane will boost France into qualifying (Right now they're 4th in the group I think). He may be older but he is still a genius and a once in a generation type of player. The things he does on the field are spectacular (he controls the game like no one else does). Without him, France would never have made it out of the group stages in the '98 World Cup. If Brazil or Holland doesn't win it all, I really hope an African team does. It would great if Nigeria or Cameroon could win. Those teams are sooooo talented but just can't get over the hump. Damm I can't wait for next summer!!!
Did you hear? Freya is the new coach and Amarant is one of the new strikers. Unstoppable, I tell ya! People don't seem to be appreciating my humor.... Either that or it's flying right over their heads.
One of my favorite players as well.. Definently makes the team better even if he is out of his prime. Sort of reminds me of Daei that plays for my national team. He is way out of his prime but still there to lead the team. Can't wait till world cup considering my team is qualified and we have a good team this year with all the guys back from europe...definently can make a good run at it....not gonna win it but should make the second stages...
ah, but France and Ireland are in the same group - and I don't think it's probable both will make it in. And though it might not be relevant to '06, Brazil did win it in Sweden back in Pele's coming out party. Brazil have to be considered the favorites. Winners in 94, finalists in 98, winners in '02. The team is going to be insanely stocked for '06 - even if the coach has some bizarre infatuation with Roque jr. Consider - Ronaldo, Robinho, Adriano, Julio Baptista(at either striker or holding midfield) and Fred(My Favorite Brazilian EVER) at forward. In the midfield - Ronaldinho, Juninho Pernambucano, Emerson, Ze Roberto, Gilberto, Kaka among others and that doesn't include the dozens of Brazilians still in Brazil like Anderson, or those that went to suddenly wealthy Eastern European teams like Elano or Matuzalem, who might get in to fill a hole or injury. Obviously Germany have to be considered, they're the hosts. But damn - Brazil is stacked, and they counter-attack so brilliantly. Damn.
Speaking of Ballack, what do you make of all the talk about Ballack to United? With his contract ending this year it looks like he wants to try and be the first German to be successful outside of the Bundesliga. As a United fan, I really don't want him, he's almost 29, and we have have enough aging midfielders in Keano, Scholes, and Giggs. Although he is absloute class, United need a long term replacement for Keane, not another guy nearing his final years.
