Memorable moments: the day when Zidane enjoyed the Brazilians again! Seventeen years ago, he delivered one of the most dominant performances in history

Seventeen years ago, football fans were treated to one of the most dominant performances in World Cup history. At the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, Zinedine Zidane delivered a performance in the quarter-final against Brazil that still terrifies Seleção fans years later.

The story of one of France’s best footballers was to end at the 2006 World Cup in Germany

He was introduced to football at an early age in the square of the French town of Castellane, where his first contact with a football began. But the little boy of Algerian immigrants went on to become one of the greatest footballers in all of France.

Zinedine Zidane had an incredible football career. After becoming French Ligue One Player of the Year with Bordeaux, he was offered a move to England. But he was reportedly not good enough for England’s top competition, so his steps were directed to Italy.

At Juventus, he became a huge asset almost immediately, winning the Italian Scudetto twice in a row. Then, at the end of his second season, he spiced up an amazing season by winning the 1998 World Cup at home, where he executed the favoured Brazil with two headers.

He even won the Ballon d’Or that same year, so it was no wonder he became part of Florentino Pérez’s Galácticos project, with whom he won the coveted Champions League. At the end of his time at Real Madrid, he announced that he would retire after the 2006 World Cup.

In the quarter-final against Brazil, he produced one of the most dominant performances in history

At the final tournament held in Germany, France advanced through the group stage from second place only to be drawn against Spain in the eighth round. The hopes of the country where Zidane had worked for five long seasons were then ended in stoppage time when he beat his Real Madrid teammate Iker Casillas with a beautiful goal.

The quarter-final draw was then just as ruthless for the French as they again met the Canaries of Brazil. A star-studded team led by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho was the favourite for the duel, but Zizou once again took a swipe at his favourite opponent.

In a match that still ranks among the most dominant performances in World Cup history. The Brazilian magicians looked like they were seeing a soccer ball for the first time next to the French elegance.

Then, in the second act, he sent a fluffy centre to a lone Thierry Herny, who scored the only goal of the game and France went on to win the dream trophy. Zidane was then named FIFA’s man of the match and won accolades from fans around the world.

Sadly, Zizou was unable to end his stellar career with another title as he succumbed to Italy in the final match in a penalty shootout. In the match, he would also be sent off after a header to the chest of the provoking Marco Materazzi. A sad end to an almost fairytale story.

Source: Wikipedia, Twitter account – Goleada Info