And Now to Zidane

If he is able to lead France (and he does lead, moreso than any other player in the world), will he be considered the best ever? What a third act it would be? Zidane cemented himself as the best player in the world in his two goal performance, World Cup finals victory over Brazil in 1998. He went on a five year spree of leading France to a Euro 2000 victory, Real Madrid to a European Cup victory and just being generally, the biggest badass on the block until about 2003 with a couple of European player of the year awards, despite the 2002 French exit from the World Cup. But prior to World Cup 2006, the buzz on Zidane was that he's old. Whispers came, from around the world, that France relies too heavily on their national hero. "They need to move on," they say. "They must let Henry take over. Their team is too loyal to their older players." It is the same criticism that is true for Brazil (Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo are fat jokes, right) and perhaps for the US as well. (Reyna)

But did you see the game yesterday? Zidane, playing like a 25 year old, dominating the Brazilian midfield. And Ronaldo, losing the ball, and flopping around like a baby. Yes, Ronaldo has scored more World Cup goals than anyone in history, but is there any doubt that Zidane is the best player of their generation? None.