The two goals that changed Zinedine Zidane's life

When many people think of Zinedine Zidane with the ball, images of ballet dance come to mind. Such beautiful control, such enchanting dribbling—such a scene spreading the illusion of Mayapuri has rarely been seen in football. This French magician is not only France's all-time best, but his name is also inevitable in the short list of all-time greats. 1998 World Cup winner, 2006 World Cup runner-up, and of course, seeing a red card in that final—even if club football successes are excluded, these events have made Zidane unforgettable in football history. Patrick Fort and Jean Philippe have written a book called Zidane about his biography. One chapter of the book—Two Goals That Changed a Life—is the story of Zidane's double goal in the 1998 World Cup final and how his life changed after that.

What is written in the chapter 'Two Goals That Changed a Life'?

France-Brazil. The dream match.

But it's France vs. Brazil, not Brazil vs. France.

The difference? A lot.

France will play at home. All of France! The whole country is dressed up. The reason is the final, the reason is the opponent. Many French people's summer vacations started a little early for the holidays. What could be better than the World Cup final to take their minds off their daily routine! Purists are waiting to see another match like the France-Brazil match in the 1986 Mexico World Cup. Then legendary coach Telle Santana's Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Brazil. Brasil!

A dream.

A picture. And a song; ‘Acuarela do Brasil’. Like the other players, directors and coaches, Zidane sat at the back of the bus with the tune in his head. The road from Clairefontaine to the Stade de France was lined with cheering crowds on both sides.

Zidane's family is at his parents' house. Luca has to be watched. Veronica and Enzo are in the gallery. There are also some friends. Everyone is waiting to see Zidane win. And the experts want to see what kind of metal Zidane is made of. So far in that World Cup, Dugarre has scored, Lizaraju has scored, only Zidane has not. The goal difference in the penalty shootout against Italy can no longer be called a goal.

Before reaching the final, France scored 12 goals, Brazil 14. But France only conceded 2 goals on the way compared to Brazil's 7 goals. Brazil also lost one match. Against Norway. That loss is proof that the Brazilians lack consistency.