Italy wins the World Cup?

July 10, 2006 in Various & Sundry

I have something shameful to admit.

I was away this weekend and missed the final.

Yes, I know that’s lame and no self-respecting WC fan would allow himself to be dragged off to eastern Washington on a camping trip far from any hope of a television set, but I did. Did I ever mention I’m not self-respecting? Unfortunately these plans have been in the works for months — it’s an annual deal where we meet old friends and get the families together for a bit of roughin’ in the outdoors. Usually early to mid-July is harmless. The All-Star Break. Maybe the NHL or NBA finals. Nothing important.

The worst part of it all is that I had a great time, so I’m struggling to feel any remorse. Mr. Proud swam by himself for a split second (okay, with lifejacket), and I taught Ms. Marvelous the joys of making mud castles. Sure, bedtime was a little crazy, the kids rocking the tent like it was a trampoline, but I find a couple of beers and a chat with the born-again Wolf-Point-born retired custom chopper mechanic and his cat (who occupied the adjacent campsite) a soothing tonic for even the rowdiest of bedtimes.

Still, Italy? Won the World Cup? On tonight’s BBC I saw footage from the celebration in Rome. Rome? Italy? And all I can think is, that the US was the only team not to lose to Italy!

Whaddya know?

And Zidane with the red card on a brutal head butt?

Speaking of Zidane, did anyone see footage of him in the Paris celebration wearing a suit? His shirt had wide lapels and the tie a knot as large as an apple. He looked like a high-school kid in his prom outfit. Instantly I forgave him for the vicious head-butt, although it’s easy to forgive a head-butt to an Italian player.

Still, what a dumb thing to do. The rumor has it that the Italian insulted Zidane’s family. Um, excuse me? Zidane has been playing professional soccer for — what? Fifteen years? I hear worse things playing pickup soccer in Missoula. Then again, Zidane apparently has a history of such behavior.

The sad thing is that Zidane will be remembered for the head butt, not his two games against Brazil: the two goals against them in the ’98 finals or the masterful, almost single-handed upset in this year’s tourney.

If I ever get my hands on the video for the final, I’ll let you know what I think. It could be November by then, but by November you’ll be desperate for WC news!