Zidane’s Masterclass at Euro 2000: A Footballing Iconic Moment
As the football world gears up for the highly anticipated Euro 2024 tournament, set to kick off on Friday, let’s take a look back at one of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history – Zinedine Zidane’s remarkable performance at Euro 2000.
Zidane, who had just two years earlier scored twice in France’s World Cup final victory over Brazil, found himself facing scrutiny from some fans going into the European Championship. However, his incredible displays during the tournament soon silenced any doubters.
“I think Zizou was at his best during the European tournament in 2000,” Emmanuel Petit, who played alongside Zizou in the French midfield, told talkSPORT.com. “He had a controversial World Cup, even though he scored two goals in the final against Brazil. But during the Euros, he was at his best. I think it was a masterclass, there were so many masterclasses during the tournament and he was shining every single game.”
Zidane’s performances were truly mesmerizing, as he glided up the pitch with the ball seemingly glued to his feet, leaving opponents looking amateurish in his wake.
“I cannot explain the tricks he used to do on the pitch but technically he did something with the ball under pressure from two players and I cannot explain what he did in front of me but in the space of five seconds I was not a player anymore I was just watching him,” Petit recalled.
Zidane’s magic continued to shine in the 2004 Euros, where his late heroics helped France overcome England in their opening group match. Former England defender Ledley King recounted the class Zizou displayed even in the midst of the French celebrations.
“He was a level above,” King told talkSPORT.com. “Something I remember about him, he was walking off the pitch shaking everyone’s hand on the pitch afterwards, while all his teammates were jumping around celebrating. It showed the class of the man, but it also showed that it was another day at the office for him!”
As the football world looks ahead to the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, the memories of Zidane’s masterful performances continue to inspire and captivate fans. With the competition set to kick off on Friday, talkSPORT will be providing live coverage of every match, so football enthusiasts can relive the magic of the beautiful game.
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