Goooooooooaaaaaal!!

As you probably know, France won against Spain today 3-1, in what I believe was the most spirited team effort since 1998, when they beat the Kings of Soccer, Brazil. I was in my North Dallas Suburb cheering them on! Zinedine Zidane, known as "Zizou" in France, scored in stoppage time. He is the captain, and probably (along with Thierry Henry) the best known French soccer player. Zidane had previously announced that he would be retiring after this year's World Cup. In 1998, he became the heart of a team that brought together France, in spite of all of its well-documented racial problems. The dancing in the streets, however, was merely a Band-Aid. I love watching sports, and can get excited from time to time, but I normally find it difficult to get too emotional unless there was some type of monetary investment involved. For example, I bought football season tickets each year I was at the University of Texas, and I attended every single home game. I even went to the odd away game. After losses, it became emotionally taxing, so I had to separate myself a bit. I think I would even get a little depressed for a few days afterward. Losing to your rival by 50+ twice in a span of 5 years will do that to you. I still watch with intent, but it doesn't hurt that we haven't lost on the football field since early in the 2004 season.