On reflection it would have been better if Ziddane had kept to his original plan to retire from international duty and not been pursuaded to return. His frustration in this game seemed to be that he was not able to influence the game as he once was. Whilst still being the best player on the pitch - great players like him are judged and judge themselves by the high standards they themselves have set.

I think when his headed attempt on goal was saved that he knew that he simply did not have the required pace and energy any more to whip that team into the required attacking force. I am sure that the Italian player concerned had done or said something to anger him and trigger this, but I suspect it was more the frustration with his own limitations that caused this strange outburst.

It seemed as if he really thought that by waiting until attention was elswhere - he could head-butt his protagonist and no one would notice..........In the World Cup final of course - if he really thought this - he was mistaken. A sad farewell to a great player.

The Zidane of old had a built-in radar or eyes in the back of his head and always knew where his team mates were and how to find them. He also knew where any tacklers were coming from and he always had the ability to move just out of reach. I will remember this player - rather than his shadow, which was sent off in this game.