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No star treatment French star Zidane not a factor in finale
Posted: Sunday July 02, 2000 10:49 PM
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- Zinedine Zidane was the absolute star of the World Cup final two years ago. He was nowhere at the Euro 2000 final. Zidane led France into the European Championship final with inspirational skills and vital goals, but was a mere shadow of himself in the come-from-behind 2-1 win over Italy Sunday. 'The important thing is that France won,' said Zidane after his disappointing performance. Zidane looked ready to become the target of critics had France gone down but the goal by Sylvain Wiltord in injury time to put both sides level made all the difference. "If it had not been for the 93rd minute, it would have been the end for us," said Zidane. "We suffered but we kept up our hopes. And we wanted to become champions." Zidane knew it always would be a tough match for him. As a Juventus star, he plays the Italians every week in the Serie A. "They didn't leave us any space. And for a midfielder like me who needs space to play, it was tough." Looking back on all of Euro 2000, he said France deserved to win. "In the overall competition we more tan deserved it. I think more than the Italians." Despite Sunday, few will dispute that Zidane has been the top player at Euro 2000. With his devastating passing, quick turns and incredible ball control, the 28-year-old has given a playmaker's masterclass at Euro 2000. Teams that have assigned man markers have found Zidane too mobile and physically powerful to be stopped. The Italians were the only ones to control him. Zidane, who missed four months of the season with a knee injury, eclipsed Raul in the Euro 2000 quarterfinals against Spain and Figo in the semis against Portugal. He was voted man of the match in both games. His poor showing Sunday will quickly be forgiven.
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