End of an Era

The World Cup brought down the curains on a few players' careers. A little peek into the cream of the best!
Zinedine Zidane(FRA): The French legend and arguably the best player to have worn a French Jersey has hung up his boots for good, but his glittering career came to an abrupt and sad end as he was sent off for a head butt on Materazzi in the finals against Italy. Italy went on to win the game and the World Cup on Penalties. With just 10 minutes left to play, Zidane finished his career with a stunning head butt which gave him the marching orders. Even though this will be the sore thumb and will be talked about for a ling time, his exploits on the field for France and his clubs - notably for Juventus and Real Madrid - will overshadaw his red card.
Vrrdict: Tragic end for a fantastic career. Could have ended on a high note by him lifting the World Cup. (But I have no complaints as I am an Italian fan :)

Luis Figo(POR): Figo came out of retirement and helped Portugal qualify for the World Cup and had a good World Cup as well. His presence was a morale booster and was by far, the best player on the field along with Ronaldo. Even at his age, he showed he was no pushover and made things look easy with his pin point crosses. In the 3-1 defeat to Germany, his cross eluded two defenders and sent the ball flying in the path of Nuno Gomes who finished it with a diving header. This was his last Game for Portugal.
Verdict: Ended his career on a good note, but sadly Portugal were not good enough for any laurels at the World Cup.

Henrik Larsson(SWE): Larsson broke into the scene in the 1994 World Cup, then staged in the United States, and set the tone for the Swedes fine run with clinical finishes and got a truck load of fans with his famed dreadlocks! More than Country, he will always be remembered for his fantastic club career with the Celtics. He epitomised them with the green stripes and will forever be etched in Celtic Folklore. His International Career came to a rather unfortunate end as he missed a penalty against Germany - a penalty which could have given the Swedes hope, had it been converted - and signalled the end of the Larsson era. Unfortunately, he will be remmebered by the Celtic fans as a great player but the Swedes might rue his missed chance.
Verdict: Sad end for a fantastic player who has served club and country so well.

Pavel Nedved(CZE): The Fiery midfield mestro was at the heart of the Juventus attack and has enjoyed several memorable seasons with the Italian giants. His International career was not as glittering as his Club trophies and was pushed back into the shadows at times by Rosicky. Having said that, the fans were behind him and when the ball was at his feet, much was expected and he delivered on most occasions. A valuable player for the Czechs from his debut.
Verdict: Not the ending he would have scripted, with the Czechs failing to get past the first round. Deserved a better finale.

Oliver Kahn(GER): Germany's fairy tale run in last years world Cup was attributed to Kahn's amazing performance between the posts, but Lehmann got the nod this year and seemed to signal the end of Kahn's career. His club career with Bayern Munich has been hugely successful and he played a vital role between the posts. After being on the bench for the best part of the World Cup, he had his final game in the third place finish and the crowds approved of his selection with every touch he made. Germany had a rather comforable win and Kahn ended with the smile.
Verdict: Good end for his career. Rather unfortunate that he was not able to add the World Cup to his tally - coming so close on two occasions.