Well as the year 2006 draws to a close, lets have a glance at the sporting action in the bygone year. We had the all-anticipated FIFA world cup in the summer which was the best organanised tournament in its history. Germany had opened up its warm arms to welcome football fans from world over and the event was an outstanding success for all the tourists who took many great memories home. Though there were some surprise defeats and non-performances, but it all ended in an eventful finale with a stand-off between traditional rivalling neighbours - France and Italy, with the Azzuris taking the honors in the 11-metre (penalty shootouts). Some of the legends were in action for the last time in this tournament. Luis Figo could not do much for his home country and all their dreams were stalled by a last minute-rejuvenated France side. Le Blues were courting all their experienced legs for one last shot at the golden trophy. Zidane, Lizarazu, Vieira all teamed up for one final tourney together. Though Zidane did not have a respectful exit from the world football stage, but at the end of his career he still proved that he was a magician in the mid-field, with all other big names looking a tad novice against his skills with the ball. This year we bid adieu to many football greats along with Zizou like Lizarazu, Figo, Pavel Nedved etc.
Infact the trend of sportsmen retiring was very ominous throughout 2006. Schumacher called it a day from the racing circuit afte having reigned it for several years. Aussie swimmer Thorpe retired from the game, citing that he wanted to leave when on the top. By the year end, with the Aussies regaining the Ashes urn, most of the prolific players started announcing
retirements plans - Damien Martyn, Shane Warne, McGrath (and probably Langer if rumours are to be relied upon) called it a day and decided to relinquish the baggy green colors. With Warne and McGrath ended a golden era of Aussie bowling, both of them genius in their own kind had tormented the batsmen world over in all conditions. Warne couldnt have scripted his game any better, and having played the gentleman's game in a very hollywood-ish manner, he also left the stage on his own terms, giving a superlative performance in his last game at his homeground in Merlbourne.
With so many greats having left the centerstage, we now look upto the new heroes to fill in the large void left by their predecessors. Hussey, Clarke et al look very much capable for doing it for Cricket Austrailia and so does Frank Ribery is capable enough to fill in the void of the famed French midfield.
