Beckenbauer jibed Buffon

Vijay Anand

After all, Franz Beckenbauer spoke. And sadly he spoke badly. If recent defeat of the old lady, the only Italian flag holder in Champions league was not enough, he added salt to injury by calling reflexes of Buffon slow and jibing him as a "pensioner". No doubt, it called for an outburst loud protest from all corners of the globe and it erupted heavily form his home country. Cesare Prandelli, Italian national coach and Antonio conte, his coach at Turin were most vocal in his support. Both carry high regard for him.

Italy has a rich history of producing outstanding goalkeepers such as Dino Zoff (who still holds the world record for securing net for longest time, 1142 minutes), Walter Zenga (in Italia 90, he was beaten as late as in SF to Claudio Caniggia's second half header, after 517 minutes, when the commentator didn't said that Argentina has scored but Zenga is beaten!!). Buffon has kept the tradition alive, without an iota of doubt.

Coming back to present tense, Gigi Buffon has earned reputation world wide as if not the best, but still among the best (top 5 consistently) for many a years. He didn't left the old lady, even in lurch, when it was charged in match fixing scandal and relegated to Serie B. He didn’t shift the base, don't look for greener pastures elsewhere and propelled Zebras back to Serie A and then subsequently to Scudetto. One can only imagine shower of love he receivs by Juve's fan. He is with Juve since 2001 making innumerable saves coming from freekicks, heads and missile volleys. Recently, Juve is all set to secure Serie A under his captaincy.

But Gianluigi Buffon is best known for his contribution for Azzuris. He stopped penalty of Adrian Mutto to keep Italians hope alive in Euro 2008 in match 2 against Romania and helping the team in advancing to QF after defeating Les Blues. Who can forget his outstanding save from Zidane's head in the final, some pundits call it best save ever made in the history of Soccer. Still at this age, he is ahead of fellow De Sanctis and Cudicini. He was an inspirational force, otherwise depleted Italia 2006 WC squad, which won against all odds and Euro 2012, which surprised everyone on route to final, beating ENG and GER in QF and SF. He was a hero in penalty shoot out against England. He is in the national squad since 1997 been capped 126 times. Among the achievements, his best is winning Best Serie A (known for tight defense and physical soccer) goal keeper on record 9 occasions.

Franz Beckenbauer is a genius. He is regarded as the best footballer behind Pele and Maradona. He holds the unique distinction, along with Mario Zagollo, to lift FIFA WC both as a coach and as a player. He is a columnist in Bild, a unique distinction because not a lot of good soccer players has prowess with pen. Words are short for his praise, but he is undoubtedly ahead of even likes of Gerd Muller, Patini and Croyuff in Europian terms. He has nurtured this reputation by constant endeavors and charecter.

Spitting venom of words at each other is the last thing a soccer fan wants, particularly from one of the best player of the planet towards one of the best goalkeeper of the planet. We have seen enough of this disease in Pele and especially in Maradona. The ever growing soccer world needs guidance and tips of legends for going even further and emerging stronger. The dust is finally seems to settle with apology by Beckenbauer, but it will remain as a sorry episode in history . And last but not the least, let this bad habit remain with politicians, players should eschew form it and let their skill do the talking.