As adidas re-launch the Predator Precision we take trip down to noughties town to pick out five key moments for the iconic silo. The first adidas Predator to feature a velcro tongue is fondly remembered as one of the greatest, worn by some of the greatest. Iconic in every sense and dominating in 2000/2001. Here's our Precision pastime.
Zinedine Zidane EURO 2000 Semi Final – France went into EURO 2000 as World Champions having won the World Cup in their homeland just two years previous. The pressure was on the golden generation to perform on foreign soil, and they did just that. With the scores tied at 1-1 in their Semi Final against Portugal, France won a penalty, and there was only one man who was going to step up. Zidane effortlessly swept the ball into the top corner for a golden goal that sent France on the way to EURO 2000 success.
David Beckham vs Greece 2001 – Some moments define a career, and this was certainly one of them. It was also a moment that gave the Predator the reputation as the ultimate free-kick football boot. A stoppage time free-kick to send England to the 2002 World Cup. What else can you say? Just watch the damn video, yeah?
David Trezeguet EURO 2000 Final - Italy looked set to clinch the EURO 2000 Final until Sylvain Wiltord equalised in stoppage time to send the tie to extra time. In the 103rd minute David Trezeguet popped up with a golden goal wearing the adidas Predator Precision. Done. Bring back Golden Goal we reckon. No better way to win a game. No worse way to lose one.
Steven Gerrard vs Germany 2001 – The strike that established Steven Gerrard on the international scene in England's most memorable victory in recent decades. Right on the stroke of half time the ball fell to the Liverpool midfielder who rifled the ball into the German net to give England a 2-1 lead going into the break. Not that anyone needs reminding of the final score that night in Munich.
Zinedine Zidane vs Spain EURO 2000 – More Zidane magic, this time in the Quarter Final of the tournament. In a game that Zidane absolutely ran from kick off to full time, the Frenchman registered a goal of the tournament contender with a trademark free kick to take France into the semis. More confirmation that adidas and the Predator were king of the free-kick.
The turn of the millennium was an era where monthly, let alone weekly colourways were unheard of. Boot technology was in a transitional period and style was beginning to find its way into the design of boots. Zidane being presented with a gold edition to celebrate his World Player of the Year title echoed that. The Predator Precision was leading the charge, and players in all positions were embracing a boot that offered a genuine edge over the competition.
From top to bottom, left to right: Raul, Rui Costa, Bobby Petta, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Del Piero, Beckham, Gerrard, Kluivert, Nuno Gomes, Barthez, Ziege, Kewell, Zidane.
Bonus: Joe Cole, Marc Overmars and Jody Morris go budget-men-in-black in their dad's suits to launch the adidas Predator Precision in London. Monday 1st May 2000.
Take a closer look at the 2017 adidas Predator Precision here.
