2006 FIFA WC will be remembered for more than one reason. It was the world cup which had loads of drama throughout the tournament. Many call it as the best WC since Italia 90. But today we're remembering the grandest match of that tournament. The Final. This match epitomized the tournament to the tee.
Zidane kicks off the proceedings
Zinedine Zidane gave the French a deserved lead in 7th minute of the match as he converted the spot kick.
It was a bit lucky kick as the ball slid into the net by hitting the underside of the crossbar.
Marco Materazzi hits back- The Rivalry Begins
Italy leveled in less than 10 minutes after conceding as Marco Materrazzi scored a great goal via a Andrea Pirlo corner. The match had come to life as both the teams were even inside first 20 minutes of the game.
This was surely not going to be the first time when both the goalscorers were gonna be involved in the finals.
Drama in Extra Time
The game was particularly drab in regulation time as both the teams were squandering chances, which anyways were far and few in between. France started the ET very brightly and they almost took the lead via Zizou but he was denied by the sublime Gigi Buffon.
This is by far the most important save of Buffon's life. This is what many call the save that won it!
Zidane's moment of madness
The heroes of the first half were constantly battling each other for almost 110 minutes. But the Les Blues captain lost his cool and he headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi.
Zizou was sent off for this offense. It was his last international game for France and it didn't have a fairy tale ending to it. This red card changed the dynamics of the game.
Italy Win the top prize!
The match went into penalty shootout as France hung on to the match for the last 10 minutes. David Trezeguet, the hero of Euro 2000, was the villain in 2006 as he missed his spot kick.
The Azzuri won the shootout 5-3 as they had their 4th crown in the Olympic Stadium, Berlin.
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