As I quickly go though previous tournaments here's a rush through to the 2006 final. It is best remembered for Zinedine Zidane's headbutt on Marco Materazzi, that ended the Frenchman's career on a sad note. Because he had decided he couldn't put up with any more abuse from the Italian defender, or because he showed an immense lack of self control when insulted in a way that many footballers are repeatedly? Either. It was not the way it was supposed to end.
This was Italy's second final in 12 years. The first one in 1994 was the first final to go to penalties. This was the first one since and there hasn't been one after that. Let's hope Italy don't make it to the final this year. Oh. Oops!
Italy had been their usual head scratching selves earlier in the tournament with an unconvincing 1-1 draw against the US and they then needed a controversial last minute penalty to beat Australia in the last 16. But then they convincingly beat Ukraine 3-0 in the quarters and had a burst of energy in extra time to beat Germany 2-0.
In the final France were probably the surprise team after their debacle in 2002 and a pretty dismal showing at Euro 2004. In the end it came down to the Italians winning the shoot-out and there they were, world champions for the fourth time.
"Siamo campioni del mondo...campioni del mondo....campioni del mondo!"
No comments:
Post a Comment