World Cup 2006 Blog

Well its over and done. Well done, Italy, congratulations team France. BUT: Where was Blatter, the FIFA top banana, when the cup and the medals were handed out to winners and runners up? Amazingly, although it had been FIFA´s event, the UEFA president and Blatter's critic and rival did the honors instead. Diarrhea? Security scare? Or could big B. not bear the thought of leaving the political glitterati in the stands without his glorious presence even for this unique sparkling moment of duty?? Not that he was missed, really. Just normally he seems to bask in the spotlight wherever possible, unless critical tv-interviewers try to talk to him on camera.....

Zidane is undoubtedly the greatest footballer of our generation not only for his skills and genius on field, but that he has won everything there is to win in football. He was about to write the most outstanding chapter in football history with another worldcup win.

What he did CANNOT BE DEFENDED and even though it was not the first time he did such a thing, I believe the italians must have said something to tip him over after all.

It was certainly full of entertainment in a way.

I just don't like 4-5-1. Nearly everytime a lonley forward gets the ball, he has to wait until the midfield arrives or has to outplay 5 defenders. Then play against Italy, best defence in the world or France, second best. Not that great.

There was a time when the teams tried to score goals, tried to score the MAXIMUM of goals. Now it's all about minimum and defending.

Italy made it somehow through to the final, benefitted from some dubious decisions on and off the filed, was great against Germany, but outplayed from France (in the second half). France totally dominating from the 70th minute until the end and then Italy wins.

Zidane certainly was provoked, Materazzi too should have seen red.

Congrats anyway.

I would say this was a most fitting end to the World Cup, as the most symbolic event was Zidane's red card, and not the Italian victory. This World Cup was polluted with thousands of these things and its no surprise that it also ended with one. Including the final, this World Cup was about the best finally performing like they were expected to. Granted, England couldn't get past the quarter finals, but it was better than last time right ? What I mean is, perennial favorites finally made it deep in the latter rounds like they were supposed to. Perhaps it was to make up for the disappointment of Greece beating all the favorites and winning Euro 2004 to the disbelief of everyone outside of Athens ? Apologies to all Greece fans, but even you can admit that was the most unlikely of all outcomes for that tournament !

Well, another World Cup passes and what a world cup it has been.
Most of the fancied favourates bowing out in the quarters or before (Holland,Brazil, Argentina, England).
I have been fortunate to watch the majority of the games, as my wife has just given birth to my third child, so it's a great thing Paternity Leave !!
It has been a good world cup, the first round games were all exciting and threw up a few surprises. Quality goals, excitement, controversy, dispair, frustration. The second round games were good too, but the quarters where where the finals came alive. Germany knocking out the Argies on pens, the fight afterwards !
England's loss to Portugal contributed to me having an extreme headache on the following sunday, that I had to watch the highlights of both the Eng-Portugal and the France-Brazil game the next morning whilst feeding my newborn daughter.
Italy thrashing the Ukraines, who is another team who I thought would fair well, but didn't deliver.
All in all an excellant world cup, but so sorry for Zidane for the way he finished his int career, what an idiot. Sacre Bleu !!!!!
Congratulations Italy, Look forward to seeing all the Italian players from the top 4 teams in Italy playing in the English Premiership after they get relegated into Seria B & C !!!!!!!!

It's one thing to see Rooney, a young emotional lad, suffer a brief lapse of control---it's one thing to see De Rossi lash out with an elbow while contesting a header...However, Zidane!!!! Years of experience, team leader, rock upon which this French team has been built!! Beyond comprehension...he can be allowed no excuse. Tomorrow, he can stand before the microphones and say what he pleases. No-one can be blamed but Zidane. He's been there before..the tugging, the pushing, the posturing, the psychological games...that's part of the game! Shut up and play..you're ten minutes away from penalties...your area of expertise and you selfishly lash out in such an obvious manner. Damn the videos, the fourth referee, the whatever...how in blooody hell did you think this was going to turn out. This was the most deserved red card in the entire tournament. Simply stupid. Such a great career and such a pathetic way to finish the international part of it.

I agree with Remo on Zidane but go a lot further. Both the Rooney and De Rossi red cards were also deserved and also thoroughly inexcusable regardless of age or situation. But Zidane's was far worse. Not so much for what he did but for what it means to his own career, to his team and to all the French supporters. It was an act of treason for all of those.

He also paved the way for a thousand lesser players to feel justified doing similar things.

After the way he and the team performed against Brazil I had a team to support after seeing England go out. But after seeing what Zidane did it was all I could do to sit and watch the rest. I don't think I will be alone in remembering this tournament for that one act.

I was pulling for Italy before the game started. I am neither Italian, nor French.

Zidane's penalty kick was just magnificent.

His bestial attack on Materazzi was shocking. If it weren't live, I would have thought it was a great job of video editing. No excuse, no matter what anyone says.

What's even more pathetic is how his teammates responded (from a foxsports.com link):

beginQuote
"When I see this, I want to smash his face," France defender William Gallas said."

"The expulsion did not weaken us, because with 10 men, we wanted to win even more," Gallas said.

David Trezeguet, who missed the decisive penalty, also refused to blame Zidane, saying he could only be provoked by unspeakable rudeness.

"He can leave with his head held high. The other one (Materazzi), even if he has won the cup, cannot. Because there is more to life than soccer," he said.
endQuote.

What a bunch of losers, the French. Nobody's blaming him. "He can leave with his head held high." Ha. Well, he didn't. He left with his head as low as his boots. "... there is more to life than soccer." Well, DT got that one right. He needs to tell that to Zidane, who looked like his intention was to make sure Materazzi would never play football again or better yet, be scarred for life outside of football. Materazzi, on the other hand, did leave with his head up high.

Well done, Italia!

Congratulations to Italy, they deserved to win. It was an entertaining match especially for us neutrals and could easily have gone either way in regulation time. Italy defended well but they could do that comfortably against a team playing with just one forward.

I think Marco Materazzi had a very good tournament but its interesting to note that had Nesta been fit he may not have had a kick at all maybe in the whole tournament.

Disappointed with Zidane. He would surely have got a standing ovation had he finished the match on the pitch even with France losing. You don’t expect that kind of behaviour from such an experienced player on such grand an occasion.

Wonderful final game, it had passion, intrigue, cunning and great refs. What more can you ask for.

ps. hats off to france for knocking out some great teams along the way and you shouldn't judge zidane's great career on one isolated incident, he'll always be great in my books.

It was a great world cup final.My congratulations to American coverage of the month long fiesta.The Azzuri played fervent football.Les Bleus were equally impassioned.Brazil does not scare anyone anymore.Now about Zidane and Materazzi.Zidane was smiling as he walked away then turned around and let his horns go.I want to know what Materrazi said.I am still stunned at the incident.FIFA must visit the whole incident.

Baars, true zidane will always be a great footballer, but i totally agree with remo-- zidane should have known better. Being such an experienced player he knew the consequences. David Trezeguet, hahaha-- he should swallow back his words.

I love the Italian team. The best team won!

Congrats italy!
But it's a shame the way the final went. After Zizou went off the field the final was practically over and I knew italy would win. He played so many years way up high in a sphere where noone on this pitch could compete with.
France was in total control of the game and I bet with him on the pitch for the last 10 minutes it would've been a hard ride for italy to the penalty shootout.
And no, he was not a professional in this second where he just ticked out and made the headbutt. There's no excuse for this, but what I think would be better for coming tournaments is that if players try to make someone really angry on the pitch verbally, they should be send off as well. I do not know about what Materazzi told him, but I saw several occasions in this match where he was spreading stuff out to Zidane. And in the end, we're all human.
And I ask everyone here how you'd react if someone says over 120 minutes constantly stuff like "motherfu**er" or probably more private insults in a game where your nerves are close to tear apart anyways.
This is not an excuse for his behaviour, but I think sometimes such psychological breakdowns can be stopped before when people who insult others get send off the pitch or booked for it.
Despite all the really nice behaviour of fans of every country during this worldcup I will still remember a bad side of it as well. players diving around to get freekicks or penalties. players diving and screaming as if they are dying and 2 minutes later after they saw the opponent booked running on the field like a young rabbit. referees who made good games, but even more who made many many misstakes by falling for diving, theatre or not being able to handle the game. I saw as well a national newspapers' influence on FIFA worldcup decisions.

But at least one thing outshined all the bad on the pitch. The Fans of every country and the peaceful behaviour from day one til the end.
If you ask me for the world cup winner? It'd be the fans who came to the worldcup from all around the world. that'd be even more fair anyways =)

So long

Kai

italy stole this from zidane.... france was dominating so much play from second half thru extra time.... materazzi is a thug defender.... i will believe he was instructed by coaches before and during the match to provoke in any way possible the french players.... we have seen this tactic before from italy and even other teams.... materazzi is no saint.... suspended from his own league play for punching a player...
zidane snapped. bad judgement but not unwarranted action.... come on people please .... try to imagine yourself in the same spot. would you walk away like a gentleman every time some SH*T was said or thrown at you???? most of us would not and could not take such abuse.... i absolve zidane personally, y'all can call me a dumb american, no matter... i just saw one of the best players i'll ever see play his last game for his country and he get's red and italy gets to coast thru to PK's???? shame sham sham sham

Ironically the better team lost. That is the irony in football sometimes.

Watching the recorded game at home I noticed Materazzi pinching Zidane in the chest before Zidane head buts him.

I can't defend Zidane but Italian tactics were quite disgusting. First Zidane had his arm twisted, the ref did not call Italian fouls on the French and finally Zidane gets pinched in the chest by Materazzi. He was clearly provoked. Still Zidane should have kept his cool.

KM

I was a neutral; who supported France in this game, and I felt they were more deserving of winning until just before the end when Zidane went crazy. I can't believe the people who want to exonerate Zidane for his behaviour. The guy is a filthy idiot who deserved the red card no matter what the provocation was. Slagging off your opponents is just a part of sport that sportspeople have to get used to. If he's so thin-skinned about insults, he should never have been playing professional sport in the first place. A sad end to a brilliant career.

I read it somewhere that Zidane was called 'Harry Potter', and it has never been so eeriely fitting. The temper. The inexcplicable tragic fall...

Congratulations to Italy! Forza Azzurri!

The biggest winners in World Cup 2006 were the FANS. We saw amazing performances, we often rooted for the Underdogs, we empathized with the disappointments, we laughed at the handbags, and shook our heads with "too early an exit."

Some teams were a revelation, while others were awfully disappointing.

The Final was very special because the two teams did struggle -- like all the rest -- which proves that ANY team is capable of reaching the final.

(they just have to break down the Italian or French defenses)

France and Italy deserved to be in the Final. No team is perfect and that's what makes this sport so lovely.

Zizou Zidane is pure class and anything else just shows he is as human as the rest of us. He graced us with his presence by coming out of retirement and proving to the world it was worth it. Everyone knows that Zidane is mesmerizing - even at 34. WE WILL MISS HIM.

As some of the greatest players announce their retirement (Figo, Roberto Carlos) it is the young stars that we await to see again with great anticipation.

Germany was second-best, not only for having such great sportsmanship, but fantastic team unity and wonderous displays of individual talent. Indeed they were the best surprise and all of their games were fantastic.

Congratulations to Portugal for a very nice run. They did not let themselves be intimidated by opposition and this is a remarkable quality. Fans and players should be very proud.

Argentina was not too far behind. They did exit a bit too early, but they played in my favorite game, Mexico-Argentina. The most experienced team won, but the star of this match was Benito Archundia, who should have refereed the Final.

Thank you BBC for all of the news, 606, Blogs, and ....

now let's focus on the Prem!

VIVA FORZA AZZURRI! Bravo Les Bleus!

Hasta pronto, hasta el año 2010.

"One day an Underdog will win and the whole world will rejoice."

---Texan Proverb

Do you really think that Materazzi wasn't provoked in some way too..

Do you think Zidane didn't say something offensive to Matterazzi

the difference is that the italian didn't react in such a violent manner..

please stop defending ZZ for something that Matterazzi may have said..

Zidane is a great footballer but a total
idiot..

Italy won this because they know how to defend, they have no great strike force so they made the best of what talent they had available,,it was clever tournament by them and they deserve the cup.

I thought Thuram was astounding last night, but Gattuso and Cannavaro just embodied the spirit and workrate deserving of world champions..

Well done Azzurri,

CAMPIONI DEL MONDO

one of the great sporting tournaments of the world gets over. only tournament to excite so much passion in so many countries of the world. a tournament known for non performance of big leaguers like ronaldo, ronaldinho, gerrard, lampard, the czech team and the finale of zidane being sent off. but also to be remembered for the brilliance of cannavaro, gattuso, klose, the resurgence of germany and italy as great footballing countries. every worldcup demolishes some reputations and builds some. above all it only had one lesson for us- never write off anyone. its good for the game that it produced unlikely countries as finalists. its good that brazil didnt win as it would have stamped the element of predictability in the game. and who likes predictability in football, or in any game? not me at least.

well and how about that ?

and the french coach called us, Portuguese, among other names, savages? Ohhhhhh! that "eye to eye" contact between Figo and the english player was an affection gesture compared to the knock out by Zidane!

Oh and he also said the the Portuguese used to dive to get a fault?! Ahhhhhhh! I wonder what does he have to say about that excelent performance from Malouda? In a diving contest at a Swimming Competition that would be what? An 8.0, 8.5? What?

And Trezeguet? As he plays in Italy, he missed the penalty, so that he Italian fans wouldn't kick him out like some of you , and I repeat, some of you, not all, arrogant british fans are trying to do with Ronaldo!

This world cup was a laugh, if it weren’t for the excellent hospitality shown by the Germans!

The best game in this world cup was the 3rd and 4th place Game, and that’s a fact!

Justice is done, not all, but some!

France was amazingly dominant in my books and should have won. I dont think that ZZ's ejection cused them to lose, however, Matterazzi deserves a special prize for his successful provocation tatics. The French clearly came prepared to outplay them in every other department. Pinching a man on the nipples, when his blood is alredy boiling and especialy if he is homophobic, would have been pure genius.

Here is footage of materazzi's history of violence and dirty play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpG4AHlZrL4&search=materazzi

Shame on Italy!. I really beleive they robbed France by unfair means. I am neutral, but the way France played they stole my heart, especially Zidane. He played a fantastic game and the rest of France. What he did for Materazzi was inexcusible, I think Materazzzi and rest of Italians were provoking him and French players constantly. Being human,Zidane lost his cool. But for me he will remain the greatest player of this generation and I absolve all his faults. Italians succeeded in playing negatively and unfairly. FIFA officials should look into this matter and Materazzi should be suspended for what he did.

The Italia win because is the BEST TEAM!
France attack was much better then Italian attack but Italy defence was much better then france attack!
Italy taked ONLY 2 goal in this WC! One on Penalty and one on autogoal!
No one was able to beat italy defence and goalkeper in this WC!
I never seen something like this!
Maybe it's not the better game we can see. We love brazilian samba players. But this time defence win!
Italy is the best!
__________________
Sorry for bad english

What kind of message does Golden Ball Zidane send?

Hypocracy is the human condition!

Were half of you watching the same world cup as me?

For me the World Cup has been a bunch of overpaid self loving boys prancing around and where possible diving about with the occassional bit of football thrown in between.

The quality of the football for the tournament as a whole was shocking with some of the most boring matches ive ever watched. For the most what it lacked for me was Passion on the pitch. To the credit of all the fans from every nation they more than made up for it off the pitch and without the usual trouble.

To sum it all up:

Brilliant hosting by Germany
Fantastic support by all nations fans
Rubbish, boring and passionless football from the top countries
Some really passionate football from the lower ranked countries
Bye bye Sven and about time too
Hopefully bye bye Beckham from the squad aswell
This Blog site rocked ;o)

Sascha.... unbelieveable. Did you lip read what Materazzi said to Zidane? How can you say Materazzi deserved to go, too? Backchat between players goes on all the time. If red cards were issued for that, there'd be no players left on the field.

Whatever was said does not excused what happened afterwards. If it was a young, inexperienced and hot-headed player, you could perhaps see why but someone of Zidane's years and experience should be above reacting to taunts. Cost his side the World Cup. End of story.

If it turns out that Materazzi called Zidane a "terrorist" - as I heard reported on Five Live earlier this morning - then where does this leave FIFA's excellent Kick Racism Out Of Football campaign?

Wouldn't it be a bit embarrassing for FIFA if a World Cup winner had insulted someone's racial background?

This isn't to condone Zidane one bit, because it was disgraceful & really sad. But Cantona's reputation has recovered sufficiently after his martial arts display at Palace so that he's fronting the Joga Bonita ads.

We'll never know for sure, but for once it would be good to see if Zidane publicly explained what happened (rather than waiting for the lucrative book deal). After all, he's got nothing to lose now.

It was the most depressing part of a depressing evening - Italy played for penalties from the start of the second half, and once again a team playing for penalties comes out on top. How can this be remembered as a good World Cup Final when one team's simply defending so that they win on kicks after 120 minutes. It's depressing. FIFA should reinstate the Final reply they had in the 1930s - it would focus the players' minds if they had to replay the match two days later.

The reception of the trophy and the celebration had none of the dignity it usually has.

It was a pity. About the only thing that was badly organised in the whole WC.

So what if Zidane was provoked - this happens at all levels of the game, from pub football to professional. You just get on with it and try to get the better of your "taunter", by showing him up on the field. What Zidane did is was thuggery and should be punished as such (despite his announcement of retirement, FIFA will need to set a ban and it should be severe!!).

By the way, according to German radio a Brazilian TV station has used a lip-reader to try to decipher what happened.... apparently Matterazzi said something derogatory about Zidane's sister (could fit nicely to the little "nipple tweak" and the smiling Zidane shortly before the head-but). This is one of the most common and simple wind-ups.... and something Zidane must have heard hundreds of times before.

Overall, I'm pleased Italy won last night and that Germany won on Saturday. France were the better team last night, but over the quarters and semis I would give it to Italy. Congratulations!

Materazzi made the most of it.Head butt to the chest doesnt hurt that much surely.He must be a right wimp.At least Scotland will have a chance of beating France in the European Championship qualifiers if Bartez is still in goal.

I don't understand how can some people say that the best team did not win? France played very well in the second half but they rarely threatened to score. France went ahead with a very dubious penalty (am I the only one who thinks Malouda dived egregiously?), Italy scored one, hit a post and had a goal disallowed (maybe offside but not sure it was).
France only clear chance to score in the whole game was ZZ header in extra-time (great save by Buffon).
In the last 2 games France managed to score only with 2 penalties, you could clearly see them playing for 2 days, keeping possession and never scoring a goal.
I personally think Italy was a deserving winner, even leaving aside ZZ disgusting headbut. And for those that try to excuse him saying he was provoked...please give me a break, all good players are goaded, kicked and insulted by defenders for 90 minutes every single game they play. A really great player responds by ridiculing the opposition with his play, a stupid one lashes back with his head.

What Materazzi did is considered FURBO in Italy. They clever play. Winning at all costs, fairness not included. You can see Materazzi squeezing Zidanes nipple just a sec before.

Only Zidane got punished.

Both did a great disservice to their team. Italy is now world champion, Materazzi, too. Shame on him.

Imho this time the strongest defense won the cup. Sad enough that it was not the best football-playing team.

But its not only Italy to blame for this boring cup. Most teams play a 4-5-1 system, which really enforces such boring games. What else can the only striker do, except for waiting for the others or outplaying the whole defense alone?

Its time to bring back a more offensive style into the game. In most games i witnessed the defense had problems with passes from the sidelines. So why not start playing like 3-3-3 or such?
A 3-men-defense with a defensive midfield player, two central players and 3 strikers. or at least a 4-4-2?

Just count the goals scored this WC. The number will be terribly low.

Unfortunally the Italians won the Cup and many Nations will probably now start to adapt their System and play even more defensivly...bright future, isn't it?

Really sad to see the old words come true:
"Offense wins games, Defense wins championships"

OK, everybody saw Zidane's actions which undoubtedly deserved a red card - which he got, let's not forget. And if his international career wasn't over anyway, he would have been banned for several competitive matches.

But for Lippi to claim that the Italian team did 'nothing' to Zidane is absolutely laughable. Only the man himself and Matterazzi know what was said, but the sad truth is it is unlikely to ever come out, and Materazzi will get away with it.

Zidane should not be exonerated, but at the same time you cannot say he should not react under any provocation - that means you're giving licence to anyone to say whatever they like to another player as long as it's not physical contact.

It's a shame, because even if you get a dull final, the least you should be able to expect is one largely free from cynical 'gamesmanship'. And if you watch the replay closely, Materazzi DID make contact with Malouda, enough to make him trip over his own leg. Whether or not that makes it a penalty is up to the ref.

Thanks Italy, for another demonstration of how to win a game at any cost.

Many people on here sugest that goading with insults is normal practice in football and as such, players should just live with it. That may be the case - but if so, why is it that although anti-opposition chants are standard among fans, clubs are heavily fined if their fans shout out *racist* chants? Some things, clearly, are not acceptable. I'm reserving final judgement on both Zidane and Materazzi until we hear exactly what it was he said/did, if we ever do.

Having said that, in the meantime I think Zidane is a brilliant player - surely no one can dispute that - and should have been able to control himself for just ten minutes longer to end the game well. But the Golden Ball is fully deserved.

So you'd red card a player for tweaking a nipple, eh?

Frane played in the second half and from the 70th to 120th minute circles around Italy, that's why we think the best has not won. But then... nobody pretends penalty shoot outs let the best team win. Lucky Italy!

Materazzi made the most of it?????

Maybe in Scotland that might be a gentle tap, but it looked pretty vicious from what I saw!

Oh and btw, many of the italian players advertise underwear, so I've already seen a poster of several players incl Gattuso in their briefs...

I have to say, I've hardly ever been so troubled by a footballing incident. I'm neither French, nor interested in Real or Juventus, but for years I've felt that he is the most outstanding footballer I've ever seen. The most beautiful to watch, graceful athlete who always looked like he was caressing the ball rather than kicking it.

I was really looking forward to seeing him at the end of his career reaching the pinnacle of success again. So when he headbutted Materazzi, I was crestfallen. I was actually glad that the 4th official saw it, because as much as I love his football, it would have been terrible if he got away with that. It was violent - something I really didn't expect from Zidane.

Materazzi is complete thug, Italy's answer to Vinnie Jones - and then some. I shouldn't say this, but on that level I actually don't mind him tasting a bit of his own medicine. Italian football for me has always had that air of violence, dirty tricks and an underlying sense of malevolence, on and off the pitch. I remember Mark Hughes saying the only time he was actually scared on a football pitch was when he played against Baresi and Gentile...

I have absolutely no doubt that he said something evil to Zidane before the incident. But of course that happens all the time and it's completely inexcusable to react in any way, particularly like that! I just really hope that he will be remembered as a beautiful footballer, rather than a violent one.

Oh, and I think France were all over Italy in the second half and if they'd had a better coach (can't stand Domenech), he wouldn't have insisted on playing with a single striker upfront when Italy were dead on their feet. What a missed opportunity!

I agree that France were the better team and Italy, certainly the dullest to have won a World Cup. If Zidane had stayed on the pitch though, it might not have got as far as penalties. For all the talk of how he was provoked, Zidane, I believe, cost his country the World Cup. Was that REALLY worth a violent reaction to provocation?

abowna:

Shame on what? The penalty wasn't a penalty because if you look it carefully there's no contact between Materazzi and the French. A well executed dive. Now, French were playing better in the second half and in the extra time. Did they score? NO
We lost a world cup at the penalties and was no shame for Brasil to win it. Why should it be a shame for Italy?
Zidane well diserved a red card, nobody forced him to headbutt Materazzi. And it is not the first time he does that (Juventus supporters still remember that match). Besides everybody is accusing Materazzi for I don't know what. Sorry, yes, he is to blame for having stood in the way of the god of football when he was trying to hurt somebody. Zidane did magic in this worldcup but the shame is on him and not on Italy that he lost control.

Made the most of it or not, a headbutt cannot be condoned. I think that Materazzi should be sanctioned though (I thought yellow during the match) since that reaction does not happen for no reason.

And I really hope Italy get knocked out early next time. I hate their football because it is boring, despite having some truly brilliant players.

The implicit rules change this caused is also extremely interesting ... will video now be considered as standard for investigating infractions?

ablowna:

PS yes FIFA should immediately write a new rule that states that if you receive a headbutt from a player that is considered god, you should be sent off immediately.

And because of this, the world cup should be reassiged to France.

Rooney, De Rossi, Zidane and Frings all deseved their reds. Why should zidane be any different?

A bad finish to a dissapointing world cup overall. The level of football played was not that great and the defensive tactics of teams dominated the tournament - so it is appropriate that italy win because their game is about closing the game down and stopping goals. That is exactly what they did in the final (after they equalised) and unfortunately played for penalties - a sad way for any tournament to finish. Also the bad sportsmanship displayed by italy runs true to form (watch totti when he plays) - no excuse for zidanes actions but insulting and inciting players has no place in sport - it is disgraceful and you have to condemn it or else you don´t really believe in fair play. But the end justifies the means for many and sadly that means less attacking football, conservative coaching and negative games. That is not how to win fans and I have not seen a "classic" match in this world cup. Germany are one of the few teams who played positive, attacking football - they want to score goals, and credit has to go to klinnsman for his coaching. Unfortunately when you meet a team like italy the attacking game is cancelled and winning becomes more a matter of luck than skill. I think some rules changes are definitely needed to encourage attacking football and a good start would be making a 0-0 draw worth zero points. Too many matches were spoiled because one team or another didn´t believe they could score so they sat back, defended and figured "either we fluke a goal or we get a draw, as long as we don´t let the other side score". The swiss team were one of the worst for this but other examples were trindidad & tobago, and (strangely) argentina. What was the argentine coach thinking against germany when he took off his main midfielder in the second half? Also their 0-0 result against holland was predictable. So good teams are victims of this style as well and italy are the masters of it. We need changes or we face more of this in the future - in which case I won´t be watching.

Well the world cup is over. Congrats to Italy. But the biggest losers & worst performers by far are FIFA. What a shameful performance from the sport's governing body. More diving than the olympics and almost all unpunished, despite ample and obvious video evidence, especially Malouda in the final.

One of the worst refs in the tourny gets the final, despite having a shocker in the quarters (or was it just that he was an Argentine refereeing England - strange that FIFA thought that was fairplay).

Then he misses the Zidane incident and, horror of horrors, FIFA goes to video evidence from the 4th official before the ref gives him the red card. Of course Zidane's a thug and deserved to be sent off. FIFA probably will conduct a meaningless panel where he gets a 6 match ban (having retired, lol), but since when did FIFA suddenly change the rules and allow video replay evidence during a game?

All that diving, dodgy penalties, etc. could have readily been prevented by video replay evidence, but apparently that was not allowed (nor was Figo's headbutt punished further). It also appears that the journalists weren't allowed to change their votes on player of the tourny. What a travesty and shame on FIFA to have to name a violent thug the winner of the Golden Ball!

3 World Cups played in, 2 red cards, what a fine example set by Zidane. Good player, but not one of the greats. Pele, Maradonna, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Best. They were legends. Maradonna and Best weren't always angels, but they're always remembered first and foremost for their unbelievable talent. Not so sure after this moment of total idiocy that Zidane will be able to say the same.
Shameful defence of Zidane by his teammates, and even more pathetic and childish behaviour from the French supporters. I think they will all be embarrassed by their behaviout when they see the replays today.
Well done Italy, the best team in the tournament.

Zidane is a legend...no matter what. he is a human being who played with soul and heart! I for one beleive that for him to do what he did he must have been provoked harshly, when abused by someone we all have a limit and just because he is/was a proffessional football player does not mean he cannot react. He was playing his last match after an outstanding career for the country he loves and was pushed to far by Materazzi when his emotions were running high. He isnt a saint and reacted, personally i would have preferred it if he didnt react and could have walked off the pitch with out the controvesy, but thats neither here nor there now and i will always think of Zizou as a great player, and even applaud his actions last night. Still credit where credit is due well done Italy but you know France were better, and thats coming from and englishman

For me, the enduring memory of this World Cup will be that, on the whole, the fans were better behaved than the players. Quite a refreshing change!

Italy won the cup. Simple. No point in whinging about it now. I live in France and as soon as the french team got over their first round woes and began to play well almost every french person I met were back to their old ways of arrogance. Even the possibility that they could lose any of the knocked out matches were looked on as absurd. Many french were celebrating victory since friday or saturday night. And now they have lost and they don't blame the manager or Zidane or their team but ONE player from the Italian side.Gallas said that Materazzi MUST have said something, eh! yeah Gallas, d'oh, what do you think? of course he did, don't get carried away Gallas, you're not sherlock Holmes, we all know this happened but what was said by ZIDANE? Alot of dirty insults are thrown about on the pitch all the time, people say things about your wife, your mother your racial background etc. but zidane should have known better, his emotions got the better of him and he screwed up. Maybe he's not the polished pro that he was always made out to be. And what about that early penalty?, anybody watching the replays will see that no penalty should have been awarded, but it was and the italians got on with it and came back with a goal. As far as I could see through the knock out games, France only got through because of some unsavoury playacting by Henry (I'm sure you all saw) which led to penalty. Sure, the french team played well in about 3 of their matches in this world cup but where have they been for the last number of years?, I'm happy that they didn't slip in and steal it because quite frankly they didn't deserve it. And who was it that said Zidane can hold his head up high and Materazzi should feel shame, what a joke. I think Zidane could write the book on shame right now.
I've always loved the Italian people and know them alot longer than I know french people, so tough cookies France, FORZA ITALIA. (But at least French wine is still the best)

Golden Ball Winner! Zidane remains the best player of his generation ... without a doubt! Obviously it's a shame that he lost his cool. Not the first time it's happened but over a career spanning 20 years he has been remarkably restrained over the years in the face of all manner of provocation.

I doubt we may ever get to know exactly what Materazzi must have said to Zidane but I will always remember Zidane for his great football skills.

And Puhlease! Get real! English press already making comparisons to Rooney's sending off. No comparison .... provoked vs unprovoked.

I cannot believe the attitude of people toward this incident.

First of all Zidane is too blame, he reacted when he should have been able to control himself. He is experienced and has been in these situations before. It is inexcusable.

On the other hand, anyone who has actually played football at any level, will know that taunting whispers and derogatory comments are common place. You just ignore them. Obviously it is not a nice part of the game but it happens.

Anyone who suggests that Materazzi should be sent off has surely never played football. If the referee was to send off a player for what he did, there would be no player left on the pitch at half time, let alone final whistle or extra time!

Hopefully South Africa 2010 will have more fair play and be overall more enjoyable to watch (not that this tournament has been all bad!)

Tim

P.S. On the subject of punishments and suspensions, I'm not sure what I think about Rooney having the same punishment as Maxi Rodriguez received for throwing punches! Any thoughts? Thank you.

The Italians provoked the French all the time.
The French instead were like tender kittens who deserved no such treatment.
Poor French, don't cry, the bad Italians are gone now.
With the World Cup in their hands.

I enjoyed reading the blog until the last line about England. I hope England never win it again. Eventhough the team never perform throughout the whole tornament everyone in England were sure they were going to win. Once they were knocked out the blame game starts and instead of blaming it on the poor performance of the team its C. Ronaldo that is the target. Will this be added to the list of football incidents the English never get over ? will be like maradonna's goal in 86, and Ronald Kooman's free kick that he shouldn't have scored becuase he should have been sent off. I say stop blaming other and take responsibility for your own failing and let go of the past, then maybe the English wil have a team that can win.

I think we can all safely say that was the best WC final 4 a long time.I've been an AZZURRI fan all my life & just could not contain my joy after the penalty kicks.They had come so close to glory at EURO 2000 when France snatched an equalizer in the 94th minute.What sweet revenge it must be for the AZZURRI.Oh,by the way any comments on Zidane being given the Golden Ball.I personally would have gone for Cannavaro,Buffon,Thuram or Pirlo.

I wish people would understand that taunting comments and wind-ups are common in football and have happened forever at all levels. Anyone who suggests Materazzi be punished is being ridiculous.

Such comments are common and they need to be ignored by the targeted player, someone as experienced as Zidane should automatically be able to ignore them! They should phase him.

I would also like to point out that in no way can the French be innocent, I'm 100% sure they would have taunted the Italian players also!

Tim

Dear Monsieur Z Zidane,

Are we considering a future in wrestling?

Mr McMahon would take you up on any offer you made. Materazzi is no push-over at all!

All the best in your prospective profession!

If the incident was not replayed on the monitors in the stadium, why did "all of them" scream at the exact same moment the home viewers were shown the replay for the first time?

When you consider the limited number of syllables uttered by Materazzi, and after some careful attempts at lip-reading, several of us have considered the possibility that he called Zidane a 'terrorist' -

All things considered, that just might explain if not excuse the fury in his response.

If this can be proved - which I very much doubt - what might Materazzi be looking at in terms of punishment? Can he retrospectively be realistically be asked to take any responsibility for what he said?

I can't believe the hard time Zidane is getting. Yes he deserved his red card, but his act was in no way dangerous, so in my book we can immediately class a large number of fouls as much worse. What about Figo's head butt which was to another guy's head and not his chest ? Did he get the same treatment as Zidane - of course not ! It seems to me that because Zidane was such a great player and it was his last game, people feel they need to be hypocritical about it. Personally, I think that Ronaldo's preprepared dive following the corner in the Portugal-France match was much worse.

EDIT:

Such comments are common and they need to be ignored by the targeted player, someone as experienced as Zidane should automatically be able to ignore them! They shouldn't phase him.

Sorry!

The referee must at least defend good players against violent acts. Not every Italian players were violent, but Zidane, and Henry, and Vieira were clearly targets yesterday.
The same referee of Portugal - England, and the same finish for Rooney and Zidane. No excuses for these players, because they have to show the best attitudes for all the kids watching them on TV. But for me the referees were the big problems of this world cup.
The French penalty is very generous, but another one should have been given to french a few minutes later. And for me the second Italian goal was OK. So in fact I'm more disapointed for Zidane than for the cup because even if France dominated during 90 min, we didn't score. And both teams deserved to win.
Congratulation Italy !
A french fan.

I can't understand anyone who condones Zidane's headbutt. He's a veteran player for his country, he's the captain of his team, it's his last match with 10 minutes to go, his team are on top and he could still hold the World Cup, and he can't control himself? With the Rooney incident there may have been a shadow of a doubt about his intentions, but how could Zidane have thought he could get away with it? He is walking away, then he turns and goes for the Italian. Name calling and winding the opposition up may not be 'fair play' but it must be something you expect, and can deal with. Silence Matterazi by scoring a goal! We could all see he was capable of that. It's such a shame. He was a marvel to watch.

First of all, congratulations to Italy! Either team could have won last night.

I am still in total shock about Zizou's antics last night, while what he did warranted a red card or even a jail sentence, I do not think he should have been sent off as neither the referee of assistances saw the offence.

Rules were obviously broken by consulting and relaying video evidence to the referee, in Zizane's defence, perhaps they should stop the game and employ a lip reader to see what the Materazzi said? and decide whether or not he warrants a card too?! Reviewing the video would have also shown that Zizou was also pinched (I saw lots of this at the world cup, especially when players are huddled together for corners and free kicks).

I do not want to see a precedent set, as the day the game is officiated by video, will see football as we know it is, ruined.

Let's not let a moment of madness from Zizou take away the fact that he has been one of the best players ever, and we will not see a player of his calibre again.

One of the things that clearly needs a change in the future is the way referees interfeer in the matches results by taking wrong decisions. Many teams were victims of poor referee judgment. And other benefited from it! When will FIFA change this and use electronic means or images to improve the work of referees? Are we sure that if the right decisions had been taken the final winner was Italy? I also find it surprising that a player that did what ZZ did (red card in the final match) can be considered by FIFA the player of the world cup... what a message to send to young players! Congratulations to Italy!

Hello everyone! As Italian you cannot image how happy I was yesterday night to see for the first time in my life (I was 4 in '82!!!) Italy's triumph.
Most of you are right, from the 2nd half France played better, but, to be honest, I think Italy deserved to win this worldcup. Why?
1: We played well or at least better than France since the beginning of the worldcup.
2: The penalty gave to France at 7th minute!!! for which fault??? (the same for the penalty they got against Portugal!) ... France is always lucky with these stuff;
3: Better FAIRPLAY! ... we always put the ball on the side when one of the french was on the floor (when one of the ours was on the floor they were saying "let's go"...); + they learned to be good "actors" as well ... falling down and rolling very easily especially in the goal area! The French coach was rude all the time against Italy (and not only against us!)
4: Nobody scored us with exemption of 1 own goal and 1 penalty!
5: We scored 5 penalties/5!!!!
6: We are a TEAM ,not a group of people depending from 1 person (see ZiZou&France!)
Furthermore, In 98 and 2000 France defeat Italy because they were lucky! Now it was our turn!

FORZA AZZURRI

Well I've seen every World Cup since 1962 and this one is no different to the recent trend, poor by comparison to some of the great tournaments of the past.

I don't think it has anything to do with defensive football being more dominant but more a fear of losing being greater than the desire to win for many teams resulting in a relatively poor knockout stage. In the past sweepers were used but that is outdated today.

For me the dissapointment has been FIFA itself and it's organisation of the tournament. Double standards regarding retrograde punishment of players, inability to live up to the promise to clamp down on players influencing referees, inability to tackle the issue of diving which was given a virtual endorsement by Sepp Blatter (I used to dive myself as an amatuer he said), and the dubious appointment of some referees for certain matches.

I guess the real winners were the sponsors who reached a larger audience than ever before but was football truly the winner? Not in my opinion.

Oh for the days of Eusebio and others. Now that guy really was a footballer to be proud of and such an incredible sportsman who should be an example for all time of what that concept means and I'm English.

The next World Cup in South Africa, I don't know if I will bother to watch and that is the first time I have said that since 1962.

Congratulations to Italy but it is a sad day for football when the majority of praise is in regard of their defence.

Good on you mr. Lineker. "The german's were great hosts of the tournament, but at the end its their neighbours who won the cup". nice ending sentence ...

I really don't see how people can say Italy were the best team in the tournament. Did they score 6 against Serbia and Montenegro? Did they play Brazil of the pitch in the quarter final game?
They had a good first game where it looked like they could go up a gear but it never really happened. True the German Italian semi-final was fantastic but I really think that the current Italian squad represents whats wrong with football currently. Take De Rossi elbow on McBride, the dive in the last minute v Australia. I noticed not one Italian player shook hands with the French team after they won. There was no shirt swapping. Are we really to put this team on a pedestal and tell the world they are deserved champions?

As for Zidane I do feel it's a terrible shame his career ends this way. I don't think there is anyone out there who is a true fan of the game would want to see such an astounding player go out like that. And unfortunately it is what this game will be remembered for. Yes he did wrong and his actions were inexcusable but doesn't Materazzi also have a responsibility here which he failed in provoking and insulting another player?

I am very happy for Lippi who is a fantastic coach but it is imperative for the game of football that the cheating/diving/racist insults is removed. It is a cancer in the sport no one wants to see, if it continues football will loose it popularity, it's a tarnish on the beautiful game.

The dirtiest team won. I really wonder if Materazzi feels proud.
If you're a footballer and desrespect Zidane on his final game, then you respect nothing. And you don't deserve any respect either.

A sad sad day for football.

History will judge all and maybe just maybe the darkest moment of Zizou's carreer will add to his legend.

Oh and a side comment on Justin Jone's post. Being a greek living on athens I must tell you that none of us believes we are a big team or talented or whatever but on that particular tournament we were indeed the best team by far I think. Oh and we did play more spectacular football than most of the teams in this world cup *coughs* italy, england, portugal *coughs* =P let us rejoice for our first and final euro-trophy!

Zidane est encore le maitre!

The sad thing about this world cup is that not great play and scoring goals wins games, but unfair play. Diving, provoking cards, or get players banned before the game (e.g. Frings). What happened to fair play?

The referee must at least defend good players against violent acts. Not every Italian players were violent, but Zidane, and Henry, and Vieira were clearly targets yesterday.
The same referee of Portugal - England, and the same finish for Rooney and Zidane. No excuses for these players, because they have to show the best attitudes for all the kids watching them on TV. But for me the referees were the big problems of this world cup.
The French penalty is very generous, but another one should have been given to french a few minutes later. And for me the second Italian goal was OK. So in fact I'm more disapointed for Zidane than for the cup because even if France dominated during 90 min, we didn't score. And both teams deserved to win.
Congratulation Italy !
A french fan.

This was not the first time Zidane had issues with discipline. He was suspended for France's final group match in this World Cup after receiving yellow-card warnings for fouls in each of France's first two matches. During group play of the 1998 World Cup, he received a two-game suspension for stamping on the back of a Saudi Arabian player. In 2000, he was barred for five matches after head-butting an opponent while playing for Juventus of Turin in the Champions League.

I'm already sick of the inexcusable and shame comments.
None of us know what was said to ZZ, so none of us know how we would react.
Perhaps in mitigation for ZZ, I can say that I know people can use words like other people use their fists. If a person like that is exploiting the situation, should we let them get away with it?
The hypocrites amongst us would say that violence is inexcusable, but I've seen situations where it was just rightfully deserved.
I will reserve judgement on ZZ until I find out what actually happened. In the same vein I will also reserve judgment on Materazzi.

i am mystified by some of the comments here

what exactly do you all mean when you say the best team lost? do you mean the team with the best players? for me that was argentina and they didn't make the final

do you mean the team who put in the best perfomances? the game of the tournament was the italy germany semi final, both teams played extremely well that night, and italy's win, imo, was the best performance of the tournament

or do you perhaps mean the team that played the best in the final? football finals are littered with examples of teams who play poorly and win, go back and watch the final of euro 2000, italy france, you will see the better team on the night lost

actually in last night's final for all their possesion france only created one real goal scoring chance, that was ribery's shot that went wide, zidane's header was straight at buffon and he rightly saved it

the truth is that both italy and france were outdone by their own managers, at half time lippi changed the system even though italy were playing better, and domenech was wrong to play only one up front when france were in the ascendency

the bottom line is that neither side did enough to win that game, even if zidane had stayed on it's unlikely france would have scored, the match would still have gone to penalties, trezeguet would still have taken a penalty and still missed

as for italy playing for penalties, that's just nonsense, they played defensively because france had so much possesion, they had to defend

if you all take off your anti-italian blinkers for a second you will see that last night's final was just one of those games that ended up going to penalties, irrespective of what happened in the previous 120 mins, and italy won the spot kicks

in fact when a final goes to penalties you may as well forget everything that happened in the whole tournament, it all becomes null and void

What a poor final. Did Italy actually have a shot at Bartez other than the penalties. People who found the match full of passion, intrigue etc were watching a different match to me. Two sides with one forward only on the pitch, the Italians virtually putting 9 men behind the ball from the start the second-half. whatever happened to 4-3-3 and attacking play. Now at the highest level every team is too scared to lose matches and often play for the penalties lottery (why ?). The games are only made interesting only by the bad sportsmanship of the players and the inability of the referees to clamp down. Well done Italy but you are not a great team and Zindan what a stupid thing to do even if you might have been provoked.

The majority of people posting on these blogs clearly have a limited knowledge of football, winding up the opponents has been going on in every single match since the game of football was invented.
Does Materazzi feel proud?
You bet your ass he does!! he scored the equalizer and a penalty.
Put it this way if it was England instead of Italy, would we be saying the same nonsense? ehm no

Well done Italy. Pleased with the result, because was only wee when Italy won last time. But does Di Rossi deserve a winner's medal? After all he was suspended for most of the knock out stages after an appalling incident, comes on late in the final, and Italy win. What message does that send out?

A final thought in regard of the BBC. I've always watched events on BBC, maybe it was the commentators I preferred or maybe the lack of adverts but, no more.

The chances of England ever winning a World Cup again is pure fantasy. True we will still have some reasonable players in four years but after that? There are so many foreign players in the premiership that in 8 years time England will be selecting its players from the lower levels. As an example consider Robinson. He looked far from the rewuired article in my opinion but where are the alternatives? At one time all English premier goalkeepers were better than most foreign goalkeepers but now the rest of the world has gone past us by a long long way. The same will be true of other positions over the comming years. So lets be realistic and forget England ever winning the world cup. I've spent far too long dreaming and they always turn into nightmares.

Again, congrats to Italy. Despite their internal problems they showed fighting spirit. If only England had a tenth of their spirit.

I just can't beleive that FIFA have allowed Zidane to win the golden ball after his sending off. His head butt was a disgrace no matter what the circumstances he should have known better than to react like that. He lost France the world cup and deserve to spend his retirement rotting in shame!!!

I'm an Ireland supporter who usually stays neutral and wants to enjoy a good match (although I hoped England would do well this time around and rooted for them against unsporting Portugal). I loved Les Bleus' win over Brazil in Paris in 1998, and thought Italy gifted them victory in Euro 2000. The comments of French players, coaches and supporters, however, have led me to strongly take the Italian side.

Most of you are jumping to conclusions about the use of video replay! The 4th official is not allowed access to video replays, only the 5th official is. Some sites are reporting that the 4th official saw Zidane's headbutt live...so we'll have to wait to find out if video replay was used.

That said, I'm all for the use of video replay in football as it is in rugby.

"Maybe Zidane was provoked by a racial slur." Really? And how should Ireland's (half black) Paul McGrath have reacted when bananas were thrown onto the pitch by Northern Ireland supporters in an away fixture? Headbutt half the stadium?

Henry's dive vs. Spain (clutching his face after a light Puyol forearm across the chest) to win a crucial free kick that Vieira heads in. Malouda's dive in the final from the Andriy Shevchenko school. The French cannot complain about diving, whereas I struggle to remember a significant Italian dive in the final. Italy vs Australia? When you watch replays, Neill's left arm comes up to impede Fabio Grosso's left leg. Neill had also sat down in the path of the attacker, something you simply cannot do, especially in the penalty area. A 50-50 call that former refereeing great Pierluigi Collina has said on TV would have to go in favour of the attacking player because the defender's been beaten and made himself an obstacle.

Juve's Del Piero is referred to by Roma fans as "gambe di cristallo", or "crystal legs" because of his tendency to collapse under the slightest of challenges. I've also seen Teutonic blueprint Michael Ballack making an absolute meal out of minor challenges, and the list of dives this season, both in club and international competition, is massive.

Solution? Video replays as standard, like rugby. And long suspensions and massive fines for offenders. Cheating should not be tolerated, and I would argue that diving influences outcomes more than if an entire team were on performance enhancing drugs.

Whatever they decide to do, FIFA needs to sort this out, otherwise we'll continue to have the best team in the tournament, the winners of the world cup, denounced as cheats and liars, when in fact this time around Italy actually had a net advantage over France this tournament when it comes to dubious play: they simply dived less than the Coqs.

As for penalties, how quickly we forget France revelling in having knocked out Italy on penalties in 1998, or Brazil having won the cup in 1994 on penalties (again vs Italy). The French players, coaches and supporters (and anti-Italian "neutrals") should just shut their hypocritical mouths.

ZIZOU we still love you, and you are far best the GREATEST player in the world, you are a model for many footballers in the world and you will still inspire millions in the world "expect the last gesture of your career" but we all know that Materrazzi was provokative justice should be done, and footy is about talent not physcological modul, its a sport not a sceince, any way Congra Italy........they deserve it as they worked hard for it.....but Zizouu you are far the best once again "Merci Zizou"

L

I notice a headline that says "
Gallas claims Zidane was provoked".

Yet in the text of the article he only says,

"I didn't see it but sometimes football is not only with the ball. Sometimes when you have a player who is very clever and says something to you then maybe you are angry and want to 'kill' that player; Maybe, and I say maybe, he has made a mistake."

He never calims Zidane was provoked, only says it is a possibility. It seems to me that this is a (blatant?)journalistic distortion.

Gallas also said, "When I see this, I want to smash his face,"

It seems we are moving AWAY from responsible play with this sort of reporting.

ZiZou

we all love you and the world will remember you as one of the greats that football has ever seen, graceful, elegant, superb.....we still love Maradona like anything (remember the direct kick in 1982 followed by a red card/unprovoked), you could have punished materazzi and his likes by being a lil patient and winning the game in their face, you're human just like us, frineds of soccer, just be in his shoes for that match and imagine, its easy to criticize, and media friends, pls check to what materazzi said and did, you and only you can dig it out for us, and we deserve that truth
long live all the fans, long live soccer, long live Zizou!

classical...predictable..Zidane being a great star is excused. A full Pardon! thats great! I'm italian and i loved Zidane.. the best player of our time..but i was shocked by his violence.
it's a free world so go on and defend him, if that's your opinion..but i think you've lost a bit of perspective. and deep down you know you are wrong. I don't hate Zidane..a great player..but i'm very dissapointed. That single act ruined the game.

ZiZou

we all love you and the world will remember you as one of the greats that football has ever seen, graceful, elegant, superb.....we still love Maradona like anything (remember the direct kick in 1982 followed by a red card/unprovoked), you could have punished materazzi and his likes by being a lil patient and winning the game in their face, you're human just like us, frineds of soccer, just be in his shoes for that match and imagine, its easy to criticize, and media friends, pls check to what materazzi said and did, you and only you can dig it out for us, and we deserve that truth
long live all the fans, long live soccer, long live Zizou!

Fantastic! We had all the drama of a classic football match. And Zidane? What a way to bow out! He'll always be a legend.

Mr Materazzi and Zizou might have acted irresponsibly, but Comon, if there is one player that rarely blows his cool its Zidane, there are some players that you just know can blow their top, Totti, Ronney, Eric Cantona, Vinnie Jones, Figo and so on, but Zizou must have really heard something so horrible that would have made him sooo mad to behave in that way. Not justifying his actions, but honestly anyone should respond that if a racist comment was made, then Zidane should not respond back.

We all don't know what was said, but i feel Fifa should investigate, and if a racist slur was said then Materazzi should also be suspended.

The final was a reflection of the tournament as a whole. Explosive start with interesting refereeing, but then fell into torpor after the sides punched themselves out (Italy after 45 mins, France after 65 mins).

The tournament will be remembered more for the fans and organisation than anything on the field.

with all the furore over zidane i think the congratulations and focus should be on cannavaro.

He's been fantastic all tournament (probably his last world cup?), hasn't put a foot wrong and been an amazing leader on the pitch.

And it was great to see italy dispell their penalty demons
(note to england fans...it counts more to lose on pens in the final...)

Kudos to Zidane. He has done what any football loving person wanted to do since the first time Italy played at this World Cup.

The Italians have the best defense no doubt about that but in addition to that they are playing the most uninspired football possible. Greece won it the Euro that way because that is all they can do but Italy won the WC the same way because wanted to.

I would love to see an Italian team at some stage that would focus more on playing the game and not destroying it.

My son (12 years)is a football player, Zidane fan and watched the game last night. Thanks for the message FIFA. Headbutt, Redcard = Golden Ball. Great!!!

Some very poor refereeing at times, to an otherwise enjoyable World Cup. FIFA must ensure that their rules are followed *consistently* by *all* refs. I.e. Zidane's incident should be punishable by a red card, but yet again, so was Figo's incident against Holland. I don't see why Figo should get away with it. That was a bad decision back then. So in the same respect either Zidane should not be send off unless Figo had been send off during that match. It is the inconsistencies in decisions taken by refs that spoil the game sometimes. I think Zidane should have kept his nerve regardless what the Italian told him. It must have been something bad for someone to react like that. There should be an investigation to examine both sides, not just Zidane. Since when verbal abuse is acceptable on such an event? We are not talking about third division football here! And yes, Zidane's Golden Ball award was absolutely fair.

Only Italians were happy last night. The rest of the world could not celebrate the end of such a nice tournament, and that was not because of Italy did or did not disserve to win. I still believe that Italy would have won the game in the penalties even if Zidane was there. Materazzi did not show any respect to a final game of a legend. What he said seems that deeply offended the principles of Zidane.

The fame of Zidane will explore during the next years after his retirement. He is a legend as a footballer player. With unique and strong personality also exposed outside the era of sports. The moment of his personal tragedy in the last day final will add to this fame even further.

I think last night we watch the end of a carrier for a truly Football legend,

Stelios (Greece)

it's true that zidane deserved the red card, but I do feel more sympathy for zidane than for the "victim", and i think this sort of sentiment from a fan is excusable since it won't change the fact that he's sent out and the italians won the game...
I just hope zidane will never say what happened at that moment--if he was really provoked or something. cause now he should know how stupid an action like that was, and i just hope that a great player like him won;t try to fiind any excuse for that.

France and Italy are really good teams. Italy picked up this world cup because of their Hardwork. Italy taught good lesson to Germany which didn't have the quality to reach even Quarter Final. Germany should be defeated by Argentina in the Quarter final itself. All german fans should say the same. If we watch the activites of France capitan, ZZ from the beginning of the match with Italy, he was frustrated and lost hope. So he behaved irresponsibily which yeilds defeat for his Team. No doubt, ITALY team is best in this world cup. Congrats ITALY !

Only Italians were happy last night. The rest of the world could not celebrate the end of such a nice tournament, and that was not because of Italy did or did not disserve to win. I still believe that Italy would have won the game in the penalties even if Zidane was there. Materazzi did not show any respect to a final game of a legend. What he said seems that deeply offended the principles of Zidane.

The fame of Zidane will explore during the next years after his retirement. He is a legend as a footballer player. With unique and strong personality also exposed outside the era of sports. The moment of his personal tragedy in the last day final will add to this fame even further.

I think last night we watch the end of a carrier for a truly Football legend,

Stelios (Greece)

I agree absolutely that there can be no excuse for Zidane's action. You don't go through 15 years of professional soccer without being insulted for everything and anything on the pitch. Zidane's shame was above all a shame for his team, who had to live with that afterwards.

That said, I truly think the the French played better and it was a royal shame that they didn't score another goal, but that's football.

Somehow I'm glad that the cruft of French football will not be aroubd for the Euro 2008. The French team has a lot of extremely promising young players, such as Ribery and Malouda, and if they carry on in future like they did in the last 10 minutes of the game, they have an excellent chance of maintaining a good standard in future. I also hope that Domenech stays, because he has obviously had a good influence on the team, even if he wasn't able to control the one big ego left - Zidane.

It was a pretty spectacular game!

Congrats to Italy who were the better team on the night.

The game was great but was overshadowed by the Zidane headbutt.

If you wanna see more about the world cup or soccer news check out my blog at: http://the-soccer-locker.blogspot.com

You'll love it! :)

Zinadine Zidane remains the best player ever lived ,Red card or not

If racist comments, winding up opponent players and diving to get an advantage is now common on the football field as we have seen, then why wasn't anything done to stop it. I am watching the games to see great football and great goals, but if it continues like this I might switch and watch golf or tennis instead. As to Zidane, I think he deserved the red card for what he did. Such a reaction to offencive words by another player is inexcusable, although I will not hold it against him when judging his whole career. He has provided wonderful football over the years and all of us should look back at that and have a smile when we think about how the "man that dances with the ball" has outplayed many of the greatest players in the last 10 years. What a shame it has ended like this. Anyway. Thanks Zizou

Only Italians were happy last night. The rest of the world could not celebrate the end of such a nice tournament, and that was not because of Italy did or did not disserve to win. I still believe that Italy would have won the game in the penalties even if Zidane was there. Materazzi did not show any respect to a final game of a legend. What he said seems that deeply offended the principles of Zidane.

The fame of Zidane will explore during the next years after his retirement. He is a legend as a footballer player. With unique and strong personality also exposed outside the era of sports. The moment of his personal tragedy in the last day final will add to this fame even further.

I think last night we watch the end of a carrier for a truly Football legend,

Stelios (Greece)

firstly anyone who defends zizou lives in fantasy land, to react in such a fashion was stupidity. the only thing i would say is at least he was a man about it and didnt swing a hand bag or wait till hes was on the deck and stamp on him like that coward wayne rooney.

to the clowns in previous comments who questioned if derossi should have got a medal would you have taken the same stance if rooney and the golden generation got there.

are we refering to england as the golden generation because there piss!!

I think the football in this world cup has sent a really bad message to kids around the world. Everyone knows kids in the playground copy their heros in the world cup, (I for one spent 8+ years trying to recreate David Platt's volley in 1990!)
What are they going to copy from this tournament? There was little skill and tricks, not many goals in the "knock-about" stages (new title!).
It seems to me they will think stamping, elbowing, headbutting, taunting opponents & diving are all part of football?
Most of this has been excused, the rest has been ignored.
I think this World Cup has been bad for football.

It's a great shame to see player of Zidane's quality end his career in this way. He must be held responsible for his actions.

That said, if he was provoked by racist abused then FIFA must come down heavily on the person responsible!!

so he got a red card, big deal, at least he does not, dive, cheat, roll, act, wave yellow cards, bitch to ref's. He is still the best player planet earth has ever seen. I think only Pele can compare with him. Please do not compare that cheat come drug addict maradona.

We say farewell to Zidane and to football, with zidane gone, i am not sure if i will enjoy another game of football without him. I hate cheats, and that is what football has turned into within the last 20 years, courtesy of Italy, ronoldo, Henry, Ballack, Nedved , ect... they all cheated to get free kicks, my not my Zidane, a last action Hero in football, what will become of football now that he is gone? Let us switch our love of sport to Rugby and Cricket.

An Italian FAN at the Olympic Stadium:

Berlin – 109th minute: Zidane is off, not a single glimpse at the cup as he walks by. Undoubtedly he has been the best, and like almost every time in football he has paid for a moment of pure madness. We look at him from the top of our stands, and a horde of French supporters is shouting abuses of every kind at the Italian defender Materazzi, as if it were him to head butt Zidane.

The blues have lost; someone up there has not liked the aggressive and negative support shouted against us. It was the sign that luck for Italy was shifting, three times out of World Cups at penalties (1990, 1994, 1998) this time was someone else’s turn to cry. An awful second half performance, the extra time played only with the strength of our nerves: of the players on the field, and maybe of a Nation which too many times has seen the dream vanish and this time has hanged on it by the skin of their teeth.

Les Italiens! they screamed in my ears all night as if it were a crime to be Italian. I did not have the courage to reply to anything as they hidden their faces in their hands. But I wanted to tell them, these are the Italians: people who can wait, people who can suffer, people who are capable of creating a masterpiece out of a horrible year for our football or out of a bad day on the pitch.

The gods must have sympathy for people like us who can take on insults without replying with arrogance. It’s a quarter to midnight: in the Stadium there are still few Azzurri shirts, no more Blues. Platini, who claimed he didn’t know who Grosso was, will now remember him finally: unlike him the boy has won a world cup. And all the French people in the Stadium tonight in Berlin will remember that long walk to the penalty spot; that walk which started from Palermo and ended in the back of the net under the blues supporters side.

FORZA AZZURRI, we love you.
Thank you Germnany, well done France.

I'd ike to put right the fact that Zidane didn't headbutt - he butted. A headbutt is a butt to the head and is pretty nasty. Zidane's butt seeemed to be an angry response to something.
That being said, it seems to me that football's priorities are going haywire. The qualities that are now clearly required are a) being able to take penalties and to be able to hold out long enough in order to use this skill when the game is over b) pretending you have been fouled c) exagerating any pain caused by an opponents tackle and d) provoking an opponent into getting themselves a card.
Somehow Zidane being sent off after openly reacting to something and the better side ( even with 10 men ) losing on penalties sums up modern football

I am amazed at the French coach's whinging about Zidane's dismissal (the Italian guy dived, Zidane was provoked, the fourth official used a video replay to make a decision). The fact is that Zidane deliberately head-butted an opponent and that is a red-card offence in any language on any continent. Period. By trying to defend the indefensible the coach himself is as guilty of bringing the game into disrepute as Zidane is for letting his self-control evaporate in a moment of madness

zidane

let me start by saying i believe zidane is one of the greatest footballers i have ever seen, but i have always suspected he may have had a tinge of craziness in his personality

genius is often tinged with madness, look at maradonna and the drugs

the bottom line is zidane committed a red card offence and was rightly sent off, sadly it came in his last game and one of the biggest games of his life and in spectacular fashion

What am i going to watch on TV now 'til the end of August :-(

Again, as for the red card. No arguments. He's a great player yes but you can't drop the cannister on someone and not expect a red card!!

Come on. The Italians showed great spirit. The real problem here is cross cultural. The Italians are "ott" - that's why we love their food, clothes and country. They are very "artful" and "passionate" people. Don't worry - if they had lost, they would have cried as hard as they rejoiced. Zidaae is a marvellous player - so what. Football is "team" game. Well done Italy. By the way the Italian- Germany match wasn't so bad was it??????
By the way, the Italians SCORED a goal, and at the right moment - don't think the French did (penalties aren't the same).................

If Zidane was provoked with racial taunts(which is more than likely), then the reaction is totally excusable. Should have hit him in the head with that headbutt, in that case.

Some things are bigger than football and the world cup. Final, tv cameras, spectators be damned.

Saying that nothing could excuse such behaviour is being out of touch with what is right and especially human.

The penalty shoot out still doesn't feel right. Why can't we get the game settled by removing player every 5 minutes from the start of the extra time period. The game continues until a goal is scored to decide the tie. It wouldn't go on forever. After 20 minutes of extra time both teams would have only 8 players each. The game would be so exciting and we would be rewarded with a goal to settle, COME ON FIFA. Let's do it.

Everyone is saying now that Zidanes red card will be more remembered that his influence in getting France to the finals, as well as his remarkable career as a whole. Yes it was a foolish thing to do whih he is probably regretting. But does it matter? The game was going to penalties anyway, and if he had taken one and scored then they would still be out bcuz in no doubt Trez would have still taken one and missed. Italy won and deserved 2, but through the tournament Zidane rolled back the years and gave the best display ive ever seen from him, i watch La Liga all the time on Sky Sports so ive seen him in a Madrid shirt and he has played ****, but here he bowed out a Star and will be remebered for his performances. In 15 years when Rooney hangs up his boots do you think people will remember the 2006 World Cup when he got sent off? No, and why? Bcuz England didnt win, so no-one will remember this bcuz it doesnt matter. Zidane the greatest since Pele, i salute you Sir!

With his last stroke Zidane has unwittingly sacrificed the good of his team for the good of the game. Whatever was said to him must have been repulsive to the extreme for Zidane to have reacted as he did and I think it will be a defining moment in football. I get the feeling there was interference from officials other then the ref or linesman in the decision to send him off. Are we now going to get football games where the decisions made are 95% correct rather than what we have now. The game is horrible to watch, really embarrasing, and the funny thing is it can be sorted so very easily.
A great footballer and one we will never forget after last night.

Zidane is the greatest player of his time but rules will be rules. After all Ronaldo lost his young player award because of his simulations but Zidane can do what he did and still win...

The penalty shoot out still doesn't feel right. Why can't we get the game settled by removing player every 5 minutes from the start of the extra time period. The game continues until a goal is scored to decide the tie. It wouldn't go on forever. After 20 minutes of extra time both teams would have only 8 players each. The game would be so exciting and we would be rewarded with a goal to settle, COME ON FIFA. Let's do it.

A dull final, full of diving and amateur dramatics, sums up about 90% of the competition. Only one game stood out in this WC and that was Italy v Germany, thanks to the refereeing.
FIFA's answer to the yellow cards? make it more difficult to be suspended.
FIFA's answer to discipline? - criticise the refs, not the players.
FIFA will kill this competition to an even more meaningless level of cheating and boring defensive matches.
Great organisation though, well done Germany. If the London Olympics are half as successful, we'll be lucky.

Beautiful game? Don't make me laugh.

By the way, why don't somebody run a competition for the World Cup. You know, best dive, worst goalkeeping blunder, best theatrical thrashing on the floor, most ungentlemanry conduct and so on. There'd be lots of interest and many contestants from all nations...

Just pick this one from Le Figaro website, zidane was Insulted as a terorist by materazzi

Italian's are funny. Yes, that was no penalty in the 7'th, but how conveniently they forget that Matterazzi uses his left hand on the french defender's (was it Viera) left shoulder to stay up in the air an extra split second, enough to help him head the ball. Watch the replay that zooms in the front of the players invloved.

Bitter taste overall. We all lost a God whose statues we were ready to build and stories eagerly wanted to say to are grandchildren. Additionally, we can't be happy for Italy because unlike the admirable way they played in some earlier games after the 46th minute they were non-existant.

Why are some so opposed to the use of video evidence in deciding the outcome of incident's like Zidane's? The world cup - and indeed any tournament - should be decided on who plays the best football, within the rules, and not what the referee or his assistants happen to see with no electronic assistance. If technology can be used to assist, and remove any element of doubt, then surely that's a good thing? And if that includes electronic tracking of the ball and the players, so be it.

I'm also surprised more people weren't dismayed by the shambles that was the awarding of the cup itself. The winning team should wait until their captain is actually handed the cup before fondling, or kissing, or putting hats on it. Show a bit of respect, please.

"I think some rules changes are definitely needed to encourage attacking football and a good start would be making a 0-0 draw worth zero points."

That is missing the point a bit. I think, the group stages were ok in terms of positive play. The problem really started in the knockout stages where there was hardly any goal. The same you can observe in the champions league. Group stages are ok, but knockout stages favour safety-first football. It might be a solution to get rid of the knockouts and have 3 successive group stages. E.g.

a) 8 groups, first 2 go through
b) 4 groups, only first goes through
c) 1 group, first to be champion

ZiZou

we all love you and the world will remember you as one of the greats that football has ever seen, graceful, elegant, superb.....we still love Maradona like anything (remember the direct kick in 1982 followed by a red card/unprovoked), you could have punished materazzi and his likes by being a lil patient and winning the game in their face, you're human just like us, frineds of soccer, just be in his shoes for that match and imagine, its easy to criticize, and media friends, pls check to what materazzi said and did, you and only you can dig it out for us, and we deserve that truth
long live all the fans, long live soccer, long live Zizou!

On the Italy celebrations: I thought they were superb. Hard to imagine how it must feel to reach the highest point you've strived for all your life, and dreamed of since you were a kid, but their joy was a highlight of this fine tournement.
Pity it was only a penalty shoot-out and not a real victory. Maybe they should have played on til someone scored? On Zidane's headbutt, I wasn't even slightly surprised that he would do such a thing because he's done similar things all through his career. People kiss his arse though because he is such a great player. It is interesting to see that Buffon's complaints to the officials have not been blamed fro the dismissal!! Finally on England one day winning the World Cup again? With the likes of Crouch and Carragher in the team? hahaha....... Get real! ps I am English.

Zizou is the only guy who has entertained people around the world with his skills after maradona

I am abit taken back by FIFA's decision to award the golden ball to Zidane despite his vioent display in Sunday's final; not because I don't think he deserved it but because it was a case of blatant differential treatment when Fifa representatives site C Ronaldo's behavior during the game with England as an influencing factor in not giving him a very much deserved "best young player" award and then award the golden ball to someone who violently attacked another player -- not just possibly appealed for a red card. In the end I can only justify this by thinking FIFA simply caved to public pressure against C Ronaldo - which English fans primarily placed through ridiculous online campaigns and overexaggerated booing - as opposed to the Zidane's high standing with the fans.

Without knowing the facts as to what provoked Zidane into his last, horrific/tragic act, I defy anyone to condemn or defend him. Until the truth is revealed, what is left is a feeling of great sadness that one of the truly great players in the game literally bowed out in this fashion.

As for the tournament as a whole, the second best team won - both on the night and across the four weeks. France shaded it last night, but paid for their failure to support Henry in the second half.

That is not to begrudge the Italians, who have contributed hugely to the competition. Neither should we be suprised - their results leading up to the tournament were excellent - beating Holland and Germany in hugely impressive fashion. The featured in the finest match of the competition in the semi final. Much like Brazil, it is hard for neutrals to begrudge them.

Only Argentina threatened threatened to transcend the norm. They took one negative half step back in the quarter final, and paid dearly for it.

Great goals all round though, and I shall miss the daily coverage. I shed a silent tear as the credits rolled. I won't miss the woeful analysis on ITV - Andy Townsend and Ian Wright have little or no place on TV, and El Tel needs to be put out to pasture. But sniping aside, four years feels an awfully long way away this morning.

If Matterazzi has a responsibility as someone said above, then surely C. Ronaldo also had a responsibility for getting pushed by Rooney?

I know alot was made of Rooney's 'stamp' but he had been fouled twice in quick succession by the Portugeese! I'm sure it was the push and the language Rooney used that got him sent off, not a questionable 'stamp'!

i'm Italian,
... i think ZZ is one of the greatest ever,
and i don't like at all what Materazzi did.

i could understand what ZZ did,
however it was a big mistake.
i agree that Materazzi should have been sent off too.

still, Lippi has been a great coach,
and Italia has deserved,
think of their team spirit
and of their semi-final against Germany in Dortmund.

comunque,
ZZ sei grande, su' ... forza.

p.s.:
it's such a pain to see Materazzi
and Del Piero on the pitch.

Can't believe ZZ won the Player of the Tournament award.
What a nice example to set kids who will now think headbutting is an acceptable part of the game.

Italy deserved to win-France didn't. End of story.

And have you ever seen a better set of 5 penalties? No? Didn't think so!

Well Done Italy!!

A great end to the tournament for a team coming from a turbulent end of season back home.

Zidane.....well what a shame that such a great career had to end that way but his actions are inexcusable. Everybody knows verbal provocation goes on in almost every match but the good players just block it out and carry on, you would expect a lot better from Zidane after alll his years of experience at the highest level. I find it almost laughable how his teammates and coach try and defend his actions, if it was anybody else they would have been condemned, he ruined any chance they had of winning and to see how they react is so childish.

It takes a big man to admit you're wrong and so far Zidane hasnt!

Big Sut, you hit the nail right on the head there.

too much posturing, preening, diving, and abuse from the alleged best players in the world. overpaid jesse-boys !

First of all well done Italy 4 finally learning 2 win a penalty shoot-out(are u watching england?)but i must say france played the better football in the second half and extra time which is shown by the fact barthez didn't have 2 make a save during the actual match and the italians only looked dangerous from set-pieces and long balls up field (so thats why lippi had a season ticket at the reebok stadium)zidane was the best player on the pitch up until his imitation of an angry rhinoceros, and as 4 the early penalty it was a dive, but in the second half there was a tackle in the box by materazzi (i think) on malouda in which the italian made no contact on the ball so up 2 a point justice was done. but it is still a bit of a shame that defensive astuteness won the day over attacking creativity but in the end of the day the french had the players and time 2 score another but failed so well done italia...

Football was the real loser yesterday, the World Cup had plenty of false starts (Argentina - Serbia, Argentina - Mexico) but the semi-finals and final were an anticlimax.