World Cup - Italy Win Penalty Shoot Out

Italy 1 France 1


This will become known as the Zidane Final. Not because he scored, from the penalty spot, for France after 7 minutes, and could have put them ahead in extra time, but for a great save from Buffon. With only 10 minutes of extra time remaining Zinedine Zidane was involved in a shocking incident, when he head butted Italian scorer Materazzi in the chest, and sent him sprawling. Although the referee didn't see it, after consultation with his assistants, he had no alternative other than to send the offender off. A seemingly ignominious end to a glittering career.


This was not a great World Cup Final. Materazzi had equalised in the first half with a fine header that gave Barthez no chance. Basically, that was it although both sides did go close on occasion. The score was still 1 - 1 after extra time and was to be settled by a penalty shoot out for only the second time ever. Italy did not miss but David Trezequet did for France, when the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and, unfortunately, bounced out.


Italy just about deserved their win. They had previously beaten an impressive, third place, Germany, with a little luck assisted, last minute mastery, in a hard fought semi final. In my view that was the best match of the tournament.


Tags:
soccer and football
soccer and football