The
above three images were taken a year or so before the wall came down in Berlin
where the final of the 2006 world cup was taking place
Famous
visitors to the final included a well known City supporter ( and Del Piero mascot)
and President Chirac of France ( don't think he supports City!)
As
Zidane waited to lead his team out, little did he or his supporters know what
was to befall them over the next couple of hours
The
Argentian referee was the same one that sent off Rooney
There
was a very early scare for France when Henry collided with Cannavaro and the French
man collapsed in a heap
It
looked quite bad at first but then as Henry recovered he was asked by the trainer
who was President. - he answered Arsene Wenger so all was well!
France
took the lead in the 7th minutes through a penalty. Marouda taking a pass from
Henry dashed into the area past Cannavaro and Materazzi and after the slightest
of contacts with the latter he went down.
Zidane
took the penalty and gently chipped it in off the bar to give the French a one
goal lead. It was just what the game needed to spark it into life.
President
Jacques Chirac liked it as did the French fans ....but their joy was short lived.
12
minutes later Pirlo sent in a pin point cross and Materazzi soared above the defence
to head in the equalizer for Italy
Italy
had spotted the weakness in the French defence from dead ball situations and Materazzi
had atoned for his mistake with the penalty. Are those clues to the da Vinci Code
on his arms I wonder ?
A
last ditch tackle by Zambrotta or was it a penalty stopped Malouda from scoring
At
first it looked as though Zidane had hurt his shoulder badly in this fall but
he returned to the field after a few minutes.
And
so the match went into extra time. Both teams were tired but Zidane had a great
header which Buffon saved .
It looked like the nearest we were going to get
to a goal.
Henry
joined Ribery on the subs bench after 100 minutes and then we had an amazing incident.
Materazzi and Zidane had a monor clash in mid-field.... What followed was a moment
of madness
Zidane
and Materazzi exchanged a few words and then Zidane calmly walks up to the Italian
and head butts him in the chest!
After
what seemed an eternity the refreee sent off Zidane after consulting with his
other officials. The episode had taken place behind the referees' back Whatever
possessed the French star to lose his cool is not known yet but I am sure it will
come out in time.
It
was still 1-1 at the end of extra time so now it was penalties. The Italians have
not got a good record in taking penalties but France were short of Henry, Zidane,
Ribery and Viera who would have been among the takers so it was anybody's game.
When Trezeguet missed for France it was left to Grosso to bang in the winning
penalty to give the victory to Italy 5-3 on penalties.
While
the French players were devasted all of Italy rejoiced in the knowledge they were
World Champions.
A
special new ball for the Final and boots perhaps.
So
the fun was over - Italy were surprise winners. They had the best defence with
Buffon and Cannavaro the best keeper and defender but their football was not exciting
to watch. The French came good after a slow start and might have won I think but
for the madness of Zidane who incidentally won the award as the top player - decided
before the incident. Brazil flattered to deceive. Ronaldo and Ronaldino did not
inspire. The host nation Germany won many friends and deserved third place. Argentina
started well but could not keep up the standard they had set early on while England
were far too predictable and injuries to Owen and the sending off of Rooney emphasized
the selection errors by the manager. Portugal did well considering they didn't
have a centre forward.
The Italians go home Champions but there could be dramatic
developments when the results of the corruption scandel are announced shortly.
13 of the Italian squad belong to clubs that may be relegated when the Italian
judges give their verdict. The big Premiership clubs will be licking their lips
in anticipation of signing stars like Buffon, Cannario etc.
I don't think City
supporters should be too hopeful however!
