For a while, the WC2006 was looking like it would be one of the best tournaments of all time. Sadly, it ended on a pathetic note with the final being decided on penalties and Zidane's sending off. It's too bad really because so many people who watched the finals didn't see some of the other entertaining games in the tournament.
The final looked like it was going to be a scorcher with two quick goals in the first twenty minutes. Italy was showing some of the attacking flair that got them a well deserved win against Germany in the semi-final. Then shockingly, in the second half, Italy retreated into a defensive shell and started playing the kind of cynical soccer we've come to expect from them. Unfortunately, Zidane's header in extra time wasn't good enough to seal the result for France and Materazzi successfully provoked him into the head-butt for the ages.
Of course Zidane should have known better and deserves the same rebuke that Rooney got for losing his cool at so critical a moment. However, you've got to feel bad for a guy who was minutes away from ending his career in legendary style.
I'm looking forward to 2010 and seeing some of the games in person. I hope at least one African team will make it into the final four.
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