<p class="title">A massive final, a big-game player on his last legs, a panenka, a head-butt and a sending off.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The magnificent Zinedine Zidane was the cynosure at the 2006 FIFA World Cup as it would be his last and much like in 1998, he set the tournament on fire with some magisterial displays.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Yet, what Zidane would be eventually remembered for was his head-butt on Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the summit clash in Berlin. Countless stories of what the provocation was have been floated but none seemingly conclusive. The most likely version was that Materazzi spewed insults at Zizou’s mother and wife. The former was seriously ill at the time. Whatever the case, his dismissal probably demoralised France severely and cost them the cup ultimately.</p>.<p class="bodytext">France’s rivals Italy had showcased ‘Total Football’ in the semifinal against Germany and with a plethora of talent in the squad, were tough competitors even for the likes of Zidane and Thierry Henry. It was Materazzi who brought down Florent Malouda in the box and up stepped Zidane to take the spot kick. With aplomb, Zidane made a mockery of Italy’s wall – Gianluigi Buffoon – as he delightfully chipped the ball into the net. Italy were known for their perseverance and Materazzi netted the equaliser.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Much was expected of Zidane but the legend would end his international career with a bang, though not in the positive sense. Ten minutes of extra time remained when Zidane exited. As the sun set on a sparkling career in sour fashion, the Italians, led by Fabio Cannavaro, stayed strong to prevail in the shootout to win their fourth World Cup. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Final result: Italy: 1 France: 1 (Italy won 5-3 on penalties)</p>
<p class="title">A massive final, a big-game player on his last legs, a panenka, a head-butt and a sending off.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The magnificent Zinedine Zidane was the cynosure at the 2006 FIFA World Cup as it would be his last and much like in 1998, he set the tournament on fire with some magisterial displays.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Yet, what Zidane would be eventually remembered for was his head-butt on Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the summit clash in Berlin. Countless stories of what the provocation was have been floated but none seemingly conclusive. The most likely version was that Materazzi spewed insults at Zizou’s mother and wife. The former was seriously ill at the time. Whatever the case, his dismissal probably demoralised France severely and cost them the cup ultimately.</p>.<p class="bodytext">France’s rivals Italy had showcased ‘Total Football’ in the semifinal against Germany and with a plethora of talent in the squad, were tough competitors even for the likes of Zidane and Thierry Henry. It was Materazzi who brought down Florent Malouda in the box and up stepped Zidane to take the spot kick. With aplomb, Zidane made a mockery of Italy’s wall – Gianluigi Buffoon – as he delightfully chipped the ball into the net. Italy were known for their perseverance and Materazzi netted the equaliser.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Much was expected of Zidane but the legend would end his international career with a bang, though not in the positive sense. Ten minutes of extra time remained when Zidane exited. As the sun set on a sparkling career in sour fashion, the Italians, led by Fabio Cannavaro, stayed strong to prevail in the shootout to win their fourth World Cup. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Final result: Italy: 1 France: 1 (Italy won 5-3 on penalties)</p>
