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July 9 - Italy won the 2006 World Cup today, defeating France 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out after the game was deadlocked at 1-1 following extra time. The game was marred when Zidane headbutted Materazzi and was sent off, ending his superb career in disgrace.
This World Cup final result, only the second final ever decided by penalties, confirmed that the World Cup betting odds for this game were spot on. Oddsmakers were hard pressed to separate Italy and France in the betting, but ultimately made the Italians the narrowest of favorites to win.
In point of fact France had far more of the play, and were the superior team throughout the match, but failed to convert their possession and territorial advantage into a second goal. The Italian defense was typically stout, only giving up a controversial penalty early on that Zidane converted to give France a 1-0 lead.
Materazzi was the focal point of the match. The Inter Milan defender conceded the penalty for his challenge on Malouda inside the box. He then went forward for an Italian corner and headed home the equalizer to make it 1-1. Materazzi was then headbutted by Zidane after an exchange of words in a dramatic off the ball incident. Finally, Materazzi then scored one of Italy's 5 penalties in the shoot-out!
In the end it all came down to one missed penalty by France, but this game could have gone either way right up until the end. Italy are World Cup soccer champions for the fourth time. France lost a major soccer final for the first time in their history.
And what of Zidane? It started out as a fairy-tale farewell with a goal and a brilliant effort in extra-time that could have won it all for France. It ends as a nightmare - the captain sent off in disgrace, his team beaten at the end.
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