Italy - World Cup 2006 winners

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro raises the World Cup trophy

The World Cup 2006 final saw Italy celebrating a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over France, making them the second most successful nation in World Cup history.

The 2006 final started with each side scoring within the first 20 minutes, a scoreline which remained at the end of both normal and extra time. Both teams had chances for a winning goal: Luca Toni hit the crossbar for Italy; an Italian goal was disallowed for an offside; France were denied a second penalty in the 53rd minute when Florent Malouda went down in the box.

After the regulation 90 minutes, the score was level at 1-1, forcing extra time to be played. Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon made a stunning save in extra time when Zidane directed a powerful header on target. The extra time proved goal-less and a penalty shootout followed to decide the match, which Italy won 5-3. It was the first all-European final since Italy won the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and only the second final (1994 was first) to be decided on penalties.

Italy's World Cup success can be attributed to a real team effort: their 12 goals throughout the tournament were scored by 10 different players, and the famed Italian defence, organized by captain Fabio Cannavaro, greatly contributed to the team's final win, just as it had in earlier matches.

The most discussed moment of the final was Zidane's angry reaction to comments made by Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Near the end of extra time, Zidane headbutted Materazzi in the chest in an off-the-ball incident. Referee Horacio Elizondo did not see the confrontation, but sent Zidane off based on the intervention of the fourth official Luis Medina Cantalejo. Materazzi's exact words are not publicly known. Zidane alleged they were insults to his family, and FIFA concluded they were not of a racist nature. Both players received fines and suspensions for their actions.

The tournament once again proved that European teams dominate on European soil, while South American teams dominate on non-European soil, a trend broken only once with Brazil's win at the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden.

Although the host nation failed to repeat its 2002 trip to the final match, many counted Germany as one of the winners of this World Cup for organizing such a smooth tournament. The stadia and transportation systems were fantastic, and the German people were constantly lauded for their hospitality and enthusiasm. One big innovation, which South Africa has already declared it will emulate, were the Fan Fests. Germany also benefited by the sudden increase in patriotic spirit with unprecedented flag waving whenever the German team played.

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