Given that most finals since 1986 have been rather drab affairs it was not right to have great expectations from this Italy Vs France final either. But it was a pleasant surprise. The match had all the elements of a potential blockbuster movie. A host of stars, who wanted a last hurrah, retiring after the match, added further spice. Also, Italy had not lost a match since 1986 in normal time (shootout in 90, 94 and 98; golden goal in 2002)

The match almost started with a penalty. France was awarded one in the 5^th minute. Zidane took an audacious shot and gave France a lead. Given that France had already had matches were all they did was hold on to a 1-0 advantage, there were fears that the rest of the match could be the same. But Italy came back very strongly and equalized by the 20^th minute. Materazzi, the guy who conceded the penalty, headed home a goal, how filmyJ The Italians then tried to get a lead of their own but that was not to be. The French defense of the set pieces was particularly awful. Every time Italy got a corner or free kick you sensed there was an opportunity but somehow they failed (once thwarted by crossbar also). Barthez was his usual incompetent self (the goal could have been saved).

Second half had the French coming out with more purpose but the famed Italian defence held on magnificently. I have to admit that no other team has given me so much joy in seeing tackles. The way Italians do is plain awesome. Cannavaro is the best defender in the world and I think he will get the golden ball as well. The match meandered towards extra time in spite of Italians getting Del Peiro, Iaquinta and De Rossi (back after serving a 4 match ban) in for a more attacking formation.

Extra time saw the moment of the day. With less than 10 minutes remaining, something possessed Zidane and he head butted Materazzi. Zidane was promptly and rightly sent off to end his illustrious career in a disgusting manner. What a shame! You don’t expect someone of this stature to end his career in this way.

But the match then went to penalties to give a sense of déjà vu. The only other final to go to shootout was 1994 were Italy had lost (thanks to Baggio and Baresi missing penalties) to Brazil and Italy had a poor record in shootouts. You got the sense that the goalies would be the difference but how wrong was that! Both of them did not have to do anything. It was amazing penalty taking. France missed their regular takers like Zidane(sent off), Henry and Viera (Substituted) but still were good. Only the second one taken by Trezuguet was missed. As Grosso stepped forward the tension was palpable and he had the whole nation’s expectations riding on his shoulders. He coolly slotted home to start wild celebrations. Italy had won a shootout 5-3 in WC, an achievement in itselfJ, but in the final made it all the more sweeter for them. France played well but just didn’t look threatening to take it past the Italians. A good match to end a fantastic WC!