This tactic did not work against the determined and well-coordinated Italians in the Finals. They enfiladed the French defense time and again, particularly Materazzi and Grosso. The second half saw the French in a more aggressive mode, but to no avail. The lack of anger management by Zidane may have various reasons, from racial taunts to close marking by Materazzi, but had he and his fellow mid-fielders been given more support by his team-mates, they might have been able to finish the game victors.
As it stands, Italy takes home the Cup, and Zizou leaves soccer, perhaps under a cloud, more likely with lasting respect. The Wikipedia article on Zidane has been temporarily restricted due to vandalism, and bistros across Europe, and indeed, the world, will debate the state of football for a long time to come.
Postscript: Another reason for Italy's victory may come from somewhat unexpected quarters. Loyal Congressmen in India, and even Umesh Thackeray's Sainiks (taking a respite from exercising their right to protest), offered prayers all day for Italy's victory, given that their Dear Leader, and India's bahu, Sonia Gandhi hails from the land of pizza and Vespa, and today, Grosso.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Why Italy Won: Defense.
The only goals scored against during the entire contest were self-inflicted and a penalty shot.
What on earth did Materazzi? A world axiously waits.
2 - tommyd
Materazzi scored his goal on a header while he was blatantly fouling the French defender. How Materazzi was able to wrap his arm around the Frenchman and push him down while heading in the ball and never get called for the foul is quite an amazing feat. Maybe Materazzi is friendly with the referees. I hear many Italian players are friendly with referees in Italy's leagues.
3 - Douglas Mays
The call on the Italian leading to the French penalty kick was quite questeionable. tommyd, OK, you think Materazzi fouled Thuram (god, his defense in the '98 world cup was amazing) on the header? I didn't see a penalty, Materazzi just had the height and the ability.
Anyway, I didn't see any penalty (just like there was no penalty against Italy even though one was called). I'll keep an eye for that watching the hi-lite films.
4 - The Big Cheese
Why Italy won?
Because they are the best.
5 - Marry
we won cuzz italy is the best team and no one can bet france like italians
6 - Aaman
free pizza?
7 - Douglas Mays
Well, no reason to start a war over it or anything. The result was about right. The French have been getting their goals on penalty kicks. The Italians score on a set play. That is a bit tougher.
Zidane sure pulls a weird one. Karma killed the French.
The match could have gone either way. But judging by the drama of events, it came out how it was suppossed to.
8 - BBCSPORTS
Why Italy won?
Because they got lucky!
and because they paid the Ref.
italy won was because they're the BIGGEST fakers alive! They must practice it as they're best strategie, hopeing for a free kick, penalty, or red card. for example Materazzi- you must be italian to have the nerve to tell zidane what he had said. what kind of a sick mind can you have? and dont you italian fans worry, something big is gunna happen to italy's reputation because of this. and i am writing italy in lowercase letters because they dont deserve to be capitolized!
9 - pat
maybe noone will read this but you now what whoever here is saying we paid the refs is because your all JEALOUS!!!!!
SOON IT WILL MAKE 1 YEAR SIAM CAMPIONI DEL MONDO.SIAM CAMPIONI DEL MONDO!!!!!!!!POPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPO!!!!
ZIDANE ZIDANE VAFANGULOOO!!!!