A New Dawn

Finally a final that lives up to our expectations. Both teams were equal in strength and skill. Both equally determined. Both have reached the finals showcasing some of footballs beautiful moments. Moments that football fans live for.

Midfielders splitting defences like a hot knife to butter. Tackles came in hard, clean and well timed by both team's hardmen. Strikers taking shots with their all, smashing woodwork and deflecting off some of the toughest of defenders. The refereeing was at its best the tournement had to offer. Horacio Elizondo marshalled both teams with an eye of a hawk. Not missing the subtle handball Luca Toni tried to get away with. No 'Hand of God' assistance this year. Zizou caressed the ball like a masterful lover, dribbling and loosing his markers like a ghost in the night. Gone is the speed from his aged legs but the silky smooth skills still gets the crowd roaring for more.

Cannavaro on the other hand marshalled Italy's defence like a General, keeping the likes of Henry, Malouda & Ribery out of harms way. Any attack or shots that escaped him was well covered by Gigi Buffon. Outstanding stuff. Stuff of Legends. The Azzurri may have defended well but that didn't mean they didn't come out attacking too with Luca Toni and Pirlo coming close. A very fast paced match which both teams performing well.

Extra time saw Zizou having two powerful headers on target, one saved beautifully by Gigi Buffon and the other landed in the chest of Matarazzi which winded him and had Zizou walking off the pitch with his chin close to his chest. Something Matarazzi said blew his fuse. A sad sending off for a great man, for that one moment of madness. Apart from this one moment, players from both teams entertained the world with joga bonito. Italy then went on to win the Cup of Life outshooting France 5-3 in the shoot out.

All hail the Warriors of France & Italy.

FIFA 2006 World Cup Awards.

Balon d'Or...player of the tournament - Zinedine Zidane, a great send off for a great man. A Legend. Could have done without the send off in the dying minutes of his final game for Les Bleus.

Golden Shoe - Miroslav Kloser (Germany)
Most Entertaining Team - Portugal...the officials must be from Hollywood.
Best Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Best Young Player - Lukas Podolski (Germany)