Despite being second best on the pitch in the final Italy persevered and defeated a game France side in penalties 5-3. Yes, its always less than satisfying to have the tournament (any tournament for that matter) end this way but the ugliness of the final match was really a fitting statement on the world's game.
For that matter, the moment of madness by Zidane in the second 15 minute extra time period put the exclamation point on it, didn't it?
In a World Cup that produced little in the way of truly inspiring and top class soccer (Germany and Argentina produced the most watchable and pleasing performances) this 2006 version of the game's showcase event will be forever remembered by its true colors: yellow and red.
As FIFA told the world (and apparently their select match officials) before the first ball was kicked they were going to enforce the rules of the game to try to eliminate the persistent fouling, and punish the all to prevalent "simulation". Well, they sure made a gallant effort on that first goal showing 345 yellows and 28 reds in the 64 matches, both records. Despite that strong message from FIFA and the multitude of cards, yellow and red, the players simply refused to play the game straight up. In the end FIFA and its on field officials take it on the chin for attempting to ensure the game is played, and punishment for infractions is meted out, according to the rules.
Unfortunately, there was little punishment for the second throughout with the most egregious attempts to deceive punished by little more than the signal to get up. Unless and until FIFA gets really serious about ending the play acting and deceit it will continue to be far too big a part of the professional game. There is very little downside to the "simulation" and much to be gained so it continues to be far too big a part of the game.
And that is no credit to anyone, certainly not to FIFA and surely not to the game itself.
Since FIFA refuses to use video perhaps the suggestions for additional pairs of eyes, which has been tested by FIFA in live games in various parts of the world should be implemented.
The Final's opening goal was won on a fine "sell job" by Maluda and conversion of the PK by Zidane. Frankly, Maluda actually was fouled in the box later in the match (in extra time in fact) and there was no call, no PK when it was clearly warranted. This is that schizophrenic nature of the enforcement of the rules of the game that drives me nuts.
But, I've said this before recently, the fans seem to love it. As if to put the final touch to the story, the journalists voted Zidane the World Cup 2006 Golden Ball award for the best player! Can you believe such nonsense? Zidane scored one goal from the run of play and cashed in two Pks while playing his role for France rather well, but "the Best Player"? You've got to be kidding me. Plus, as if to shrug off the madness we all witnessed in extra time by Zidane, they still vote him this award! Despite the shame of his madness he gets rewarded! One thing is certain from such a sign of disrespect of the game and FIFA itself rewarding such behavior will surely only mean we'll see more of it.
The journalists had to find a way to rescue Zidane from himself and their building him up to epic proportions so they did. And thats not a good thing.
What about Italy's Fabio Grosso? Germany's Phillip Lahm? Yeah, Grosso, not Cannavaro who is being hailed as the games best defender by most. Oh, Cannavaro may truly be the anchor of the world's best defense and he played his role better than anyone else, but the Golden Ball?
The diminutive Lahm was Germany's most consistent and influential player. Lahm impressed in every game and don't forget he got the spark going for his team when he scored the 2006 World Cup's opening goal. His constant presence in the offensive end from his left back position and his good passing and fine crosses kept the pressure on the opponents. His ability to play either left or right back has managers all over Europe dialing his number. I don't know about you but from what we saw in this World Cup I'd much rather have Lahm than Ballack.
Ok, then why Grosso? Well, as Italy's left back this guy was into the offense more than Francesco Totti. He's the guy that won the penalty with only seconds remaining in extra time in the match with Australia. He made that last ditch run that made that possible as time was ticking away. He's the guy that buried that marvelous left footed curling drive in extra time to end Germany's run in the semifinal. He also scored with his head helping Italy win their group. And, he's the guy that calmly buried that last PK to win the Cup for Italy!
As good as Italy was in this World Cup (other than the final itself that is) they would never have been there if it had not been for the fine individual efforts of Fabio Grosso.
He's not Totti, Toni, Gilardino, Del Piero, or Pirlo but he was the biggest of keys for the winner of the World Cup 2006. And he's surely not Zidane who shamed the game and himself.
Plus his team actually won the World Cup
