World Cup 2006 Review

ZINEDINE ZIDANE signed off from football in the most dramatic fashion — but without the World Cup in his hands. The France legend had enjoyed one of the finest Indian summers to a career, singlehandedly leading his side to the final against Italy.

But just when his country were looking for their hero to produce one last star showing, he lost his head — or rather smashed it into the chest of Marco Materazzi.

Zidane's red card in extra-time was the prelude to Italy's 5-3 win on penalties, with Fabio Cannavaro the man to lift the trophy in Berlin.

It marked the fourth time the Azzuri have tasted World Cup glory and came on the back of a season which had seen their domestic game marred by a match-fixing scandal.

England went into the tournament expecting big things from their 'Golden Generation' — but typically had to sweat on the fitness of a star player in the build-up.

This time it was Wayne Rooney, who returned from a broken metatarsal to help Sven Goran Eriksson's men top their group.

A 1-0 victory over Ecuador sealed a quarter-final place, only for Portugal to break their hearts with a win on penalties — after Rooney had seen red for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho.

Italy's campaign, unlike their previous triumph in 1982, had started brightly with wins over Ghana and the Czech Republic and a draw with USA seeing them top Group A.

They needed a dodgy penalty to overcome Australia in the knockout stages before a 3-0 win over Ukraine set up their semi-final with Germany.

The hosts, who were widely praised for their staging of the tournament, were in terrific form and took the Italians to extra time.

But dramatic late goals from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero meant there was to be no reward for their hospitality.

France awaited them in the final, having started the tournament slowly before a switch in formation gave Zidane the license to roam.

The move proved devastating, with the old warhorse pulling the strings in wins over three fancied teams — Spain, Brazil and Portugal.

Zidane's penalty in the Berlin final but Les Blues 1-0 up, only for Materazzi's header to level things up.

But the duo were not done there, clashing late in the game to see the French reduced to 10 men.

Zidane was eventually named the player of the tournament — and there can be no doubting the impact he had.