Campione!

And so we have it. The new champions of the world, Italy! It was only the second Final in the history of the World Cup to be decided on penalties, and it was a match filled with drama and excitement, a fitting way to end a wonderful World Cup. It will also be remembered for a dramatic and inglorious end to Zidane's career.

France started the match in the best way possible, scoring in the 7th minute through a penalty taken by none other than Zidane. Italy did well to fight back and equalise, then went on to dominate the first half. The second half and extra time was by large dominated by France, but they failed to break down the resolute Italian defence.

Moments after almost scoring for France in extra time with a great leaping header, Zidane showed again just what a great header he was by headbutting Materazzi. Utter stupidity by Zidane. Granted, Materazzi did grab him and then said something to him, but Zidane as a great professional should have known better than to do that. Adding to the fact it was his last game and a World Cup Final at that with his team tied at 1 - 1, he surely has won the stupid moment of the year award.

Italy did well to win the penalty shootout by scoring all 5 penalties, considering their bad record at penalties. I disagree with people who say that penalty shootouts are a lottery. They aren't. Penalty shootouts are a skill and discipline of football, a test of your mental ability. So although I said I hoped it wouldn't come to penalties, it isn't because I think penalties aren't a good way to solve a game due to their lottery nature. It's because I'd rather see a game settled the normal way, despite my disagreeing that penalties are a lottery.

So congratulations to Italy, who I think are worthy champions, for winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup.