Germany 2006
Germany hosted the World Cup in 2006. Although expectations were low from the national team; coach Klinsmann captured the mood of the entire nation to lend a new attacking style to the team. They still managed to reach the semi-finals where they were beaten by Italy. Two goals from Fabio Grosso and Del PIero in extra-time secured the win. Italy entered the tournament on the back of the Calciopoli scandal. Lippi’s side showed immense team spirit together with Captain Fabio Cannavaro’s solid performances at the back. Meanwhile, Zidane was in inspirational form as he rolled back the years helping France get past Spain and Brazil. France defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the semi-finals coached by Luis Felipe Scolari, through a Zidane penalty. The Brazilian Ronaldo scored 3 goals in the tournament making him the greatest goal-scorer in World Cup history with 15 goals. Argentina were another side that impressed scoring two of the best goals of the tournament. Esteben Cambiasso finished a 24 pass move against Serbia and Montenegro while Maxi Rodriguez scored a scorching eft-footed volley against Mexico. The final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin started off with a penalty for France which Zidane converted beating Buffon. His goal was equalised by Marco Materazzi in the 19th minute. The match went into extra-time and the two goal-scorers then had a tiff which resulted in Zidane’s sending off for the infamous headbutt on Materazzi. The game was eventually won by Fabio Grosso’s kick in the penalty shoot-out after David Trezeguet hit the bar with his spot kick.
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Winners: Italy
Runners -Up: France
Golden Boot: Miroslav Klose (Ger)