2006 World Cup Final Match
A night of red cards, golden goals, and the birth of Italy's fourth world crown.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup Final stands as the crowning achievement in the history of the Italian national team, securing their fourth world title. Played on July 9, 2006, at Berlin's Olympiastadion, this match saw Italy face off against France in a tense, dramatic encounter that will be remembered for its tactical brilliance and emotional volatility.
- Event
- 2006 FIFA World Cup Final
- Date
- July 9, 2006
- Venue
- Olympiastadion, Berlin
- Opponent
- France
- Result
- Italy won on penalties (5-3)
- Score_After_Extra_Time
- 1-1
- Man_of_the_Match
- Gianluigi Buffon
Lore & Background
The victory marked a redemption for a squad that had been criticized in previous tournaments. It cemented the legacy of the 'Azzurri' as masters of defensive organization and clinical finishing under pressure. The celebration in Berlin was raw and emotional, uniting a country behind a team that had conquered the world stage once again.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Olympiastadion was thick with anticipation as the clock ticked past the hour mark. Marco Materazzi rose above the French defense, connecting perfectly with a cross from Gennaro Gattuso. The ball nestled into the net, and the roar of Italian fans echoed across Berlin. Minutes later, the tension spiked again as France equalized, sending the game to a shootout where every kick felt like a lifetime.
Reader's Guide
Trophy: FIFA World Cup (2006) Opponent: France Key Scorers: Marco Materazzi (Italy), Thierry Henry (France) Metric: Penalty Shootout Winner Holder: Italy (5-3 on penalties) The match ended 1-1 after extra time, making it the first World Cup Final decided by a shootout since 1994. Gianluigi Buffon's performance in goal was pivotal, saving two of four French attempts.
Did You Know?
- It is the only World Cup Final where the Man of the Match (Buffon) did not score or assist but saved penalties to win.
- Zinedine Zidane's red card remains one of the most infamous moments in football history, ending his career on a controversial note.
- Marco Materazzi scored the winning goal in extra time, despite being the target of Zidane's headbutt earlier.
More in Honours & Records
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