Despite a nail-biting and disheartening beginning, where France was awarded a penalty kick, Italy fought back to tie it within the first half and held on defensively throughout regulation time and overtime. Another shot scored for Italy was ruled off sides, and some people's hopes were fading as it looked definite for penalty decision. The overhyped, sore loser, 'Great' Zidane head butted Materazzi in the worst display of poor sportsmanship I'd expect to see in a tournament of this magnitude. True believers knew this was Italy's year, and when it came down to penalty kicks...the worst way to end a championship of any kind...the Italians proved to be victorious, breaking their losing streak. After a 1-1 tie, the penalties had a 5-3 victory for the Azzurri! Although I thought Buffon would have the block of a penatly kick from France, in the end it was thanks to an off shot off the top bar. Nonetheless, the Italians fought hard through all games, and deserved to win. In my opinion, the Blue Squad has the best defense out there. Cannavaro should have been awarded the Golden Ball, not Zidane, who's 'stellar' career ends in shame. Too bad the votes were done Monday morning before the game. I guess he'll just have to settle for the golden trophy of the World Cup. ;) Overall, what a great tournament of play! I thoroughly enjoyed watching all teams, young and old, skilled and not so much so, and compared to four years ago, ESPN did a much better job at coverage. However, their overtly Pro-American attitude and focus on Brazil and Zidane, was ridiculously over the top, and rather than choosing to focus on the hard work and master skill shown by the Italians, they instead focused on the scandal back home and talked of Zidane costing France the championship. Blatant disregard for the winners of the title is outlandish. I would have felt the same way if the situations were reversed. The winners of the Cup should be the star of the show, grabbing the headlines, not the childish behavior of some should-have-stayed-retired, past-his-prime jack ass. All American announcers who talked ceaselessly about this guy should be eating their words right now. I think the guys at Telemundo did a spectacular job at covering the games, showing more enthusiasm, knowledge, love and joy for the sport of soccer, no matter what team was winning. I can't wait for four years from now when it all begins again! 2010 - South Africa! Let's hope for a repeat!! Forza Azzurri!!