WC2006: Auf wiedersehen!

It was over. 5 weeks of intensive football matches was closed by a dramatic final in Berlin.

And the results were: Italy lifted up the trophy again after 24 years. German duo-strikers received awards: Podolski as young player of the tournament and Klose as top scorer with 5 goals. Buffon took the best goal-keeper, eventhough he didn't able to save any of French's penalty. While Zizou was named as best player.

The final itself was full with dramas. 2 goals in the first 20 minutes, Italy was 1-0 behind after Materazzi fouled Malouda inside the box. Zizou converted penalty, before Materazzi levelled with a header from a Pirlo corner. The match went extra time.

Within 2nd period of extra time Zizou was red-carded after head-butting Materazzi in the chest. This was odd. Apparently Zizou was losing his coolness after the two had exchanged words with 10 minutes left of extra time. At the end Italy won 5-4 in penalty shoot-out. After Trezeguet missed his, Grosso -who put Germany out in last minute in semi- scored the winning penalty.

So, life comes back to normal cycle. No more 3 am matches. No more jeering, cheering and disappointing-sigh from our next door neighbour (yes, they were watching too!). At least until Euro 2008 start.