Ok... I am gonna say it. Zidane sinks it for France.

I don't like blaming individuals for a loss but after watching the game, it is just painfully obvious.

For most of the final World Cup match, France just dominated Italy on the field. Then in the 110th minute, in overtime, Zidane gives in to provocation and head butts Meterazzi, knocking him to the ground. The middle ref didn't see it but a linesman apparently did. The replay showed it in its entirety. There is no mistaking it. Zidane was red carded, sent off the field, and France loses its central ball control. After Zidane's departure, the French offense lost a fair amount of its superiority in the final minutes of play. Italy was able to hold France off until the shoot out, where Italy triumphed.

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