For my readers who for one reason or another were unable to watch the 2006 World Cup in Germany, I am providing a quick recap of the event.
Team USA stunk up the place and failed to advance by not scoring a single goal (except for an own goal in the match against Italy). Landon Donovan was a huge letdown and didn't even come close on any of his shots.
Brazil joga bonito'd until they met France's defense. Ronaldinho had flashes of brilliance but never did net a goal. Ronaldo (Fenomeno) proved he could still score (3 goals in the tournament) but may have been a hindrance to the team's fast-paced offensive attack.
France advanced to the finals on the outstanding play of Zidane and Henry (3 goals) but lost to Italy on penalty kicks when Trezeguet hit the inside of the crossbar and the ball barely bounced out. For the last minutes of play France was without their star, Zidane, who received a red card for head-butting Materazzi.
Italy played well throughout the cup and never surrendered a conventional goal. They beat Germany in the semi's in overtime play on a beautiful bender and a Del Piero rainbow shot.
