Italy in the 2006 World Cup

How Italy won the 2006 World Cup and about the scandal of the 2002 World Cup

Rui Costa and Marco Materazzi

The iconic picture of Rui Costa and Materazzi together was actually taken during the UEFA Champions League semi-final match between AC Milan and Inter Milan in 2003.

In the second leg of the semi-final, which was held at the San Siro stadium, the match was tied at 1-1 in the 71st minute. Rui Costa, who was playing for AC Milan at the time, had possession of the ball when he collided with Marco Materazzi, who was playing for Inter Milan.

As the two players fell to the ground, Rui Costa was quick to help Materazzi back up to his feet. The moment was captured by photographers and has since become an iconic image of sportsmanship in football.

The picture symbolizes the idea that even in the midst of fierce competition, players can show respect and sportsmanship towards their opponents. It has become a reminder of the true spirit of football, where the game is not just about winning or losing, but also about the mutual respect between players and teams.

Marco Materazzi

Marco Materazzi is a former professional football player from Italy who is perhaps best known for his controversial clash with French football legend Zinedine Zidane during the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.

Materazzi was born on August 19, 1973, in Lecce, Italy, and began his professional football career with his hometown club, Lecce, in 1991. He went on to play for several other Italian clubs, including Perugia and Inter Milan over the course of his career, as well as for the Italian national team.

Materazzi was known for his tough and physical style of play, as well as his ability to score goals from set pieces. He was also known for his controversial behavior on the pitch, including his habit of provoking opponents with verbal taunts.

Despite the controversy surrounding the incident with Zidane, Italy went on to win the World Cup, with Materazzi playing a key role in the team's success. He retired from professional football in 2014, having won numerous domestic and international titles throughout his career, most importantly the Treble with Inter Milan in 2010.

My friend Waheed Almasri met him in Dubai and offered him my cartoon.

Zidane headbutt Materazzi

World Cup 2006 final which witnessed Italy winning it after beating France in penalties, had one of football's most famous moments "Zidane's headbutt". 

Italy's defender Marco Materazzi said something that provoked France Captain Zinedine Zidane and let Zidane to headbutt Materazzi and therefore he received a red card.

Head down, thumbs up: Sergi Roberto has been compared to one of the game's legends for his style of play.

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Zidane head butting Materazzi GIF

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France 2014 Tribute

Don't forget to watch GoalToons episode about France world cup history: 

 

Mourinho welcomes Benitez to Chelsea with Materazzi gift

 

Rafael Benitez takes charge of Chelsea for the first time on Sunday against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

And while Fernando Torres might be pleased to see his old Liverpool boss, others who have played under the Spaniard do not remember him quite so fondly.

Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi was "devastated" when Benitez replaced Jose Mourinho, who shared a joke with another former Nerazzurri star - City defender Maicon - at the new Chelsea boss' expense.

"Your friend Benitez is going to Chelsea," the Brazilian said to Mourinho, according to La Sexta.

The 49-year-old responded: "The fat one? Well then Materazzi should be his assistant."

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The scudettos brawls

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