In what is quite assuredly one of the most eventful final of modern times, Italy prevailed in the penalty shoot-outs (yes, the penalty shoot-outs) and thereby transcended the foot-shaped nation into a brilliant shade of blue. Only understandable since they have waited twenty-four years for this moment.

Based on facts alone it was only the second World Cup final decided on penalties but that should not take anything away from a match that was every bit as engaging as any of the best.

After Colombian singer Shakira had wowed the crowd in a well-organised closing ceremony the match started in explosively anti-climatic circumstances. Thierry Henry collapsed to the ground in a heap after running into Fabio Cannavaro with ten seconds on the clock. The Frenchman looked winded but after a brief few moments where he looked likely to leave the fray, Henry returned.

And France took the lead not long after although a clear dive by Florent Malouda to win the penalty will have done little for the referee's confidence. But penalty it was and up stepped Zinedine Zidane to slot home the coolest of penalty kicks -- his delicate little chip hitting the underside of the bar, dropping in beyond the goalline and then bouncing out. Coolness personified and you don't get anything done with more style than that. But then that's why he is Zidane.

The Italians countered as they always do and always looked dangerous before they drew level before the twenty-minute mark. Andrea Pirlo's hanging ball from a corner finding a leaping Marco Materazzi. The man nicknamed Matrix headed beyond Barthez and over Ribery for the equaliser.

Little did we know then how big a role both goalscorers would have to play in events that transpired later on in the evening.

The Italians sensed a weakness and kept pursuing aerial balls into the French area. Pirlo, with his dynamic distribution and Toni always on hand to receive the long balls from the back. And Materazzi always looked a danger at set piece, the defender yet again beating Barthez but finding a foot on the line. Italy also hit the woodwork courtesy Luca Toni with a header from a corner.

The first half was all Italy but the tide changed from then on. France, led by an inspired Theirry Henry who for once managed to replicate his club form and a resolute Zidane looked dangerous. Malouda and Ribery both played exceptionally with clever and tireless running. France ripped into the Italians time and again and almost looked on the verge of scoring on numerous occasions; only to be denied by either Cannavaro or Buffon.

The match rolled onto extra time and the French continued pressing for a winner with Zidane presented with the best opportunity after a right wing cross from Sagnol found him unmarked. Although the Real man got his header well on target, Buffon pulled off a remarkable save to keep Italy in the tie.

And how vital it was to prove.

With ten minutes remaining in the match and France very much on top, Zinedine Zidane showed the dark side of genius. He must have been provoked but that in no way explains the heinous headbutt that he handed out to Marco Materazzi. Zidane, reminiscent of 'El Toro' used his Spanish experiences in a different manner and may have gorged Matrix had he had horns!

Anyhow, after much debate, there was an expulsion and Zinedine Zidane walked off the pitch in his final appearance. There was a sense of shock in the air as the greatest player of the last decade left the pitch with his head held not as high as he would have wanted.

As the commentator later put it, "Zidane won one World Cup but now he has lost another."

France ceased to attack from then on and played out the full quota of time to take the match onto penalties.

To be honest, Fabian Barthez never looked like stopping a penalty kick and although Buffon didn't come close either it was left for David Trezeguet to hit the bar and consign France to the runners-up spot.

Fabio Grosso, the surprise hero of the Italian campaign, stepped up to send Italy into cloud nine and did so with aplomb.

So yet again! Congratulations to the World Champions of 2006 -- Italy lifted their fourth World Championship crown.

In summary, it was a World Cup of few goals but no shortage of action or drama. Much may have been negative, but as far as big teams go, most of them made the quarterfinals. There were plenty of red cards and a plethora of yellow although not nearly as many goals as the opening match may have suggested, an average of 2.3 makes it the second lowest scoring World Cup. Much of it is due to the reluctance of coaches to using more than a single forward in their lineups preferring instead to use a more mobile 5-man midfield with a link up player. The days of attacking football may well and truly be gone.

Tactics as always played a crucial part and Marcello Lippi, arguably the best tactician won out in the end.

For a final word, you may ask: Did the best team win?

This is not the place for answers but as far as this World Cup went, it was about right that the team that played the strongest defensive game and did enough in attack in crucial times, almost always prevailed. History has shown us that much. Italy did that the best in this edition and for that they are just champions.

Anyhow, hope you enjoyed the World Cup as much as we did here!

Adios!

Till South Africa 2010!