The results of the recently concluded 2006 World Cup in Germany were generally predictable, sports analysts say; nevertheless, this year’s grand one-month football tournament was unforgettable on its own. This year, Italy led by former player Marcello Lippi again makes history for the fourth time by defeating France with a score of 5-3 in an unforgettable penalty shootout. Germany, the host country of the 18th FIFA World Cup, ranks third while Portugal ranks fourth.

Aside from the breathtaking matches, this year’s World Cup is also marked by its greatest number of fouls and expulsions. The most prominent was France’s star soccer player Zinedine Zidane’s expulsion in the final match, which could have been his final and best match before his retirement if he had not headbutted Italian player Marco Meterazzi in the chest. And there’s the dirty match between Portugal and Netherlands last June 25, Sunday that saw a record of 16 yellow cards and four red cards. Each team had two players ejected.

By guest writer Khristine