Berlin, Germany (My Sportsbook) - Despite receiving a red card in the World Cup final, France captain Zinedine Zidane captured the 2006 adidas Golden Ball award. The 34-year-old midfielder won the vote for the best player at this year's tournament by journalists from across the world. Italian skipper Fabio Cannavaro finished in second place, while teammate Andrea Pirlo came in third. Zidane scored a seventh minute penalty kick during France's loss to Italy on Sunday, before being sent off the field in extra time for head butting Marco Materazzi. The goal was Zidane's second converted spot kick in as many matches and was the fastest goal in a World Cup final since 1974. In the '74 match, the first goal was scored in just the second minute. With the goal, Zidane became the fourth player to score three goals in World Cup final history. The final marked Zidane's last competitive match. |
