Top 5 Controversial World Cup Moments on Anniversary of Zidane Headbutt on Materazzi

• Italy became World Cup winners for the fourth time on July 9, 2006, after beating France on penalties
• Zinedine Zidane's red card in the final game of his career marred any hope of a first triumph since 1998
• The Frenchman headbutted Marco Materazzi who has opened up on what transpired years afterwards

July 9 was the 17th anniversary of Italy's fourth World Cup triumph, with the Gli Azzurri beating France 5-1 on penalties after both sides played to a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

Zinedine Zidane put Les Bleus ahead in the 7th minute from the spot before Marco Materazzi equalised for the Italians. Both men clashed later in the game, with Zizou famously sent off.

Sports Brief examines five controversial FIFA World Cup moments, including Zidane's red card in Berlin, Germany.

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Football

1. Maradona's 'Hand of God', 1986

This was arguably the most significant controversy in a World Cup game. Diego Maradona scored the goal of the century in the 1986 quarter-final, taking out the entire English defence. He then scored an infamous goal via a handball, punching the ball above Peter Shilton. Argentina went on to win the tournament.

2. Suarez's handball, 2010

The Uruguayan forward denied Ghana the chance to make the history of being the first African nation to reach the semi-final, which Morocco later achieved last year, as reported by Goal. He handled the ball on the goal line in the last minute and was red-carded, but Asamoah Gyan missed the spot kick before the Black Stars lost the shootout.

3. Lampard's ghost goal, 2010

Germany were leading England 2-1 in the 2010 round of 16 when Frank Lampard hit a long-range shot that cannoned off the bar and touched down behind the goal line, but the referee waved 'play on' as Manuel Neuer quickly picked up the ball. According to Sports Mole, that goal led to the implementation of goal-line technology.

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4. Disgrace of Gijon, 1982

This was one of the catalysts for a change that exists until today. West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in the final group game in what was a pre-planned ploy to help both European nations qualify at the expense of Algeria. It led to FIFA ruling that final group games would be played simultaneously.

5. Zidane headbutts Materazzi, 2006

The France legend ended his career on a low. In the final game as a professional, he received his marching orders after headbutting the Italian defender. His absence cost Les Bleus the trophy and him a fairy-tale ending to his career.

Materazzi details 2006 incident

Sports Brief also reported on Materazzi discussing the infamous Zidane incident at the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin, Germany, which Italy won 5-3 on penalties.

He admitted that he did trash-talk Zidane, stating the French midfielder offered his jersey for a terrific performance but the defender said he wanted his sister instead.