Thousands of Maltese took to the streets in carcades to celebrate Italy’s win of the football FIFA World Cup held in Berlin on Sunday evening. Italy beat France 5-3 on penalties after the games was drawn 1-1 after 120 minutes of play.
 Maltese celebrations of a foreign football team’s success are part of Maltese culture, where in the absence of a successful Maltese national team, Maltese fans support Italy, England, Germany, Brazil and other foreign teams.
Italy has thus won its fourth title, the last one being in 1982, while France lost its chance to win the second title in eight years.
France’s performance was marred by the sending off of captain Zinedine Zidane, his last football match for his country before retirement, after he head-butted Italian defender Materazzi on his chest during extra time.
One can also see MaltaMedia's special feature: FIFA World Cup Germany: A Maltese Perspective.
See also:
Countdown to Italy versus France final
by MaltaMedia News - Jul 9, 2006, 16:52 CET
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