It was on this day in 2006 that the finals for the World Cup were held at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.  Italy defeated France in penalty kicks to capture their fourth World Cup title.

France was awarded a penalty kick just seven minutes into the match and French captain Zinedine Zidane capitalized, giving the French squad an early 1-0 lead.  However, the Italians would capitalize just 12 minutes later when Marco Materazzi headed in a corner kick off the boot off Andrea Pirlo.  Both teams had chances to go ahead, but the game remained tied after 90 minutes and would need extra time.  In extra time, Zidane was red carded for a head-butt to the chest of Materazzi after he allegedly insulted his sister.

No team scored in extra time and therefore the World Cup would be decided by a penalty shootout.  David Trezeguet of France missed his kick, which opened the door for the Italians.  Fabio Grosso stepped up and buried it into the top corner to crown the Italians as World Champions.

Here is Fabio Grosso’s World Cup winning penalty kick.

Notable Birthdays

Trent Green, NFL – Born July 9th 1970 (age 42) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Pete Kendall, NFL – Born July 9th 1973 (age 39) in Quincy, Massachusetts

Kelly Holcomb, NFL – Born July 9th 1973 (age 39) in Fayetteville, Tennessee