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France 2006 World Cup Campaign

The France national team had a dramatic 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign, reaching the final before losing to Italy in a heartbreaking penalty shootout (5-3) after a 1-1 draw in regulation. The tournament marked the final international appearance of Zinedine Zidane, who was sent off in extra time for his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi. Despite the disappointing ending, Les Bleus put in a remarkable run, defeating top teams like Spain, Brazil, and Portugal along the way.

🏆 France’s 2006 World Cup Journey

• Group Stage: Started slowly with draws vs. Switzerland (0-0) and South Korea (1-1) before a 2-0 win over Togo secured qualification.
• Round of 16: France 3-1 Spain – Zidane put in a masterclass performance, scoring and assisting in a comeback victory.
• Quarterfinals: France 1-0 Brazil – A stunning Zidane assist set up Thierry Henry’s winner against the defending champions.
• Semifinals: France 1-0 Portugal – A Zidane penalty sent France to the final.
• Final: France 1-1 Italy (3-5 on penalties) – Zidane scored a Panenka penalty, but Materazzi equalized before the dramatic red card for Zidane.

⚽ Key Players of the Squad

• Zinedine Zidane (Captain, Playmaker, Final World Cup)
• Thierry Henry (Striker, Arsenal legend)
• Patrick Vieira (Midfield powerhouse)
• Claude Makélélé (Defensive midfield master)
• Franck Ribéry (Breakout young star)
• Lilian Thuram (Defensive leader)
• Fabien Barthez (Goalkeeper)
• David Trezeguet (Missed the crucial penalty in the final)
• William Gallas & Eric Abidal (Solid defense)

🔶 Legacy of the 2006 Campaign

Despite falling short in the final, France’s resurgence in the knockout rounds made this one of their most memorable World Cup runs. Zidane’s exit was both iconic and tragic, as he won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player but ended his career with a red card in the final. The squad’s defensive strength and tactical discipline laid the foundation for France’s future success, culminating in their 2018 World Cup victory.