Italy at the FIFA World Cup game, equalised with a powerful header soon after, and provoked Zidane in a manner that lead to the French captain being sent off. He also scored in the penalty-shootout that was to follow. It was only the second time a World Cup final was decided on penalties, again involving Italy after the 1994 final lost to Brazil. Paolo Maldini is the player with the third-most matches at FIFA World Cups, trailing only behind the Germans Lothar Matthäus (25) and Miroslav Klose (24). This also makes him the player with the most World Cup matches who has never won the trophy.
2014 FIFA World Cup awards 2014 FIFA World Cup awards The following article outlines the awards for the 2014 FIFA World Cup played in Brazil from 12 June to 15 July 2014. The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament: The adidas Golden Ball is given to the outstanding player at the FIFA World Cup. The players who finish second and third are given the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball respectively. On 11 July 2014, the FIFA Technical Study Group announced the ten-player shortlist for the Golden Ball award. The adidas Golden Boot is given to the top goalscorer at the FIFA