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.
2006 FIFA World Cup disciplinary record 2006 FIFA World Cup disciplinary record Sanctions against foul play at the 2006 FIFA World Cup are in the first instance the responsibility of the referee, but when he deems it necessary to give a caution, or dismiss a player, FIFA keeps a record and may enforce a suspension. Referee decisions are generally seen as final. However FIFA's Technical Study Group may additionally penalise players for offences unpunished by the referee. A player receiving a red card is automatically suspended for the next match. FIFA does not allow for appeals of red cards except in the case of mistaken identity.