Zidane marks shameful end to glittering career

However, despite the shameful end to an otherwise glittering career, the 34-year-old midfielder polled 2012 points in the Golden Ball vote by journalists.

He beat Italian players Fabio Cannavaro (1977 points) and Andrea Pirlo (715 points) in the ballot, which was carried out at half-time and, perhaps crucially, before Zidane's fateful head-butt.

The former international player of the year and 1998 World Cup winner announced last month that he was retiring from football after the tournament.

Zidane put France ahead during the opening minutes of the game, but was sent off after head-butting Italian rival Marco Materazzi during the tense second period of extra time, which ended in a stalemate 1-1.

It was to be Zidane's last act as a professional player and, as he sat in the locker room during the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Italy went on to claim the World Cup title.

The most gifted player of his generation, playing his final match on the world stage, will now be remembered for his one moment of unbridled fury, something the French press are unlikely to let him forget.

"The blue angel turned into a devil," Le Parisien wrote Monday of the star player's action.

"We were left speechless by such stupidity," Le Figaro added.

"What should we tell our children, for whom you have become an example for ever?" L'Equipe asked. "How could that happen to a man like you?"

Provocation

Seconds before Zidane's head-butt, Materazzi had grabbed Zidane's jersey just as a French attack on goal passed harmlessly by.

"I don't know what Materazzi said to Zidane," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "But it's a shame. It's sad. He (Materazzi) did a lot of acting and for such a big man, a gust of wind made him fall over. It's regrettable."

Whatever the provocation, the effect was never in doubt. Yet few people actually saw the head-butt happen, and those who did could not believe their eyes.

But while referee Horacio Elizondo tried to sort out the chaotic scene on the field, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ran to the assistant referee along the sideline and began pleading his team's case.

Replays available on television screens around the stadium made it easy. Elizondo walked over for a brief consultation with his assistant, and no sooner did that end than he walked up to Zidane, brandished a red card and banished him from the field.

Zidane barely protested. Slowly, he turned toward the exit leading to the locker room and began the long walk. A few times, he turned his eyes skyward.

Amid a growing din of whistles, catcalls and shouts, he yelled a few words at the heavens.

Asked whether the French national team missed the player who led them to a World Cup title on home soil back in 1998, Domenech didn't hesitate.

"Yes,'' he replied, "but we missed him the last 20 minutes. That weighed heavily in the balance.''

Materazzi has a well-earned reputation as nasty player in Italy's tough Serie A, and his role in the ugly drama was nowhere near as surprising as Zidane's.

He was suspended for two months in 2004 after punching an opponent and conceded earlier in the tournament, "I can't tell you how many times my kids have been told at school that I'm a monster."

"You make mistakes in life," Materazzi added. "But then you have to purify yourself, without seeking revenge. Everyone has their destiny."

Previous winners of the Golden Ball award include Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who won in 2002, Brazilians Ronaldo (1998) and Romario ('94) and Italy's Salvatore Schillaci ('90).

Italian fans celebrate in Canada

Meanwhile, jubilant Italian fans packed the streets across Canada after Italy's 5-3 shoot-out win on Sunday.

On Toronto's College Street, police blocked off nine blocks to traffic as thousands of fans clad in flags, jerseys and anything Italian marched, danced and sang in the streets.

In Montreal, Italian fans did victory laps on St. Catherine Street to taunt French fans.

As they honked and waved the red, white and green flag of Italy from car windows, Quebecers who supported their French-speaking cousins tried to put on a brave face.

In Vancouver's little Italy, Commercial Drive rocking with people blowing fog horns, popping champagne bottles and waving Italian flags.

A few particularly enthusiastic fans were hoisted onto newspaper stands to show off a make-shift World Cup, covered in tinfoil.

In Edmonton, streets were crowded as hundreds celebrated outside the area's packed and popular coffee bars.

And in Halifax, more than 150 people at the Italian Canadian Cultural Association erupted in a deafening cheer when it was clear their home country had won.

With files from the Associated Press