Former France manager Raymond Domenech recalled the 2006 World Cup final in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport today.
Domenech, who was in charge when Italy pipped his France side to World Cup glory on penalties 11 years ago firstly spoke on who he believes the best player was that day alongside being the toughest player his sides faced during his ongoing 32-year managerial career.
“Marco Materazzi was the best player in the 2006 World Cup final. He scored, got Zinedine Zidane sent off and scored a penalty: he was the best.”
The final also infamously saw Zidane headbutt Materazzi on his final game as a professional and Domenech was asked if he thinks VAR would have made a difference.
“The decision was right, but it wasn’t right to use video. If there’s a rule, it’s for everyone or no-one at all.”
Former Inter player Andrea Pirlo also announced his retirement during the week and Domench also spoke on him,
“He was a great but not the best Italian of his generation. I met him when he played for the Under 21s, he denied me glory at the Olympics in 2000 with a goal.”
