2006 World Cup final retold through readers’ memories in ‘9 juillet 2006’ | OneFootball

An online documentary gathers memories of 9 July 2006, when France faced Italy in the World Cup final, a night defined by Zinédine Zidane’s headbutt.

According to L'Équipe, ‘9 juillet 2006’ weaves about 30 videos revisiting the 1-1 draw, Italy’s 5-3 win on penalties, and the shock that lingered.

One contribution recalls a father who, worried about how the French public would react, prepared letters and drawings to send to Zidane that same night.

Another, Sébastien, an opera singer working on a cruise ship off Alaska during the tournament, bought internet cards to stream matches from his cabin. He says it cost a fortune and he believes he spent a month’s salary.

Olivier remembers smashing his neighbours’ patio door after hurling a remote in fury. Gabriel’s brother was so moved by the final that he embarked on a tragedy in alexandrines about Les Bleus, a project that took 10 years.

There are more twists, from Thibaut ending up in police custody with Italian fans before an improbable reversal, to Jean-François heading to Berlin on a whim.

The collection also features testimonies from figures involved, including Robert Duverne, plus pieces on Pascal Chimbonda’s surprise and Franck Ribéry’s emergence, Italy’s viewpoint, and an inquiry into Marco Materazzi’s words.

Source: L'Équipe