Jul 9, 2006, 22:12 GMT
Berlin - Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo was named FIFA's Man of the Match for his pivotal role in Italy's 5-3 penalty shootout victory over France on Sunday night.
Pirlo was a commanding presence throughout the campaign, but 'saved one of his best performances for the biggest match of all,' FIFA said in its citation.
Pirlo combined with fellow AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso to frustrate France's Zinedine Zidane and Frank Ribery, severely limiting their ability to create chances for striker Thierry Henry, who was restricted to just two shots in 106 minutes.
The midfielder also added the attacking dimension that Italy needed, 'including the magnificent outswinging corner that Marco Materazzi headed home in the 19th minute to equalise Zidane's seventh-minute penalty,' FIFA said.
With the eyes of the world focused on him, Pirlo stepped up to convert the first spot-kick for Italy, setting them on the path to their 5-3 shootout win.
'Pirlo offered great performances throughout the tournament,' said FIFA Technical Study Group member Jozef Venglos. 'He moved very well, he provided the assist on the goal, he scored the first penalty, and he showed some great moves.'
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