I got some comments on my last posting. JOHN said that it would be pathetic to raise the question that a remark made by a player should be punished by changing the result of the game. I have to say: It's not me who demands that. It's FIFA's Disciplinary Code. But I'd like to raise another question: As players at WC level serve as role models for millions of kids around this planet shouldn't they be more aware of that? Zidane gave a terrible example on how to react to whatever Materazzi said. How long until a kid at school does the same thing - referring to Zizou? And if Materazzi said something rasict how should the Italian Federation or FIFA go about it? Of course nobody wants to rip Italy off their well deserved title. But isn't it absurd to have all those anti-racism campaigns surrounding the Cup if the major protagonists themselves act differently? PS: I don't say Materazzi made such a remark - I'm talking if ANY player did so.

Article 55, Paragraph 4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code reads as follows: "If any player, association or club official or spectator perpetrates any kind of discriminatory or contemptuous act as described by par. 1 and/or 2 of this article, three points will automatically be deducted from the team concerned, if identifiable, after the first offence. In the case of a second offence, six points will automatically be deducted, and for a further offence, the team will be relegated. In the case of matches without points, the team concerned, if identifiable, will be disqualified." If we get footage of Marco Materazzi actually making a racist remark in the direction of Zidane, wouldn't that mean that Italy had to be disqualified from the WC. Who wins in that case? France?

Sometimes a picture speaks more than a thousand words. In downtown Berlin tonight the Italians took over. Cheering and chanting, they are great winners. does this picture show "A Night at the Opera" or what?

As always, who is down first in regular time wins the PK - it's like a rule. Let's enjoy the moment. I'll be back with pics and perhaps audio later. Stay tuned. Adieu France. What an end to your career Monsieur Zidane...

I've got this Italian colleague sitting next to me at the press desk. I've never seen someone so nervous.