The GoobNet Football Committee has completed its review of Germany 2006.

See the Stadion Bornheimer Hang, home of fourth-division FSV Frankfurt 1899 [right]. See also the home of the European Central Bank, along with some notable waterworks in Frankfurt.

They're flying the wrong flag in Frankfurt [right] as they clean up the town.

The Main [right, right] splits off from the Rhine [right, left], plus more from Mainz, Germany.

Well, I went back to the Main for Frankfurt's Fanfest on SUN 09 JUL 2006. As you can see [right], the fans of Italy came away happy. But the question is, what the hell happened between Marco MATERAZZI and Zinédine ZIDANE?

If you don't mind, first let's point out that when Daniele DE ROSSI was elbowed in the back of the head, you could just imagine Brian MCBRIDE sitting on his couch saying, "What goes around comes around, bastard!"

In Frankfurt, we couldn't see Zidane's headbutt of Materazzi the first time around. When it was shown on the replay, there was much outrage and commotion from the Italian supporters.

As for the supporters of France, they seemed shocked. Zidane is France's captain. He's scored goals in final matches of the Men's World Cup and the UEFA Champions League. He's won the European championship to go along with the World Cup and Champions League. He's one of only two players [RONALDO the other] to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times. He's not only one of the world's best players, he's one of the world's best leaders on a football pitch. Is there a more respected player in the world? Seriously, I can't think of one.

So when I saw the replay on that big screen, I said to myself, "Zidane did that?!" That's the natural reaction, isn't it? Especially in the World Cup final. This is the second biggest match Zidane will ever play, after the 1998 final in the Stade de France.

But he's done this sort of thing before; he was suspended for two matches when he stepped on Saudi Arabia's Fuad AMIN in the France 1998 group phase.

This time, Zidane walked off with the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. The voting was conducted throughout the day of the final, and reports have said that many votes were cast at halftime. Even so, despite his moment of madness, he's probably deserving of the award. No other player was as important to his team as was Zidane.

Really, who else was worthy of the Golden Ball? Italy's was a team triumph, with no one player standing out. Fabio CANNAVARRO and Andrea PIRLO won the Silver and Bronze Balls respectively, but Gianluca ZAMBROTTA and Gianluigi BUFFON were equally deserving.

Had the votes been cast after the final ended, it would probably have been Cannavarro, considering journalists' short attention spans. But remember, after Zidane was sent off, France were the better side and had more chances to win than did Italy. Who would have thought that a red card to their captain and best player would hurt France less than if they'd conceded a goal?

As I was waiting to fly back to the US [and yes, I did a lot of waiting], I saw an English newspaper headline that asked: "What did Materazzi say to Zidane?" When Zidane "apologised" today, he said that Materazzi "rudely and persistently" remarked about his family, which Materazzi has in turn denied.

In any case, enjoy these photographs of the festivities in Frankfurt.

I have apparently survived my trip to Germany with no ill effects. Later on, we'll post one more batch of images [this from viewing the final in Frankfurt], plus we'll talk about what the hell went on in that final match.

An old friend is your guide to new Berlin.

Say hello to the little traffic light guy. Plus, the Reichstag and more things to see in Berlin.

Here you can see the Frankfurt WM-Stadion [right], its S-Bahn station, a foosball match in progress, and a goalkeeper's distant relatives.

The Palmengarten in Frankfurt.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe SCOLARI doesn't like third place matches. He says the teams are always bummed about losing the semifinal.

Well, maybe. But shouldn't they be happy to play a match that the entire world will watch... and nobody will care about the outcome?

Remember the third place match four years ago? The Korea Rep and Turkey were shock semifinalists, but there was nothing shocking about them losing to Germany and Brazil respectively.

And what happened in that third place match? Hakan SÜKÜR, Turkey's best goalscorer, finally managed to put one in. It was his only goal of the tournament... and it came just eleven seconds in. That record breaking goal was the first of five in that match, four of them coming in a wild first half.

You could tell that the players were carefree and pressure free. Passing was liberal, play was clean, and defense was optional. It was much like the NBA All-Star Game, in fact.

The third place match, therefore, is the World Cup's All-Star game. Two of the best teams [if not the best two] square off, with nothing to play for except pride. So chill, Felipe. Would you rather lose in the semifinals... or the final?

The lake at the Olympiapark [right], and more views in and around that exciting facility.

On the pitch at the Olympiastadion in München [right], plus more from around the Olympiapark.

A kickabout prior to England–Portugal [right], and disappointment afterward.

Meet Roman from New York [right]. Also see the Fan Fest before people arrive, people arriving for the Germany–Argentina match, and people celebrating Jens LEHMANN's saves.

These images might give you some idea as to what exactly is going on in Frankfurt. Included are a view overlooking the Main river [right], the Fan Fest prior to the arrival of the fans, Römerberg Square, and an interesting vehicle.