France coach Raymond Domenech believes Marco Materazzi should have been man of the match in last year's World Cup final and even player of the tournament.

Domenech praised the Italy defender for his role in the sending-off of France playmaker Zinedine Zidane.

Asked to criticise Materazzi by Le Parisien newspaper, Domenech said: "Wait a minute, I could have been Materazzi.

"In a World Cup final you score a goal, you get the opposing best player sent off and then you score your penalty (in the shootout). Say what you want about (Andrea) Pirlo but Materazzi was the man of the match."

Questioned as to whether someone who had insulted an opponent should be man of the match, Domenech remained firm in his opinion and even went as far to say Materazzi was player of the tournament, justifying the Italian's behaviour.

"It's not a question of insulting but winding someone up to the point that he loses control," said Domenech. "That's part of sport. In volleyball some players manage to unsettle others even though there is a net between them. It happens in all sports. It's part of the baggage.

"Afterwards there are things you can say and things you can't say. On the pitch any means you used to unsettle the opponent and play on his weakness are positive for the team.

"The man of the World Cup is Materazzi and I say 'well done'."

Domenech did not name Zidane but appeared to be criticising him when he said: "The one who loses his control shows his weakness.

"The reply I want as a coach is that the player can settle scores at the end of the game when he has won the match. 'Have you seen the score? Say what you like to me now? Goodbye?' Or 'good game' as the English say at the end of a match where they have insulted you, trampled over you or spat in your face."

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo earned the man-of-the-match plaudits in Berlin after Italy prevailed 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw while Zidane was voted player of the tournament despite the sour end to his career.

The final itself was a battle between Zidane and Materazzi with the France captain, playing in his last match. opening the scoring with a penalty before the Italy defender equalised.

Then came the infamous incident when Zidane, provoked verbally by Materazzi, headbutted the defender and was dismissed by referee Horacio Elizondo with penalties looming and at a time when France appeared to have Italy on the ropes.

Both men were banned for the incident - Zidane for three games and Materazzi for two - although as the Frenchman had retired he instead had to do community work. PA Sport

In Italian: "Materazzi re del Mondiale, Ma in Italia partite truccate"

In una lunga intervista a Le Parisien, il c.t. della Francia Domenech elogia il difensore protagonista del caso Zidane: "Fa gol, fa espellere il migliore avversario e realizza il rigore. Ecco il migliore della finale di Berlino". Ma poi attacca: "Francia-Italia Under 21 valida per Sidney 2000, l'arbitro era venduto"

Si scalda anche sul fronte dei bleus la vigilia di Italia-Francia dell'8 settembre. Stavolta a prendere la parola, dalle colonne de Le Parisien è proprio il c.t. Raymond Domenech che, al solito, non usa mezzi termini: "Avrei potuto essere Materazzi, il migliore ai mondiali tedeschi. Amo il calcio italiano, ma loro comprano gli arbitri".