Italy and France go to extra time at 1-1 in final

BERLIN, July 9 (Reuters) The World Cup final went into extra time with Italy and France level at 1-1 in a delicately balanced match today.

Playmaker Zinedine Zidane gave France the lead from the penalty spot as early as the seventh minute after Florent Malouda was brought down by Marco Materazzi.

Zidane cheekily chipped his kick which went into the goal off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing out. It was his third goal in a World Cup final, equalling the record.

Materazzi made amends by equalising for Italy in the 19th minute, climbing high to head home an Andrea Pirlo corner.

If the match is not decided in extra time, it will go to a penalty shootout.

REUTERS PDS RAI0120