The US did not give a good performance against the Czech Rep. They did play a tremendous match with Italy, who has now demonstrated how strong they are. They were unlucky against Ghana and that side was better than people thought.
The final was truly unfortunate. If the Italy/Germany semi had been the final, soccer would have been better for it.
Yes, the PK given in the 7th min was a clear dive. Perhaps they will have to go to video replay to double check the awarding of penalty kicks and goals.
I don't know what you mean by "illegal goal." Zidane's PK did fully cross the goal line. Materazzi putting a hand on Vieira's shoulder while they were jumping was not a foul. Did the corner kick pass over the line and then curve back into the field prior to this goal? I haven't seen a replay that has a straight look down the goal line, so I can't say. Perhaps you are referring to Italy's disallowed goal in the 61st minute for being offside. They were. That call was correct.
The play in the 53rd minute would have been a decent one on which to award a penalty kick, but France had already had a undeserved one, so I can live with that decision. France got one out of the two and that was what was deserved.
Finally the headbutt was a disgrace.
There is no defending that. While taunts, pinches, etc. don't have any place in the game, they certainly don't warrant one losing control like that.
Despite winning the golden ball (MVP) award, he tarnished his legacy.
And yes kicks are no way to decide a champion. Something better must be found.