Fifa World Cup 2006 Germany

England 0 Portugal 0 1-3 on pens

2006-07-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

England 0 Portugal 0 (1-3 on pens)
England had Wayne Rooney sent off and crashed out of the World Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Portugal in Gelsenkirchen.

Rooney was sent off for a flash of temper in the second half, leaving his 10 team-mates to battle through 120 minutes.

They did it heroically but crumbled once again when it came to penalties. Only Owen Hargreaves found the net out of four England players and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner.

Luiz Felipe Scolari completed his hat-trick over Sven-Goran Eriksson and the Swede's dreams are left in tatters.

Portugal move onto a semi-final in Munich on Wednesday, England come home and Eriksson hands the reins to Steve McClaren.

England players were in tears as they wondered what might have been if they had not lost Rooney in a 62nd-minute tussle with Ricardo Carvalho and Ronaldo.

Rooney and Ronaldo are supposed to be friends - they shared a joke before the game in the tunnel. But there was nothing friendly about the way Manchester United's Portuguese winger got his club-mate sent off.

Rooney was battling to keep possession from three Portugal defenders when he raked his studs across the leg of Carvalho, who was on the floor trying to win the ball.

The Chelsea defender over-reacted and Ronaldo sprinted to the referee, apparently to demand a red card. Rooney turned to his Red Devils team-mate and pushed him away. Referee Horatio Elizondo then reached for the red card and sent Rooney off.

Elizondo, from Argentina, sent Beckham off in the World Club Championships in 1999.

Ronaldo instantly became the target of abuse for the thousands of England fans packed inside the AufSchalke Stadium. He was jeered for his dramatic dive to win a free-kick under pressure from Ashley Cole a few minutes later.

Beckham, off the pitch injured, hobbled to the touchline to make his feelings known.

The Rooney red had many similarities to his own sending-off in France '98, for a split-second of indiscipline against Argentina.

Aaron Lennon was on and looking sharp but Eriksson had to reshuffle after the red card. Joe Cole made way for Peter Crouch, who went up front on his own, and Gerrard moved to the left of midfield.

Lennon had a sharp chance to win it for England in the 83rd minute when keeper Ricardo failed to hold a stinging free-kick from Frank Lampard.

The rebound fell straight to the Tottenham teenager and he hit the target with a left-foot shot. But it lacked power and Ricardo was able to recover in time to save it.

Portugal made their extra man show in the closing minutes, pushing England back. Paul Robinson made an brilliant fingertip save from Luis Figo in the 79th minute and Rio Ferdinand made a crucial saving tackle to halt Nuno Valente's run at goal.

Robinson, dubbed a weak link by the Portuguese in the run-up to the game, made good saves from Hugo Viana and Maniche as the 90 minutes ticked away.

Terry went close to snatching a dramatic winner in stoppage time at the end of normal time. His effort was deflected over by Viana and the game went into extra-time.

Terry's booking came on the half-hour and it was harsh. The Chelsea skipper made a strong aerial challenge to beat Tiago to the ball.

Both players landed in a heap and needed treatment but referee Elizondo showed a yellow card to the England defender. Terry picked himself up and battled on bravely.

England had started the game much more positively than any of their previous four in the competition.

Hargreaves was outstanding in front of the back-four and both Lampard and Rooney forced saves from Ricardo in the first half.

England lost Beckham, seven minutes into the second half. He fell awkwardly after a heavy challenge and, despite trying to continue, was forced off. The England skipper sat in tears on the bench as Lennon made an instant impact.

He jinked his way into the penalty area on one run and, when Rooney miskicked, Joe Cole fired narrowly over.

A wonderful chance dropped to Lampard but he miscued it horribly and it bounced into the turf and then over. Moments later, Rooney was off and the game totally changed.

England's 10 men dug in and showed real courage to take it into extra-time but were still able to create chances as a breathless game pulsed with excitement.

Eight minutes into extra-time and Miguel made a brilliant clearance to stop Crouch nodding a Gerrard cross into the net.

Robinson saved a skimming shot from Simao and Ronaldo flashed a 25-yarder just over the bar.

England appealed for a penalty when Valente tackled Lennon in the 106th minute but the Everton defender took the ball and the referee was correct not to point to the spot.

Helder Postiga, who scored a late equaliser when the teams met in Euro 2004, had the ball in the England net but it was rightly ruled out for offside.

Eriksson settled for penalties and sent on Jamie Carragher to take one. But England's best chance of winning the World Cup in 40 years disappeared, somewhat predictably, as Lampard, Gerrard and Carragher missed penalties.

Fifa World Cup 2006 Brazil 0 vs 1 France

2006-07-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

So it ends, (for real this time). Brazil is clearly outplayed by France, and loses 1-0. The only defence the French goalkeeper had to do was a couple of minutes before the end of the match. Brazil started the match pretty well, but lowered the tempo shortly thereafter and allowed France

Highlights World Cup 2006 Ghana vs USA 2-1 Video

2006-06-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ghana United States World Cup in Germany 2006
Ghana Usa united states appiah dempsey draman fifa world cup highlights germany 2006

England Vs West Germany World Cup Final 1966 Highlights Video

2006-06-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Quality highlights of englands greatest ever game against west germany to win the world cup at wembley. "There's people on the pitch, they think its all over! i Quality highlights of englands greatest ever game against west germany to win the world cup at wembley. "There's people on the pitch, they think its all over! its is now!!"

Engalnd 1966 west germany wembley geoff hurst bobby moore world cup final football wayne rooney

England Vs Sweden World Cup Germany 2006 Highlights Video

2006-06-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

highlights including the spectacular Joe Cole Volley
England Vs Sweden World Cup Germany 2006 Highlights Joe Cole Gerrard

Spain vs Tunisia World Cup 2006 highlights Vieo

2006-06-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Highlights
Spain vs Tunisia World Cup 2006 highlights Germany Raul Torres

World Cup 2006 Highlights England vs Trinidad and Tobago Video

2006-06-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

FIFA World Cup Highlights and Goals England vs. Trinidad & Tobago, June 15 2006
WorldCup England Trinidad Tobago Soccer Football World Cup Highlights Goals Rooney Gerrard Beckham Crouch Lampard Yorke

World Cup 2006 Highlights Germany vs Poland video

2006-06-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

World Cup Highlights from Germany vs. Poland (June 14, 2006)
WorldCup Germany Poland Football World Cup Highlights Goals Ballack Klinnsmann Klose Lehman

Croatia vs Brazil World Cup Highlights Video

2006-06-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

FIFA June 13th 2006 game between Brazil and Croatia highlights.

World Cup Highlights Spain vs Ukraine Video

2006-06-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

When I decided to buy a Barca jersey (my third) this season, I picked Carles Puyol's name to go on the back because he's the captain, he's Catalan, he's a Barca lifer, he looks like a goofy metalhead who would drive an I-ROC if he could, and mainly because it's cooler to honor the central defense hardman than a flashy offensive player. Anyone can get a Ronaldinho or Eto'o jersey and get all misty-eyed about goals and passes; a real fan picks out the backbone of the team and revels in a good tackle or subtle jersey tug. So imagine my dismay last night when watching the tape of Spain's disemboweling of Ukraine to see that my boy Carles actually is a playmaker. Ronaldinho and Messi would be challenged to replicate a move this sweet. I'm feeling very misled.

Spectacular opening for World Cup

2006-06-13T03:12:00.000-07:00

Spectacular opening for World Cup

Claudia Schiffer added a touch of glamour to proceedingsThe 2006 World Cup has got under way in Germany with an extravagant opening ceremony in Munich's Allianz Arena.
Pele, a World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970, carried the trophy onto the pitch, with German supermodel Claudia Schiffer at his side.
More than 150 former World Cup winners were on display as the hosts put on a spectacular show.
Hosts Germany opened with a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in Munich, while Ecudaor shocked Poland 2-0.
World Cup organisers are expecting about one million people to visit Germany for the tournament, with as many as 100,000 of those from England.
All police leave has been cancelled across Germany as security forces brace themselves for a massive operation.
Five-time winners Brazil are the favourites to win again in a tournament which will be watched by billions worldwide on television.

World Cup Football Globe returns to Berlin

2006-06-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

The »Football Globe – FIFA World Cup 2006« is the travelling ambassador of the Federal Government’s Artistic and Cultural Programme for FIFA World Cup 2006.

For three years the mobile venue has been touring Germany's twelve host cities bringing football culture to its visitors in an emotional and fun way. The characteristic design of the Globe combines the shapes of the planet earth and a football to symbolise the worldwide fascination for the game that helps bring nations closer together.

The Football Globe will be on show at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin from 1 June to 9 July.

By day the “Football Globe - FIFA World Cup 2006” acts as an interactive exhibition room. On the lower level cult objects from the world of football, for example Oliver Kahn's goalkeeping gloves, Zinédine Zidane's signed football boot and the ball used in the 1954 Final are on display. The exhibits vary from city to city.

The interactive part of the exhibition invites the visitor to stop at ten different stations to get to know the different aspects of football and try them out. For example, there are three plasma screens with 'Football stars' you can touch, virtual goal wall shooting, a refereeing game, clips of unusual footballing incidents and much more. The Globe exhibition is connected to the internet via the 'Soccer-My Love' facility. Here, fans can register their declarations of love for the beautiful game. These contributions then appear on the website.

Several evenings a week the interior of the “Football Globe - FIFA World Cup 2006” is transformed into a studio. Nearly 200 events have been held so far where German-speaking and international guests - football stars, fans, politicians, poets, musicians, actors and scientists- have presented the public with new images and ideas from the overlap of football and culture.

FIFA World Cup Predictor Game

2006-06-13T03:02:00.000-07:00

Can Brazil successfully defend the title and become champions for a sixth time? Will the backing of a partisan crowd spur Germany on to victory? And how will the chilling encounters in Group C between Argentina, Côte d'Ivoire, Serbia and Montenegro and the Netherlands be resolved?
By playing the Predictor Game, you can forecast the results of each match at the FIFA World Cup in Germany. And to make things simpler for you, the group standings will automatically be calculated.

To play, simply type the results into the boxes on the Predictor Game page, based on how you think each match will be decided, e.g. if you think that Germany’s opening game against Costa Rica will end in a 1-1 draw, type 1 into the box next to Germany and do likewise in the box next to Costa Rica.

Complete the results for all of the matches in each of the eight groups and the group standings – together with the two qualifiers from each section - will automatically appear, without the need for you to do any arithmetic. Plot the path of each team right the way through to the Final – then hazard a guess as to who will end up being crowned world champions on 9 July in Berlin.

Compare your predictions with friends or work colleagues, send them a copy of your results sheet and see who guessed correctly. You can play the Predictor Game at either the group stage and then the knockout stage, or chance your arm by attempting to guess the outcome of the whole tournament in just one attempt. You can also print out the entire game and put your predictions on the wall.

World Cup Teams

2006-06-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

06/09/2006
Germany v Costa Rica
Poland v Ecuador

06/10/2006
England v Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago v Sweden
Argentina v Ivory Coast

06/11/2006
Serbia and Montenegro v Holland
Mexico v Iran
Angola v Portugal

06/12/2006
Australia v Japan
United States v Czech Republic
Italy v Ghana

06/13/2006
South Korea v Togo
France v Switzerland
Brazil v Croatia

06/14/2006
Spain v Ukraine
Tunisia v Saudi Arabia
Germany v Poland

06/15/2006
Ecuador v Costa Rica
England v Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden v Paraguay

06/16/2006
Argentina v Serbia and Montenegro
Holland v Ivory Coast
Mexico v Angola

06/17/2006
Portugal v Iran
Czech Republic v Ghana
Italy v United States

06/18/2006
Japan v Croatia
Brazil v Australia
France v South Korea

06/19/2006
Togo v Switzerland
Saudi Arabia v Ukraine
Spain v Tunisia

06/20/2006
Ecuador v Germany
Costa Rica v Poland
Sweden v England
Paraguay v Trinidad and Tobago

06/21/2006
Portugal v Mexico
Iran v Angola
Holland v Argentina
Ivory Coast v Serbia and Montenegro

06/22/2006
Ghana v United States
Czech Republic v Italy
Japan v Brazil
Croatia v Australia

06/23/2006
Ukraine v Tunisia
Saudi Arabia v Spain
Togo v France
Switzerland v South Korea

Mark Viduka World Cup

2006-05-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Viduka Socceroos captain - AAP

> Mark Viduka and Guus Hiddink at the press conference in Melbourne's Grand Hyatt Hotel in which the striker was confirmed as Socceroos captain for the World Cup Photo AAP

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Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink appointed his captain for the World Cup finals and anointed his own successor beyond Germany.

As expected, Hiddink kept faith with striker Mark Viduka as the man to skipper the Socceroos to the World Cup.

But the 59-year-old Dutch master also publicly endorsed assistant Graham Arnold as the best man to take over when Hiddink departs after the World Cup - saying it was important for Australian football to build on the foundation created in the lead-up to Germany.

"It's important for the FFA (Football Federation Australia) to go into the same direction in the upcoming time - the way we have been working in the last period," Hiddink said.

"If the FFA can continue in that direction with the people who are in charge now, the future of Australian football is improving a lot."

"I'm not the board, I'm not making the decision ... but it's important to have people equipped and already in your own organisation. They know every in and out and what has to be improved."

The FFA is believed to favour another big-name appointment to succeed Hiddink when he leaves the Socceroos to coach Russia.

But it could find its hand forced should Hiddink - who already enjoys messiah-like status after getting Australia to Germany - and his lieutenant Arnold manufacture a brilliant World Cup performance next month.

The FFA could also decide to play safe and appoint Arnold on a two-year deal, guiding the Socceroos to the 2007 Asian Cup and the Olyroos to the 2008 Olympics.

They could then re-assess the position ahead of the 2010 World Cup campaign, which starts in late 2008.

Arnold, who was also assistant coach under previous boss Frank Farina, said he was thrilled with Hiddink's endorsement.

"It's wonderful to get an endorsement like that off Guus, but at the moment I'm the Olympic team coach and I'm delighted to do that and assist Guus and I'm looking forward immensely to the next seven weeks," Arnold said. "Whatever happens after that, it's not my decision."

Viduka, who skippered Australia in its World Cup playoff win over Uruguay last November was appointed captain ahead of former skipper Craig Moore and will lead the side against Greece at the MCG on Thursday and in Germany.

Moore was the long-time captain under Farina but missed the Uruguay games through injury.

Hiddink said the 30-year-old Middlesbrough striker deserved the honour because he had done so well leading the team against Uruguay.

"He did very well in the qualification rounds and took his responsibility very seriously," Hiddink said. "From day one he worked very hard not only on himself but the team to get the job done."

"For Craig, we considered it more convenient for him as he comes back from injury to concentrate on getting his role in the team because he was a long time out."

Viduka said he was excited by the honour, but accepted the job with mixed emotions because of his friendship with Moore.

"Craig and I are good mates. It's a difficult situation to be in because we both enjoy leading the team," Viduka said.

"Whether it was him or myself as captain, we were going to be happy for each other. The main thing is we are all one team and that's how we both feel."

World Cup visitors told to avoid area in Germany

2006-05-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

BERLIN - A former spokesman for the German government under Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder Wednesday warned World Cup visitors to avoid parts of the state of Brandenburg because of racial attacks."There are small and medium-sized towns in Brandenburg and elsewhere where I would not advise anyone with a different skin colour to go," said Uwe-Karsten Heye in a German radio interview. "There is a chance they might not get out alive."

England's Owen says he's fit for World Cup

2006-05-21T04:56:00.000-07:00

England's Owens says he's fit for World Cup

via MSN news
VALE DO LOBO, Portugal - England striker Michael Owen said he’ll be fit to play at the World Cup. Wayne Rooney should learn next week whether he can play alongside him.
Owen, who has played only 30 minutes for Newcastle since breaking a bone in his foot on Dec. 31, has taken part in two practice matches with his England teammates at a training camp in Portugal this week.
“If there was a World Cup game tomorrow, I’d be fit and in condition to play,” Owen said Wednesday.
[Read more]

World Cup Final Squads

2006-05-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Details of each countries squads have been uploaded and are available by hitting the country link in the column in the left hand margin and then the link to the Players details on that countries page.

World Cup Accommodation

2006-05-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

Fans can already pre-book their hotel accommodation today. The 2006 FIFA World CupTM Accommodation Service offers city specific bookings or team specific bookings. Team specific bookings enable you to reserve rooms to see your team - before you even know where they will be playing. You can contact the 2006 FIFA World CupTM Accommodation Services on 0049 69 509586 400 or on

32 years after the last football World Cup in Germany

2006-05-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Thirty-two years after the last football World Cup in Germany, the 2006 FIFA World Cup will again take place in Germany. For the first time after the reunification of both German states, the entire world will look to the New Germany, situated at the heart of Europe.

David Beckham's World Cup bash

2006-05-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

David and Victoria Beckham are bringing out the sangria and castanets for their

£500,000 Spanish-themed World Cup bash next month.

Princes William and Harry, Tom Cruise and the England football team will be among the 400 guests invited to the charity party.

Flamenco dancing and other traditional Spanish performances are expected to feature at the exclusive do on May 21, which has been themed in honour of the couple's adopted country.

The Beckhams, who now mainly live in Madrid, also have a number of other surprises tucked up their sleeves to transform their Hertfordshire home Beckingham Palace.

Women will be asked to wear "full-length and fabulous" gowns with lots of British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey has been put in charge of the food and has been out to Spain recently to look for inspiration.
Since David's move to Real Madrid, the pair have fallen in love with Spain and the couple hope their guests will get into the spirit of the party.

David Beckham Free Kick Best Goal

2006-05-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho Best Soccer Moments

2006-05-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

ronaldinho is one of the best players in the world if not the best he is really skillful and as a long way to go in his career i really like his style of playing yes hes a genius with the ball.

Ronaldinho Best Goal Ever

2006-05-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

Germany Vs Brasil Highlights

2006-05-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Telstra Stadium chosen for Socceroos crucial FIFA World Cup Home Match

2006-05-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Telstra Stadium chosen for Socceroos crucial FIFA World Cup Home Match

Telstra Stadium has been chosen ahead of other venues in Sydney and interstate as the host of the Socceroos crucial home match in the FIFA World Cup South America-Oceania play-off on 12 or 16 November this year. Telstra Stadium CEO Ken Edwards said today he was very excited that Telstra Stadium will be playing such a big part in the Socceroos campaign to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in three decades. “The home and away format of the World Cup qualifying makes this game so crucial,” said Mr Edwards. “I firmly believe the Socceroos will have a fantastic home advantage at Telstra Stadium. “As well as providing a top-class pitch and the best facilities around, Telstra Stadium will generate the sort of electrifying atmosphere from over 80,000 passionate fans that will lift the Australian team to new heights against their South American opponents.” Mr Edwards said Telstra Stadium has already set crowd attendance records for football in Australia; • 104,098 Highest ever crowd to watch a football match in Australia Spain v Cameroon, Olympic men’s football tournament final September 2000 • 88,101 Highest ever crowd to watch the Socceroos in Australia Socceroos v FIFA World Stars, June 1999 “Telstra Stadium is the natural choice for this type of prestigious event, now and into the future,” said Mr Edwards. “Our football heritage includes matches with some of the world’s biggest teams, such as Manchester United and the Brazilian national team.” The average attendance for the six international football matches played at Telstra Stadium is 65,488. “Football fans have voted with their feet and it’s easy to see why,” said Mr Edwards. “We are right in the middle of Australia’s biggest city, easily accessible by public transport and road, with world-class spectator facilities. Most of all, Telstra Stadium has the buzz of making great things happen in Australian sport, and like every other fan I’m banking on the Socceroos making history at home at Telstra Stadium.“ The exact date and kick off time for the home leg of the FIFA World Cup South America-Oceania play-off is yet to be determined.

Match Schedule World Cup 2006

2006-05-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Group A
Match Date Venue Teams Time/Score

1 09-Jun-06 Munich GER:CRC 18:00
2 09-Jun-06 Gelsenkirchen POL:ECU 21:00
17 14-Jun-06 Dortmund GER:POL 21:00
18 15-Jun-06 Hamburg ECU:CRC 15:00
33 20-Jun-06 Berlin ECU:GER 16:00
34 20-Jun-06 Hanover CRC:POL 16:00

Group B
Match Date Venue Teams Time/Score

3 10-Jun-06 Frankfurt ENG:PAR 15:00
4 10-Jun-06 Dortmund TRI:SWE 18:00
19 15-Jun-06 Nuremberg ENG:TRI 18:00
20 15-Jun-06 Berlin SWE:PAR 21:00
35 20-Jun-06 Cologne SWE:ENG 21:00
36 20-Jun-06 Kaiserslautern PAR:TRI 21:00

Group C
Match Date Venue Teams Time/Score

5 10-Jun-06 Hamburg ARG:CIV 21:00
6 11-Jun-06 Leipzig SCG:NED 15:00
21 16-Jun-06 Gelsenkirchen ARG:SCG 15:00
22 16-Jun-06 Stuttgart NED:CIV 18:00
37 21-Jun-06 Frankfurt NED:ARG 21:00
38 21-Jun-06 Munich CIV:SCG 21:00

Group D
Matchn Date Venue Teams Time/Score

7 11-Jun-06 Nuremberg MEX:IRN 18:00
8 11-Jun-06 Cologne ANG:POR 21:00
23 16-Jun-06 MEX:ANG 21:00
24 17-Jun-06 Frankfurt POR:IRN 15:00
39 21-Jun-06 Gelsenkirchen POR:MEX 16:00
40 21-Jun-06 Leipzig IRN:ANG 16:00

Group E Match Date Venue Teams Time/Score

9 12-Jun-06 Hanover ITA:GHA 21:00
10 12-Jun-06 Gelsenkirchen USA:CZE 18:00
25 17-Jun-06 Kaiserslautern ITA:USA 21:00
26 17-Jun-06 Cologne CZE:GHA 18:00
41 22-Jun-06 Hamburg CZE:ITA 16:00
42 22-Jun-06 Nuremberg GHA:USA 16:00

Group F
Match Date Venue Teams Time/Score

11 13-Jun-06 Berlin BRA:CRO 21:00
12 12-Jun-06 Kaiserslautern AUS:JPN 15:00
27 18-Jun-06 Munich BRA:AUS 18:00
28 18-Jun-06 Nuremberg JPN:CRO 15:00
43 22-Jun-06 Dortmund JPN:BRA 21:00
44 22-Jun-06 Stuttgart CRO:AUS 21:00

Group G
Match Date Venue Teams Time/Score

13 13-Jun-06 Stuttgart FRA:SUI 18:00
14 13-Jun-06 Frankfurt KOR:TOG 15:00
29 18-Jun-06 Leipzig FRA:KOR 21:00
30 19-Jun-06 Dortmund TOG:SUI 15:00
45 23-Jun-06 Cologne TOG:FRA 21:00
46 23-Jun-06 Hanover SUI:KOR 21:00

Group H
Match Date Venue Teams Time/Score

15 14-Jun-06 Leipzig ESP:UKR 15:00
16 14-Jun-06 Munich TUN:KSA 18:00
31 19-Jun-06 Stuttgart ESP:TUN 21:00
32 19-Jun-06 Hamburg KSA:UKR 18:00
47 23-Jun-06 Kaiserslautern KSA:ESP 16:00
48 23-Jun-06 Berlin UKR:TUN 16:00

Buoyant Germans glimpse bright future

2006-05-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Germany approached the FIFA Confederations Cup 2005 with the stated aim of winning the trophy, and although the hosts fell short of that lofty goal, their new brand of exuberant attacking play sealed third place, infusing their supporters with optimism bordering on euphoria. A 4-3 triumph after extra time in the third place play-off against Mexico rounded off a more than satisfactory dress rehearsal for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.
"We've grown together as a team during this tournament, and we've drawn valuable conclusions," upbeat coach Jurgen Klinsmann declared. "Overall, we're hugely satisfied with our performances and the account we've given of ourselves," he continued, admitting his team was "still learning" ahead of the 2006 finals. "We have to remain patient. We're bound to make a few mistakes."
Klinsmann's side opened with a nervy 4-3 victory over Australia and a hard-earned if ultimately clear-cut 3-0 success against Tunisia, before going on to match both Argentina and Brazil for passing, movement and tactical flexibility in a 2-2 draw and a narrow 3-2 defeat respectively. The Germans will count themselves unlucky not to have made it to the final.
"We needn't worry about lagging miles behind. We're already on a par," Michael Ballack concluded. The German captain followed up an impressive season at Bayern Munich with an influential tournament for the national team, scoring four goals to claim the adidas Silver Shoe accolade as second-highest scorer behind Brazil's Adriano.
Despite Germany's continuing failure to beat a top ten footballing nation, Oliver Kahn expressed great satisfaction at his side's gutsy displays against the sides lying first and third in the world rankings. "I'm certain we'll beat the big names again soon - and it will be at the World Cup," the giant keeper predicted.
Germany scored 15 times in five matches to finish top of the tournament scoring charts. Emerging talents such as Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Per Mertesacker repaid the coach's faith in youth with immensely promising displays and the prospect of a bright future on the international stage.
For all the positives, the coaching staff can hardly overlook a number of glaring weaknesses. The Germans conceded ten times in their five matches, as a rearguard desperately short on experience at the highest level threatened to undo all the good work further up the field.
"We have to improve our entire tactical approach when we don't have the ball. We still have a great deal to learn," Klinsmann acknowledged. "But even if we're occasionally taking a step back, we're always taking two steps forward. We still have plenty of work to do, but we're fired up and determined to keep on improving. We want to grow, and we will grow."
Assistant coach Joachim Low shared his boss's assessment. "A year ago, we had the feeling we were a long way off. But we've climbed a long way up the ladder." The major remaining difference was the "individual class" embodied by superstars such as Ronaldinho, Adriano or Juan Riquelme.

Wayne Rooney Injured

2006-05-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

Rooney Injured
Suppose I'd better mention it. Wayne Rooney got injured in the Chelsea v Man United game. Metatarsal injury. Sven's decided to take him to the World Cup Finals regardless of his fitness, so he'll get to hobble around Germany watching his team mates play football, then. A lot of good that will do him, I'm sure.No link for this one. Just Google it - I'm bored with Mr Rooney's injury already and it hasn't even been 48 hours. Note to self : must blog about soccer this week. Not injuries, not England managers.

FIFA Rules and Regulations

2006-05-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) first ratified the official rules of soccer, entitled "Laws of the Game," when it was founded in 1886. These original laws have only changed slightly over the years, in accordance with specific evolution and demands of the sport. The purpose of the laws is to be applicable in the same way at any level from World Cup final to a local game with your friends at a park.
The FIFA rules consist of 17 laws that break the game into segments. The laws are as followed: Law 1 - The Field of Play. Law 2 - The Ball. Law 3 - The Number of Players. Law 4 - The Players' Equipment. Law 5 - The Referee. Law 6 - The Assistant Referees. Law 7 - Duration of the Match. Law 8 - The Start & Restart of Play. Law 9 - The Ball In & Out of Play. Law 10 - The Method of Scoring. Law 11 - Offside. Law 12 - Fouls & Misconduct. Law 13 - Free Kicks. Law 14 - The Penalty Kick. Law 15 - The Throw-In. Law 16 - The Goal Kick. Law 17 - The Corner Kick.

England World Cup 2006 Team Information

2006-05-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany marks the 40th anniversary of the year England won their first and only World Cup trophy. It has been four decades since Bobby Moore and company lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy, capturing victory as the host country. Now the England team of today heads into this summer's tournament as one of the favorites to contend on soccer's most illustrious stage.
The first nation of football, England sends a veteran team led by 20-year-old forward Wayne Rooney. Rooney is not the only big name headlining this year's squad. Also accompanying Rooney is striker Michael Owen, along with a spectacular trio of midfielders: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and the world-renowned David Beckham. Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell lead the way on the defensive side.

England Fields One of The Strongest Teams In Germany

2006-05-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

A glance at the England's team sheet should be intimidating for everyone other than the very best teams attending this summer's World Cup finals. It is a team stacked with world-class performers. In defense, John Terry of Chelsea is a colossus. Read more about England at World Cup in Germany.

Veteran Bruckner stays a step ahead

2006-05-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

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At 66, Karel Bruckner will be one of the oldest and most experienced coaches on view at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™. Here he reflects on his work as Czech Republic coach and discusses their Group E opponents United States, Italy and Ghana.
Read a full profile of Karel Bruckner
FIFAworldcup.com: Football coaches don't have an easy life. After retiring from playing, why did you want to become a coach?Karel Bruckner: I can't say I ever planned to become a coach. As a child I wanted to be a pilot, or a fireman. I never thought I'd be the coach of the national team.
What qualities are most important for a football coach?It's hard to select the most important from the whole range of knowledge, experience, expertise, and authority over the players. But humility is probably at the root of it all.
Coaching is fairly exhausting. What do you do to stay level-headed?Mental stress is part of the work of a coach, you have to learn to live with it. It also entails the loss of privacy and ordinary thoughts. You have to think about your work constantly, there's no way to stop that, and I don't even try. I just let it happen.
The older a person gets, the more conservative they usually become. Have you noticed that about yourself?In some things. I know where I'm conservative and where I'm not, and that's what's important and I keep to that. But football keeps breaking new ground, and I have to know how to react. If I want to be successful, I always have to stay one step ahead.
How do you earn your players' respect? Do you think they regard you as a father figure?It doesn't matter what they think of me, the main thing is that it works. Relations are excellent, we've been together a long time and we know each other. I worked with many of the players in the junior teams (Bruckner was U-21 coach before taking the senior post in 2002). But it's not only about the relationship between the players and coach - what's important is that everyone gets on together.
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How do you motivate your players?I don't have to motivate the players. For everyone, playing in the World Cup will be the high point of their careers and lives, and it would be sad if I had to motivate them.
Your FIFA World Cup campaign begins against the United States on 12 June. What do you make of the US team? I know the qualities of the American team and their coach very well. It's a team that's very well put together, with players from America and Europe. They're athletes, in very good condition. Their techniques and tactics are advanced. Their results show that they're rightly ranked fourth in the FIFA table.
How do you view your second opponents, Italy?Italy are always referred to as a defensive team, but their match against Germany was a perfect demonstration of their offensive strengths (Italy won 4-1). They're a complete team. (Marcello) Lippi, has a strong group, full of excellent players for all positions, and not just in defence.
After seeing Ghana at the CAF African Cup of Nations, how would you assess them?We can't draw any conclusions from how Ghana played at the Nations Cup. They're a very good team and at the Nations Cup a number of important players were missing. Their true strength will be revealed in Germany.
How much time have you spent watching videos of your opponents?Mostly I watch my own team's matches, because I work on how we play. Of our World Cup opponents, it's mostly USA – at least 80 per cent - and then Ghana. We know Italy the best, and we'll be able to see them in two matches at the World Cup and Ghana in one. I'll watch one video several times over. Maybe I'll watch all of it and then just particular phases or situations. I replay certain moments, and tell myself I'll have to think of something.
What kind of moments?Moments where we can react. That means we can influence them, through training and work. I have to find something I can give my team, be that positive or negative.
What work will you be doing with your players before the tournament starts?Ninety per cent of it will be regeneration and mental relaxation. The main thing is to harmonise everything, to bring them all up to the same speed. Of course, we'll also work on our playing style - defence, attack, our rivals in the group and the information we have on them. We'll repeat lots of different tactics and learn new ones.
What is the Czech Republic's greatest weapon?Our greatest weapon is the quality of the Czech players.
And what is your objective for the FIFA World Cup?The same as most other teams – to get through the group stage. Then we'll see. We can't plan beyond that.

World Cup Germany 2006

2006-05-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

World Cup Germany 2006
World soccer's supreme title - The FIFA WORLD CUP is disputed between nations every four years.Current holders BRAZIL will defend their title in 2006 in Germany.Twelve cities - Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Hannover, Kaiserslautern, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart - have been named to host the Finals.The opening match of World Cup 2006 will take place on 9th June in Munich - with the final taking place one month later in Berlin.Global Soccer Federations will be represented by the following qualifiers:* Europe (UEFA) 14 (inc. hosts):* Asia (AFC) 4.5 (play-offs against CONCACAF):* South America (CONMEBOL) 4.5 (play-offs against OCEANIA):* Oceania (OFC) 0.5 (play-offs against CONMEBOL):* Africa (CAF) 5 :* North, Central America Caribbean (CONCACAF) 3.5 (playoffs against AFC).Soccer is played on every continent and the soccer World Cup is the most viewed event in the worldIn 2002 (staged in Korea/Japan) a cumulative in-home audience of 28.8 billion viewers watched the tournament.In spite of non-prime time viewing hours in Europe, North and South America, many national audience records were broken - with an average world-wide figure of 314.1 million viewers recorded per match.It's certain these record figures will be broken in Germany 2006.Don't you miss it.Keep checking World Soccer's 2006 World Cup pages for World Cup Soccer news updates, stats and info.

World Cup Take Place In Germany

2006-05-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

The 2006 World Cup in Germany takes place from June 9 to July 9, 2006.
The opening game will be held in Munich's new AllianzArena with the final taking place in Berlin's Olympic stadium.
The draw for the final stages takes place on December 9, 2005 in Leipzig when all fixtures in the opening group stage will be announced.