FIFA World Cup Germany 2006

FIFA statement about Zidane's case

2006-07-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

After the World Cup final incidents, FIFA said that it would hold behind closed doors the disciplinary hearing over Zinedine Zidane's case. The decision will be announced on Thursday.

"We inform that the case will take place behind closed doors without the presence of any members of the public or media," FIFA announced in a statement.

"After the two parties have been notified of its content, the Disciplinary Committee's move will be announced exclusively by means of a media release on the same date."

As we know, France's football legend Zinedine Zidane was sent off ten minutes before the end of the World Cup final against Italy for a headbutt on Marco Materazzi, which happened seconds after the Italian apparently insulted his mother and sister.

We can say that Zizou, as French fans endearingly call their talisman, made an apology, but refused to repent, saying the insult was "very personal".

Italian heaven, Zidane's hell

2006-07-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

This World Cup Final will be remembered for many years for the emotions, tension and surprising ending. After playing to a 1-1 draw through two overtimes, Italy defeated France 5-3 in a penalty shootout to win its fourth World Cup and first since 1982.

France was knocked off its feet when their star Zinedine Zidane, who led Les Bleus to the 1998 Cup, was ejected for inexplicably bashing his head into the chest of an Italian opponent late in the extra time.

"We knew that with what has happened with our football, a nation . . . has the strength to get back on its feet and win over the rest" said midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, referring to a match-fixing scandal that has rocked Italian league.

The game finished 1-1 in 120 minutes, including extra time. The first goal came from Zidane, who converted a penalty shoot in a brilliant way. Materazzi scored the equalizer with a good header. But the tension and the draw wouldn't move again.

Fabio Grosso, a defender, made the final shot in Italy's 5-3 penalty kick shootout triumph over France. Fellow defender Marco Materazzi made his shot in the shootout, too.

But it's what they did on the other end that made their squad special. Italy tied a World Cup record by allowing just two goals all tournament in route to the title. One of those was an own goal. They were the best and now they have the Cup.

In fact, the "Azurri" now ranks only one behind Brazil's record five championships.

"This is the most satisfying moment of my life," Italy coach Marcello Lippi expressed with the help of a translator. "The players have unlimited heart, character and personality."

Germany win the third place

2006-07-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Bayern Munich player Bastian Schweinsteiger made a night to remember, scoring two great individual goals and having a hand in the third, as Germany earned third place in the World Cup today.

In fact, this victory gave the home fans something to cheer and the players celebrated on the pitch at the final whistle, but both losing semi-finalists will be green with envy when they sit down to watch tomorrow's Berlin final between France and Italy.

It's important to notice that Jurgen Klinsmann, who is yet to announce if he will continue as Germany coach, was full of praise for his players.

"Honestly, it is unbelievable what this team has achieved. Every one of them has worked so hard, I just can't find words for it," he expressed.

About his future in the national team, Klinsmann said he needs time to come to a decision.

"It's just that so much has happened in last few weeks and I haven't taken it all on board yet. Give me a few days."

The third-place match was a day of fond farewells with Portugal star Luis Figo coming on in the 75th minute for his 127th and final international encounter.

Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn announced after winning his 86th cap that it was also his last match for his country. He had been dropped in favour of Arsenal's Jens Lehmann for the Cup, but was recalled to make an emotional farewell here.

"It was my last international match today and I could not have wished for a better final game for my country," said the popular Kahn.

Italy vs. France: The football in blue

2006-07-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

It's certainly not the game most people would have predicted but the quality on offer of Italy and France game on Sunday's World Cup final in Berlin could not be higher - or of a better vintage.

They are not young teams - as they were Spain or Germany - and they were not the favorites to reach the final. But Italy and France did, and that's mostly because they have experienced players with ambition of glory.

France may be the more senior of the teams but you have to get up pretty early to better the Italians at protecting their goal. The Azzurri, who will wear their blue on the night, have conceded just one goal in their six encounters and that an own goal from Cristian Zaccardo. Italy have been reassuringly accurate at the other end too. Coach Marcello Lippi's management of his forward men has led to 11 goals - joint top with Brazil and Argentina - scored by 10 different players.

We must remember that France destroyed Italian dreams in the Euro 2000 final. Now both coaches, Lippi and Domenech, are far too learned to have the word revenge enter their discourse on the match. However, when these two footballing neighbours meet, serious rivalry is never too far away.

We can say that with Zidane's last game, Cannavaro's 100th cap and no suspensions, Italy-France has the makings of a classic, and the World Cup really needs it.

Horacio Elizondo will be the referee

2006-07-07T23:13:00.000-07:00

These are good news for him and for Argentina: Horacio Elizondo was selected to be the referee of the World Cup final between three-time champion Italy and 1998 winner France.

It's good to remember that Elizondo, a 42-year-old physical education teacher, officiated in Portugal's quarter-final victory over England, when he sent off England player Wayne Rooney for stepping on Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho.

The popular referee also was at the opening match on June 9, when host Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in Munich.

We must mention that Dario Garcia and Rodolfo Otero, also of Argentina, will work the sidelines for the game at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi said on Thursday.

"We've had lots of American, South American and Latin American referees and we've been treated very good," said Giancarlo Abete, the chief of Italy's World Cup squad. "We've shown a lot of respect for the referee's decisions and those of the disciplinary committee."

According to official sources, Japan's Toru Kamikawa will handle today's third-place match between Germany and Portugal in Stuttgart. Yoshikazu Hiroshima of Japan and Kim Dae-young of South Korea will run the lines.

It's important to notice that FIFA vice president Lennart Johansson said Elizondo was a great choice, and he backed the official's decision to send Rooney off against Portugal.

Zidane takes France to the World Cup Final

2006-07-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Zidane and France performed in a very good style to win 1-0 over Portugal and qualiofy for the World Cup Final. The French star scored the only goal from the penalty spot.

For flashiness, Portugal's new star Cristiano Ronaldo may even have outshone the 34-year-old Zidane, now one game away from winning a second World Cup after their 1998 title.

However, while the talented Manchester United player strained France's notoriously well-glued defences, he tried too often to turn Portugal's attack into a one-man show.

But history will tell that in Wednesday's semi-final, it was the Zidane penalty curse that crushed the Portuguese and handed them their first defeat in 18 encounters.

Indeed, a 33rd-minute penalty shot by Zizou was enough to stop Portugal by the same score this time - six years after a "Zizou" spot kick ousted them in a tumultuous 2002 European championship semi-final that saw Figo walk off the field really angry.

It's fair top say that Zidane, three-time World Footballer of the Year, plans to retire from the game after this World Cup, but it was clear he wanted the shot at that second trophy. He directed the French like a king -- occasionally acting a bit like one too, when he was fouled.

But he blasted home the penalty past Ricardo - one of this Cup's best goalkeepers - flashed the Zidane magic, fought for the ball and even defended as the Portuguese pressed for the equaliser.

And When Nuno Valente brought down Zidane with a minor foul, the Everton defender respectfully patted the French skipper on the head. When Cristiano Ronaldo and Zidane exchanged a handshake after a tussle, it seemed more of a gesture between equals.

Furthermore, Figo had trained only lightly before the game and nearly headed the equaliser on 77 minutes after a doubtful Fabien Barthez let a Ronaldo free kick bounce off his chest.

When the game was over, it was clear that no matter how many talented players Potugal have, Zidane is one of the greatest footballers of history.

Great victory takes Italy to the Final

2006-07-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

With two great goals scored by Fabio Grosso and Del Piero, Italy earned the glory of playing the Final game. They defeated host Germany in an excellent 2-0 game. The Italians will play with the winner of Portugal-France.

The was was more like a war since the very first minute. Italians and Germans performed a very tough battle in Dortmund.

The victory was fair with the football they showed, between two heartful teams that wanted to win at their own style. Ballack and Klose later Odonkor were trying to show the path to victory.

However, the game was very equilibrated. Everybody in the stadium and in front of the televisions were preparing for the penalty shootouts. The physical effort was too big and the Germans could barely walk.

And that was the mortal minute - the very last minute - when the italian team scored their goals. Two goals in the last 30 seconds of action, and the host country will cry forever. Grosso and Del Piero made it possible.

Italy and Germany will fight for the glory of the final.

2006-07-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Three time winners, Germany and Italy will take the centre stage today in Dortmund to fight for one of the 2006 World Cup final’s ticket.

We can say that before this games, reaching the semi-finals would have been considered an achievement following the spate of criticisms that followed the two sides preparatory to the commencement of this World Cup.

However, now reaching the last four stage will not be enough for either of the runnerups. This is because they now want to go all the way to the trophy and make some statements for themselves.

As for Germany, coach Jurgen Klinemann wants to join the few list of footballers that to have won the championship both as a player and coach.

Italy on the other hand wants the glory to add to their already three titles, and most importantly, to bring back some measure of credibility to a sport that had been battled at home by corruption scandals.

But on the field Germany has demonstrated appetite and positive attitude to win. They have shown some exciting performances that have caused pundits to install them as one of the favourites for the title.

Top scorer, Miroslav Klose, Captain Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski and super Sub, David Odonkor will be Germany’s weapon against Italy’s usually powerful defence.

The "Azurris", who appeared to have struggled this far will play to contain the hosts, with Luca toni hoping to break his goal scoring duck.

It will be a really hard game, and both sides will have to give everything to win.

Germany, Italy, France and Portugal win in the quarterfinals

2006-07-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

The quarterfinals finished with the biggest tragedies for Brazil, England and Argentina. Now there are four team that will fight for the glory: Germany, Italy, France and Portugal.

Germany defeated Argentina in the penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw. Roberto Ayala scored in the game, but missed his penalty shoot. Miroslav Klose scored the German goal and became the top scorer of the tournament. Now the host team will play against Italy, who easely crushed Ukraine with a categoric 3-0.

In the other semifinal, Portugal, who defeated England in penalties, will have to stop an amazing France. The "Bleus" shocked the Cup when they defeated superfavorite Brazil, with a 1-0 scored by Thierry Henry.

Europe is the only part of the World that had enough talent to reach this stage. Now one of these nations will be singing the most beautiful music: "We are the Champions".

Spanish death, French resurrection

2006-06-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

The old gang wants to get back to glorious days. Zinedine Zidane served the deciding goal on Tuesday night, then scored one of his own minutes later to lead France to a 3-1 win over Spain in Hanover, Germany.

Villa scored the 1-0 lead for Spain in a game where the Spaniard side was favorite, but the "Bleus" managed to equalize with a great run by Frank Ribery. Vieira scored the second one and Zidane killed Spain in the last minute.

"We're old but we're still smart," French boss Raymond Domenech said after Les Bleus used shrewd tactics and a couple of clever moves on their way to a 3-1 victory over Spain on Tuesday for a place in the last eight.

Relying on several footballers past their prime but still exceptionally talented, France patiently waited for their opportunities and downed the Spaniards with two late goals.

Now they face Brazil, whom they defeated 3-0 in the 1998 final at Stade de France, and will have to accept being underdogs in Saturday's derby in Frankfurt. This is most likely the most expected game in this World Cup so far.

Brazil breaks records and rivals

2006-06-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

In a very good evening for him, Ronald broke GErd Muller's record, and Brazil won 3-0 to advance to the quarter-final of the 2006 World Cup. This time the victim was Ghana.

In fact, tuesday's goal was Ronaldo's third in four encounters at Germany '06 and it made him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 15, but it has been really hard to tell whether he is on a roll because of the roll that's on him.

According to brazilian newspapers, even Brazil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, involved himself in the national debate over whether the country's star striker Ronaldo was "fat." He then apologized, especially after the footballer mentioned the politician's fondness for a drink now and then.

Inter's Adriano and Bayern Munich's Ze Roberto scored the other two goals for the Brazilian victory. Now the "verdeamarelha" will face a surprising France, in a game that resembles the 1998 World Cup Final.

Referee mistake helps Italy win over Australia

2006-06-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

The Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo, Italy defeated Australia 1-0 and qualify for the quarterfinals to face Ukraine.

According to all the fans in the stadium, Australians fought well the whole encounter and did not deserve a lost in such circumstances. And Italy disserves a credit for being on the attack. However, still being held to a 0-0 draw by Australia the whole match on Monday.

In fact, Italy made it through for this match against Australia by winning over Ghana and the Czech Republic and making a tie against the USA. Australia made it through to the second round for the first time ever in a World Cup tournament. Australia won against Japan, lost to Brazil, and then got a tie awith Croatia.

The Australian newspaper mentioned the terrible mistake that eliminate a good team of the tournament.

Argentina and Germany face a super derby after winning in the Round of 16

2006-06-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Two of the best teams of the Cup, Germany and Argentina qualified for the quarterfinal stage after beating Sweden 2-0 and edging Mexico 2-1 respectively.

In the Allianz Arena, german forward Lukas Podolski scored twice in eight minutes to help Germany ease past Sweden in the first encounter of the World Cup knockout stage.

Indeed, Podolski scored his second goal of the tournament five minutes into the match, when fellow striker Klose broke clear in the box, was just stopped by Andreas Isaksson and Podolski was on hand to convert the rebound.

The Bayern Munich striker put it 2-0 eight minutes later after a fine combination with Klose, who slipped a pass through and Podolski found the back of the net with ease.

Sweden wasted their greatest opportunity in the 52nd minute. Striker Henrik Larsson was awarded a penalty kick after being fouled in the box by Christoph Metzelder. But the 35-year-old shot the ball out of the field.

Juergen Klinsmann expressed his satisfaction: "We were extremely well prepared from the kickoff. I played with full power and full energy. We wanted to attack and give them pressure from the start and the players did very well. "

And in the other match, Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez scored as spectacular goal in extra time against desperate Mexico on Saturday night. Argentina, who defeated Mexico 2-1 in extra time after a full-time 1-1 tie, will meet hosts Germany in the quarterfinals in Berlin on June 30.

In fact, midfileder Rodriguez was named Man of the Match by the FIFA Tecnical Study Group after the match. He said his amazing goal had left him stunned he was confident Argentina could now overcome host nation Germany in the next stage.

Spain will face France after beating Saudi Arabia

2006-06-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Red Fury wants to make history. Spain used a substitute squad to beat a poor Saudi Arabia in Kaiserslautern yesterday and ensured they went through to the round of 16 as winners of Group H.

In themost important move, centre defender Juanito scored the winner nine minutes from half-time when he fired a bullet header past goalkeeper Mabrouk Zaid after Jose Antonio Reyes whipped in a free kick from the left.

This win extended Spain's unbeaten run to 25 matches and meant they finished the group stage with a maximum nine points for the second World Cup in a row.

Aragones' team will now meet France in the last 16 in Hanover on Tuesday. This will be one of the most expected games in the next stage.

In the other hand, it was a disappointing end to the tournament for Saudi Arabia who go home with just a point after surrendering the lead to draw 2-2 in their opening encounter against Tunisia and then losing 4-0 to Ukraine.

Furthermore, Ukraine got their pass as the second team after beating Tunisia with a lonely goal of Shevchenko.

Group H final positions:

Spain (9)
Ukraine (6)
Tunisia (1)
Saudi Arabia (1)

French team suffered too much to qualify

2006-06-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

France had to fight really hard to get into the second round of the World Cup on Friday. They defeat Togo by 2-0 to finish second in the Group G.

Juventus' midfielder Patrick Vieira broke the scoreless deadlock in the 55th minute, taking a pass from midfielder Franck Ribéry in the penalty area and swiveling to drive the ball into the right corner of the net. It was a goal of immense class in an inspirational match for Vieira.

A head pass from Vieira in the 61st minute steered the ball into Henry's path. The Arsenal player brought it down and, from about 15 feet, buried the ball in the bottom left corner to make the score 2-0. Henry has not always been at his best in the French jersey, but this was ruthless finishing from one of the game's most elegant frontline man.

France ended second in this group and will have to play against Spain in the next stage. Switzerland was the best team in the zone and will face Ucrania.

The Swiss team defeated South Korea 2-0 and earned their pass to the round of 16 in the first position.

Group G final positions:

Switzerland (7)
France (5)
South Korea (4)
Togo (0)

Brazil beat Japan and win the Group F

2006-06-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

When the brazilian players want to win there's nothing in the world that can stop them. Brazil finally showed their great power in the final game of Group F with a 4-1 win over Japan on Thursday. A surprising Ronaldo emerged from his shell to score a brace that made him join the all-time World Cup top scorer on 14 goals with Germany’s Gerd Muller.

Keiji Tamada score the first for Japan with a violent shot but Ronaldo equalized in the last minute of the first half, with a good header.

In the last part, Gilberto finished a long run with a very good shot and beat the Japanese goalkeeper. Ronaldo scored the third with an excellent shot from outside the area. And Juninho netted the last goal with an impressive blast from 30 meters.

This victory saw Brazil advance with maximum points to a last 16 meeting with rank outsiders Ghana after the "verdeamarelha" extended their winning run to a record ten games, going back to the start of their successful 2002 campaign.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo was all smiles afterwards as he showed that he was by no means over the hill following two predatory finishes which saw off a Japan side who dared to take the lead. “The record wasn’t my main goal. I just wanted to be there for the squad,” he said. “I have been very patient. You have to keep working and not lose heart,” said the 29-year-old star, who added that the support of his family “has carried me through the tough times,” including another injury-ravaged season.

Brazilian Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Brazil had shown just what they are capable of. “I am very happy with the win and the manner in which it was achieved. Today, we played our game, passing the ball around. We deserve to top the group. And Ronaldo Nazario is getting better and better,” Parreira claims. “He is a very special player.” With Brazilian legend Zico in their coaching hotseat the Japanese, needing a victory to have any hope of advancing, refused to buckle under the early pressure from the men in yellow but fell away badly in the second half.

In the other match, Croatia and Australia tied 2-2. The game was violently played, and the referee didn't have a good night. This result allows Australia to go to the roound of 16. Now they will face Italy.

Group F final positions:

Brazil (9)
Australia (4)
Croatia (2)
Japan (1)

Italy eliminates the Czech Republic

2006-06-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

In one of the most important results of the tournament, Italy won the Group E this morning, and eliminate the 10-man Czech Republic with a 2-0 victory in Hamburg.

Thanks to a 26th-minute header from substitute Marco Materazzi, the Italians the lead before the Czechs were reduced to 10 men just before the break with the dismissal of Jan Polak.

Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi rounded goalkeeper Petr Cech to roll home the second in the 87th minute as the Czechs threw everyone forward.

It's very important to remember that the Czechs sorely missed injured forward Jan Koller and suspended striker Vratislav Lokvenc, and it was left to midfielder Pavel Nedved to provide the attacking creativity.

Buffon dealt well with a dipping drive but could only parry out many Nedved efforts - although the Italy keeper did well to smother Marek Jankulovski's follow-up.

It's fair to mention that Italy's problems increased in the 17th minute when they were forced into a change - Alessandro Nesta, suffering from what appeared to be a recurrence of his troublesome muscle injury, limping off to be replaced by defender Materazzi.

The good luck entered with him. Nine minutes after joining the match, the big central defender headed the Azzurri in front with his first goal for the national side leaping superbly above Polak to power a header past Petr Cech.

Italy's grip on the match got tighter just before the break when Polak was dismissed for a second bookable offence for a foul from behind on midfielderTotti.

That left Karel Brueckner's side down to 10 men for a second half in which they needed to score two goals to keep themselves in the World Cup, and the Czech coach made a switch at the break bringing on attack-minded Jiri Stajner for veteran Karel Poborsky.

And then Totti, still looking far from his best, was given space for a long range effort that Cech pushed round the post in the 53rd minute.

In the other match, Ghana beat the United States and qualify for the round of 16. NOw Italy will play the second of group F, and Ghana's rival will most likely be Brazil.

Group E final positions:

Italy (7)
Ghana (6)
Czech Republic (3)
USA (1)

Argentina win the first position after 0-0 draw with the Netherlands

2006-06-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

It was one of the most expected derbies in this World Cup but they didn't even score a goal. The Netherlands and Argentina got a 0-0 draw and advanced into the knockout stage of the World Cup, while Cote d'Ivoire and Serbia and Montenegro played just for the honor.

Even though there were glimpses of brilliance from both teams, the Netherlands and Argentina seemed content to see the match out for the draw, having already qualified for the last 16 after winning their opening two encounters in the group.

It's interesting to know that in the last attack of the night, Carlos Tevez got the best chance for Argentina in the injury time when he stabbed the ball to the goal after a group of dazzling steps past the Dutch defence, but it missed the target.

"We didn't play the kind of football that we like to play, but we were facing a very strong squad," Argentina coach Perkman admitted.

According to the experts, the Argentines seemingly found their scintillating form in a 6-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro last Friday.

Group C final positions:

Argentina (7)
Netherlands (7)
Ivory Coast (3)
Serbia & Montenegro (0)

Portugal proved to be a candidate as they beat Mexico

2006-06-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

The result finished 2-1 for Portugal who beat Mexico. Both teams advandced to the round of 16 in the World Cup Germnay 2006. The Mexican squad didn't cover the expectation, and the first spot was for Figo's team.

Portugal won thanks to goals by Maniche and Simao Sabrosa in the first 25 minutes, and Kikin replied by heading in a corner kick to put Mexico back in the match before halftime.

"Things couldn't be better," Scolari expressed. In fact, he holds the World Cup record with 10 straight coaching victories. He won seven matches with unbeaten Brazil in the 2002 tournament, and now is 3-0 in this Cup.

It's fair to say that Mexico, coming off a win and a draw, missed a penalty kick and played the last 30 minutes with 10 men. However, their door to the knockout round opened when Angola drew with Iran.

According to these results, Portugal will play the Netherlands on Sunday in Nuremberg after the Dutch tied Argentina 0-0 to finish second in Group C. Mexico will face Argentina in Leipzig.

Group D final positions:

Portugal (9)
Mexico (4)
Angola (2)
Iran (1)

England go to the round of 16 without Michael Owen

2006-06-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

England and Sweden tied 2-2 in a very exciting game that gave them the ticket to the second stage. The English team still cannot beat Sweden.

The English side went in front when Joe Cole hit a sensational lob from 35 yards, but then Marcus Allback equalised when he headed home from a right-wing corner.

The coach made a wise decision and Steven Gerrard headed in Joe Cole's 85th-minute cross, but Henrik Larsson levelled for Sweden in injury time.

The bad luck, however, hit the English squad. A knee injury to striker Michael Owen will have him miss the rest of the tournament.

It's important to say that England will now face Ecuador on Sunday at 1600 BST in Stuttgart, while Sweden play Germany in Munich 24 hours earlier.

Group B final positions:

England (7)
Sweden (5)
Paraguay (3)
Trinidad & Tobago (1)

Germany defeated Ecuador 3-0

2006-06-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

With a brilliant performance, Germany claimed three wins out of three when they defeated Ecuador 3-0 to finish top of Group A.

TOp scorer Miroslav Klose, now with four goals, netted twice against the Ecuatorian goalkeeper.

The host team were clearly taking the threat of a possible match against England more seriously than Ecuador and, even though they had already qualified, they played at full strength.

It's important to mention that Germany started the World Cup with some uncertainty over their prospects, but their qualification for the knockout stages has been incredibly easy.

In fact, Germany may not have faced any sort of proper test yet, having played against a really limited Costa Rica, a terrible Poland and now the weak Ecuador, but they have beaten every squad they have faced, and not once seriously looked in any danger of not getting all three points they needed.

Now Germany will lay against Sweden, the second of Group B, and Ecuador will face powerhouse England, in a very difficult challenge for them.

Group A Final positions:

Germany (9)
Ecuador (6)
Poland (3)
Costa Rica (0)

Australian soccer sad after Brazilian victory

2006-06-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Brazil found a very hard team in Australia. Despite the 2-0 of the "verdeamarelha", the "Socceroos" made a really good game and deserved better luck.

Ronaldinho and Kaka were not as brilliant as in the first game. But the Brazilian team sides with Cafu and Ze Roberto worked very hard to help Brazil overcome the Australian enthusiasm.

Dutch coach Guus Hiddink had insisted before his side took on Brazil that while the result was important, the performance, with the eyes of the world on them, was equally so.

Even though it may be comfort of the coldest kind, he, and the nation, can take solace from the thought that the Socceroos might have been beaten by the Cup favourite in a fast and fierce contest today, but they were rarely bloodied and certainly never bowed in a match that, had the football gods smiled up on them, would have ended in a draw.

We have to say that in a thrilling second half Australia, playing in an unfamiliar navy, launched waves of attacks on the Brazilian goal after falling behind just after the restart to a goal by Adriano.

Where other squads might have retreated into their shell, Australia merely redoubled its efforts, and created a number of great chances which, on other days, would have levelled the score.

That's why it was the cruellest twist of fate that the South Americans, breaking swiftly after an Australian attack, were able to kill the result with a second goal they hardly deserved in the very last minute.

Rooney could be important in England's attack

2006-06-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

England has a good chance to line-up with Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney against Sweden. And everyone wonders about how good would that be.

Thrown into his first start since fracturing his right foot, Rooney has to prove that his fitness is as good as the England camp have claimed. If not, Sven-Göran Eriksson’s squad are in trouble because the Manchester United striker is regarded as the antidote to most of the failings in their opening two World Cup games.

As we know, he is certainly regarded as the cure by Owen, whose place in the starting XI has been questioned by Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables, two former England managers. In fact, having been hauled off twice before the hour, the Newcastle United forward had reason to be concerned that the present England head coach had also lost faith, but he has been buoyed by the news not just that he will play in Cologne , but alongside Rooney.

The return of “Wazza”, as his team-mates call him, restores England’s most potent match-winner and the one player who can glue the rest of the side together. “He is really important, a fantastic player and that type of link player between the two players and the midfield that we need,” Eriksson said.

“We saw when Rooney came on (against Trinidad & Tobago) that maybe he is not 100 per cent, but he kept the ball up there and did some very clever movements and good passes.”

According to reporters, on the training ground, the coaches have been emphasising the need for patience and ball-retention. With Rooney back, there are reasons to hope that we have seen an end to the long, diagonal balls that have earned England minimum marks for style along with maximum points.

Newcastle's Owen is more hopeful than anyone that England will start playing with more variation and imagination. Glenn Roeder, his manager on Tyneside, spoke yesterday about the forward “fighting for scraps off Peter Crouch, which doesn’t suit him”, an analysis that might have come from Owen himself.

“It is very simple,” England’s leading goalscorer said. “We have not been getting the ball in the right areas. I am totally reliant on my team-mates in that respect. If the team are firing on all cylinders and playing well and getting footballers into places where I come alive, then you’ll see a different me.

“If we can get someone just behind me or in center of the ground with their head up, then I come alive. You would think there would not be as many longer balls. You know, Wayne and myself are not that tall. It may encourage players to keep it on the deck a bit more.”

France surprised by South Korea's football

2006-06-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

South Korea proved they can fight very hard and get what they want. Park Ji Sung made the goal to tie 1-1 with wasteful France in a Group G match Sunday that could mark the end of Zinedine Zidane's career.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry put the French ahead on nine minutes with their first World Cup goal since they won the 1998 final on home soil, improving on a goalless opening draw against Switzerland.

Nowever, the things were not good for the French side and they were left with just two points from two games - though Mexican referee Benito Archundia failed to allow what television replays showed as a clear goal by midfielder Patrick Vieira.

As we said, Zidane, who will be 34 when France play Togo on Friday, received his second yellow card of the tournament for pushing a defender in the penalty area just following the South Korean equaliser.

As a result, the French captain and mastermind of the 1998 champion team will miss the final group game against Togo, which could be the last in France's 2006 trophy campaign unless they get the victory.

"We were greatly improved on the match against Switzerland. We put some great moves together," French coach Raymond Domenech claims.

"I saw that we controlled this game for long spells, but we're unlucky the referee didn't give the score on Vieira's header."

In fact, South Korea, playing their sixth World Cup in a row, now lead the group with four points before Togo and Switzerland meet in their second Group G encounter Monday.

Domenech blamed 'strange' refereeing for Zidane's second booking. Still he praised the fighting spirit of the Koreans, who were semi- finalists four years ago when they co-hosted the tournament.

"Their goal was bit flukey, but that's football," he expressed. "We know where we are: We have to win the last clash."

Line-ups:

France: Fabien Barthez, Willy Sagnol, Lilian Thuram, William Gallas, Eric Abidal, Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele, Sylvain Wiltord (60. Franck Ribery), Zinedine Zidane (90. Trezeguet), Florent Malouda (88. Vikash Dhorasoo) - Thierry Henry.

South Korea: Lee Woon Jae, Choi Jin Cheul, Kim Young Chul, Kim Dong Jin, Lee Young Pyo, Kim Nam Il, Lee Ho (67. Kim Sang Sik), Lee Eul Yong (45. K Seol), Park Ji Sung, Lee Chun Soo (71. Ahn Jung Hwan), Cho Jae Jin.

Italy got a violent 0-0 draw with the USA

2006-06-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Italy was expected to get the victory after making a great game against Ghana, but this time it was different. Alberto Gilardino gave them the lead with a diving header, but an own goal by Cristian Zaccardo brought the United States back on level terms.

Amazingly, this draw left all four teams in the group in the mix for the knockout stages after Ghana defeated the Czech Republic 2-0 in Cologne.

American striker Eddie Johnson had caused a rumpus earlier in the week by comparing the World Cup to war. The clash wasn't warfare, but this gripping contest was everything but friendly.

According to the referee, Italy had Daniele De Rossi sent off in the 28th minute for elbowing Brian McBride and American Pablo Mastroeni shortly followed him down the tunnel for clattering into Andrea Pirlo.

What's more, the American team was reduced to nine men a minute after halftime when Eddie Pope picked up his second yellow card. It was only the fourth time in the history of the tournament that three players had been sent off in the same game.

Goalkeeper Kasey Keller pulled off two excellent saves to deny Italy substitute Alessandro Del Piero in the closing stages as the Americans bravely dug in to snatch a point.

It's important to say that Italy now have four points, followed by the Czech Republic and Ghana both on three and the US on one. However, Italy face the Czech Republic in Hamburg on Thursday, while the Americans take on Ghana in Nuremberg. The winners will advance to the second stage.