Worth Remarking
On the eve of the World Cup, Togo's 24-year-old finance graduate Edwige-Grace Madze Badakou was chosen 2006 Miss World Cup. Details on the World Cup Write-up page.
Following 
Argentina's and 
Brazil's World Cup departures, the Semi-Finals will be all-European affair for the first time since Spain-1982, when 
Germany, 
France, 
Italy and 
Poland comprised the last four. This year (2006), the top four are just about the same as in 1982, except that 
Portugal replaces Poland.
Poland, in turn, just as it had already happened in the 2002 World Cup, did not make it beyond the First Round in 2006 either.
FIFA has announced that 56% of the medical assistance provided on the pitch, in the first 62 matches in 2006, was not sufficiently relevant to have been entered in the referees' reports. Jiri Dvorak, who heads FIFA's medical committee, has remarked that the number is way too high, suggesting that the issue will be investigated further, as it is FIFA's interest to discourage injury simulations aiming either at delaying a match or at earning an opponent a yellow or red card.
Notwithstanding the above concern, a comparison between the 2002 ratio of medical assistance on the pitch (2.7 per match) and the 2.5 per match ratio, in 2006, is no doubt favorable to the current World Cup, even if it is a yet modest contrast that emerges between the two figures.
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In regard to fouls, the next type that FIFA has expressed concern in combating earnestly is the situation in which a player raises both feet before colliding with another. This kind of foul that will be next on FIFA's aim has apparently been nicknamed kung fu style.
FIFA has appeared just as concerned with the decreasing trend in the number of goals scored, since the 1998 World Cup, in France. See related data and stats on the pages Attacks & Defenses (comparison with previous World Cups included) and All Time 0x0 Results.
Anyway, not only is the 2006 goal⁄match ratio significantly lower than in the recent World Cups, but also 2006 has surpassed the previous record of 0-0 results, in absolute terms (see All Time 0x0 Results). Joseph Blatter has thus announced FIFA's intention of holding workshops to study the issue. Among those to be invited are the 32 head-coaches who have been in Germany, and the referees, all of whom would work alongside FIFA's Technical Study Group.
Amid different brainstorming in search of a cure for the goal decrease issue, Joseph Blatter has reportedly discarded the decreasing the number of players on a team. On the other hand, ideas such as altering the off-side rule, or increasing the goal size, might be considered, among others.
This has been the first time ever (in Germany-2006) that Argentina lost a match in a penalty shoot-out.
Germany, on the other hand, remains the strongest team of all, regarding penalty shoot-outs.
Germany's Oliver Kahn offered the World Cup's most moving demonstration of team spirit and fair play, in the sporting context, and of kind generosity and character, in the wider human context. Shortly before the penalty shoot-out against Argentina was to get underway, Kahn (Germany's hero in the 2002 World Cup, removed from the German goal, in 2006, due to Jurgen Klinnsmann's preference for Jens Lehmann) put all past rivalry and frustration aside, and walked up to Lehmann, to whom Kahn offered a supporting hug and words of incentive.
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That Oliver Kahn is a remarkable goalkeeper, hardly anyone can argue about. After all, Kahn was chosen the best player in the 2002 World Cup because of his excellent performances, then, his skillful defenses just about taking the German team on, till that Final Match against Brazil, in which the 'wall' that Kahn had been, at the German goal, finally crumbled in face of Ronaldo's talent.
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On June 30, 2006, Oliver Kahn showed that he is a lot more than a first class keeper. The big, kind heart and thoughtfulness underlying his gesture toward the man filling the position that Kahn had believed his, by right, surpasses what most of us are ready to offer as spontaneously. If Oliver Kahn had long earned the World's respect as a goalkeeper, he certainly earned it today as a human being.
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In recognition of his excelling team spirit, Kahn could well be allowed a chance at the German goal, this World Cup (2006)–even if just for part of a match (such as was done in the Brazil side, regarding goalkeeper Rogério Ceni, toward the end of their match against Japan). After all, who could deny that Lehmann's calm and inspiration, throughout that penalty series, may have had something to do with the support he had just been offered by Kahn?...
Brazil's side having been mentioned... on a sad note, veterans Roberto Carlos and captain Cafu, 33 and 36 years old, respectively, have reportedly been leaning on a team seniority factor, in order somehow to claim (impose?...) their presence on the team as some sort of obvious must. Provided that these media reports are indeed accurate, then both wingers could well have taken inspiration in Kahn's remarkable display of magnanimity, just mentioned (above).
For Roberto Carlos' football could hardly be recognized, this World Cup. And though he seemed to have at least tried a little harder in the match against France, he was directly responsible for Henry's great goal. What was Roberto Carlos doing at the moment Zidane took the foul kick, which resulted in Henry's goal?... Instead of marking Henry, who was in Roberto Carlos' defense zone, the Brazilian player appeared, on the TV screen, calmly bending down and adjusting his socks!!! Can anyone understand that?!... Pelé was reportedly indignant at that. 
See goal clip. See special goal clip: includes step-by-step watch of both Roberto Carlos and Henry.
Cafu, in turn, who conversely had passable performances, though far from the 2002 Cafu, and seemingly going down at the same rate as he was breaking his records, has likely retired from the Brazilian squad with one of his weakest ever performances, in that same match against France. Twenty-seven percent of the team's mistaken passes, during that match, came from Cafu's feet... (See Records & Memorable Details and related remarks) In this respect, kudos must be given to Juan, who did not make one single wrong pass, while he was the major Brazilian passer, throughout that same match!
Incidentally, press reports have hinted that, at the threat of Robinho's shadow, at Adriano may have implied that a place in the attack ought to be his–though from Adriano, himself, no tangible evidence of this appears to have transpired. Additional hints that Adriano may have indirectly implied that he played better alongside Robinho than Ronaldo, also emerged in the media, though likewise without a confirming indication from Adriano, who usually tried to avoid the Brazilian press.
On the other hand, whether true or not, Ronaldo made a point of declaring in the media that he would have no problem accepting to sit on the bench, should the coach at any time find it best for the team–a sharp contrast to what was published about Adriano. But Ronaldo could merely have been 'politically correct,' stating what would sound adequate at a moment in which he was under hard fire for appearing to be overweight.
Whatever the issue may have been regarding Brazil's front men, Robinho's skills ought to have been employed in place of either Ronaldo or Adriano. But Robinho was the 'new boy,' in face of more senior Adriano, and of three-World Cup veteran Ronaldo...
Well, precisely that capability of (and freedom for!) deciding what was really best for the team was perhaps one of the crucial factors in Brasil's disappointing performances in Germany-2006: for unlike Klinsmann who, right or wrong, had the guts and authority to send Kahn (Germany's 2002 hero!) to the bench, despite Kahn's initial loud protests, Carlos Alberto Parreira has seemingly over-respected his veterans...whatever the reason(s), and succumbed to their whims, it appears.
When did Brazil's side show their best football in this World Cup, and their closest to the beautiful game that has been their trademark? That was in the match against 
Japan, when coincidentally neither Roberto Carlos, nor Cafu, were on the pitch, replaced by Gilberto and Cicinho! Moreover, Robinho played beside Ronaldo!
Parreira, Brazil's head-coach, finally decided to use Cicinho & Robinho again, against France, but only in the closing 15 & 12 minutes of a match that had by then already been lost to a competitive and industrious French side, who fully deserved the merits of their victory. In this case, the cliché better late than never just did not work for Carlos Alberto Parreira...
Robinho was found in tears of disappointment and frustration, after the match. He commented that he was fully recovered from his injury and ready to play the whole match, if the coach so had wished. But coming in, in the last 12 minutes, he fought all he could, but there was just not sufficient time. The fact is that, in those 15 & 12 minutes that Cicinho & Robinho were on the pitch, respectively, the team was more creative and productive than they had been in the previous 75-78 minutes.
Coincidentally, the Brazilian Team that enchanted the World with magical and competitive football, at the 2005 Confederations Cup, had likewise not counted on Roberto Carlos and Cafu, nor on Ronaldo. It was then said that these three players had been given some vacation time, in order to rest from their hard European season–admittedly, an odd privilege, which worryingly evokes George Orwell's all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others...
At the 
Confederations Cup, that impressive Brazilian team from 2005 lined up with
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Cicinho |
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Roque Júnior |
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Émerson |
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Above and below: repeated players are highlighted in Brazilian-jersey yellow, whereas differing players are in light green. In italics are the players just referred to, Cicinho, Gilberto, and Robinho.
Analogously, the team lining up for the 2006 World Cup match against Japan was
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Juan . |
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Juninho Pernambucano |
Ronaldinho |
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Ronaldo |
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Curiously, Roberto Carlos and Cafu figure on FIFA's preliminary list toward FIFA's 2006 Dream Team...but neither Gilberto, nor Cicinho (especially) do. Has the committee responsible for selecting this preliminary list been watching the same World Cup as the public?... Anyway, the final list will most likely include neither Brazilian winger, and possibly very few Brazilian players, among the eight or nine initially listed, albeit their incontestable outstanding individual skills. The remarkable Ronaldinho Gaúcho, for one, if making the final list, it will have rather been in respect for what he has shown while playing at Barcelona, or in the previous (2002) World Cup... Ronaldinho, in contrast to Robinho, was hardly noticed on the pitch, in Germany-2006...It has indeed been a major disappointment for fans.
See Records & Memorable Details for personal record-breaking concerns in the team, and for the globe-trotting atmosphere which involved the squad in Switzerland, and which they never really managed to emerge from, in Germany, so as to move into 'competition-gear,' at last. These facts, along with whatever frailty in the team's command (see right above), have most likely constituted Brazil's team's major deterrents and adversaries in Germany-2006. Except for a moment of brilliance here and there, the magic boys from Brazil played fairly ordinary games, most of the World Cup excitement sorrily taking place elsewhere.
On another sad note, one cannot refrain from having noticed Argentina side's lack of grace in defeat, following Germany's win on the penalty shoot-out.
Though during their Quarter-Final match, the Argentinian team played in superior style and stamina than their five-time World Champion South American rivals did against France, the truth is that neither team would have deserved to win their matches: the Brazilians, for having dared bring onto the pitch a team that was a poor caricature of the great team which those very same players have previously been part of; whereas the Argentinians for not having dared keep on their strong game, favoring, instead, the fearsome choice of clinging on to their 1x0 advantage at all costs–admittedly, a rather paradoxical attitude for a team that had mercilessly sent six balls into 
Serbia and Montenegro's net...
However, once faced with defeat, it was the five-time World Champion side that reacted quite graciously, albeit the great disappointment that they did not try to hide. The Argentinian side, in contrast, lost both their nerves and composure, reverting to some lamentable fracas scenes that, albeit not really unusual at Copa Libertadores or Copa América matches, were even more shocking and inadmissible at a World Cup match...not to mention when conceding defeat to the very World Cup host team.
In the aftermath of the above-mentioned near tumult involving the Argentinian team at the end of their Quarter-Final match against Germany, Torsten Frings risks a sanction from the FIFA, if he is not able to provide them a convincing explanation–new video evidence that the FIFA analyzed showed Frings also getting involved. The German player reportedly clarified that he had been punched twice and was merely trying to defend himself with his hands, in the image where he appears to be hitting Cruz. Due to the imminence of Germany's Semi-Final match, the disciplinary committee was to deal with Frings' case right away, so Klinsmann may know whether or not he can count on Frings for their coming match against Italy.
FIFA's investigation and evidence analysis is directed manly toward the Argentinian side, the ruffle having been their initiative (players known to be under investigation are Leandro Cufré and Maxi Rodriguez). In fact, at first official word had it that the German side would not even be investigated at all, in this regard. It was only the new video evidence brought in that made Frings be requested an explanation, this issue having had priority over the remaining of the investigation, due to Germany's coming match.
Update (Mon Jul-03-2006): FIFA has announced that Germany's Torsten Frings has been suspended for the above reasons and cannot play against Italy.
At this point, the German side must be feeling that their valiant victory over Argentina has come with a bitter aftertaste...for though the Argentinian team has now gone home, some damage has undoubtedly been left behind for Germany to cope with, in the aftermath of the sorry post-match incidents mentioned above.
Update (Sat Jul-08-2006): FIFA's penalties have now been announced, regarding the Argentinian players who were being investigated:
Maxi Rodríguez has been suspended for two matches and has been additionally fined 5,000 Swiss Francs.
Cufré received a more severe penalty, for having been found responsible for the above-mentioned fracas and for having dealt blows onto German players. Cufré has thus been suspended for four matches and has been additionally fined 10,000 Swiss Francs.
On a similar note, Rooney's red card, in the Quarter-Finals match that England played against Portugal, has similarly earned him a two-match suspension and a 5,000 Swiss Franc fine. This means that Rooney will unfortunately have to miss England's Eurocup-2008 matches against Andorra and Macedonia.
The coming Semi-Final match France vs. Portugal has apparently given rise to a diplomatic wrangle. It all started with an article in the newspaper France Soir, which called the Portuguese players violent and savages, for their typically physical play which resembles a blend of the overly vigorous style that the 
Socceroos can resort to, with the cunning attitude that often accompanies the Albiceleste talented game.
At any rate, it is no news for anyone following international soccer, that a match against the Selecção das Quinas–even when they enjoy a talented side as that of Euzébio's generation, or the current team with Figo and Deco–constitutes a seriously tough affair. Just recall their recent World Cup matches against 
Mexico, the 
Netherlands (see below), and England. But back home, in Portugal, it was felt that the savages label had gone a bit too far...
vs. France Soir's article at stake includes remarks such as Costinha's behavior resembles that of a villain, Petit makes use of brutality, in order to make up for his lack of skill, and Deco is a savage bereft of fair-play.
vs. In view of the above, Portuguese Ambassador in France, António Monteiro, will reportedly be filing a formal protest with Jacques Chirac's government, against France Soir's words, and requesting a public apology.
Germany's Philipp Lahm scored the first World Cup goal in 2006, in the opening match against Costa Rica, at 6 minutes in the first half. Lahm's brilliant goal was also one of the fastest in World Cup opening matches.
Costa Rica's José Porras, in turn, wrote his name in this World Cup (2006), as the first goalkeeper to have had a ball in his net.
Paraguay's strong defender and captain Gamarra scored the World Cup's first own goal, as he tried to deflect a ball crossed by England's star and captain, Beckham, just four minutes into the game.
Reports, following the match, inform that FIFA would be analyzing the goal, in order to decide whether to maintain its status as an own goal, or to assign its authorship to David Beckham. So, this could end up not being the World Cup's officially recognized first own goal, after all, despite its first having been so noted by the match referee (i.e., as Gamarra's own goal, for England), and indeed its having been clear to all that the Paraguayan's head deflected Beckham's shot to Paraguay's own net. Should FIFA make the alteration that they will be looking into, the update will be added to this entry, accordingly.
Update: Gamarra's own goal has not only been confirmed by FIFA, but actually entered in their record-books–see Records & Memorable Details
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This early goal ended up being the sole goal in a hard fought match, though one in which the English side failed to take advantage of Paraguay's instability following that goal, in the first half, and failed to display qualities expected of a major World Cup contender, as the English coach has repeatedly stated they are. (Beckham was in fact heard, at the closing of the match, admitting that his side had not played well.) Paraguay actually managed to impose their game in the second half especially, after a very poor start, but was inefficient in their conclusions. All in all, the English ended up managing a dream result for their ambitions, given the circumstances.
The first 2006 World Cup penalty goal was scored by Spain's Fernando Torres, in what has been the Furia's best ever start to a World Cup. After their broad victory over Ukraine, not only has the squad gained some credible confidence, back home, but there are also many (Spaniards and non-Spaniards alike) including Spain among the Title favorites, this year. Although World Cup winners are not usually the teams imposing the highest scores, if the Spanish side maintains the good inspiration, no one would dare say they won't become serious candidates for the final match, this year.
Poland has endured what can be considered the first major upset in the 2006 World Cup, as they conceded victory to a brave and determined 
Ecuador side (see, too, below).
Sweden has not only staged the first goal-less 2006 World Cup match, against a surprising efficient 
Trinidad and Tobago side, but also staged the second major World Cup upset. The Swedes just could not make through the solid and determined defense that they encountered, even after they had a one-man advantage over the totally inexperienced Central American side. This was, moreover, one of the most exciting 0x0 World Cup matches!
The above should most certainly not be read as Trinidad and Tobago's having played in a fearful, defensive way. On the contrary, they have set an example that should make many famous squads blush ashamed, when so many a time a team has simply played what may be called anti-football, so as to secure a narrow win... Quite remarkably, the Soca Warriors' disposition also to attacking–however unproductively, given their inexperience–was evidenced, for example, when they had a hand throw: the ball was invariably sent forward, toward the attack! Trinidad and Tobago played with such remarkable sporting spirit and bravery, despite disadvantaged by one man, that the whole stadium seemed to be supporting them, and cheering them forward, on the second half! The end of the match witnessed an euphoria–throughout the stadium–akin to that seen at the closing of a final match! So, despite goal-less, the match was definitely not short of excitement, thanks to the Soca Warriors' courage and determination, and of course also to the Swede's relentlessly trying to score, till the very final whistle.
Trinidad and Tobago had a magnificent debut exhibition, as already remarked, and are as joyful as if they had taken the World Cup Title. Indeed, this must be the atmosphere, as the brave Soca Warriors celebrate their stunning 10-man tie against a World Cup traditional, as is the experienced Swedish side, and in what was Trinidad and Tobago's first ever World Cup appearance. On local radio, following the match, they could hardly contain their joy and pride over their boys in Germany, as remarks such as the Soca Warriors rose to the occasion were heard many times! Yes, nothing more accurate. And amid that wave of delight and pride that took the local radio commentators over, they commented further that all their local teams needed was more exposure to the likes of Flamengo and Santos (Brazilian clubs) in order to raise their game in the World scenario.
The biggest win so far in the tournament (yet still less than half-way through the First Round), and likely their best-ever World Cup performance, came from Argentina's impressive show, in their match against a disappointing Serbia and Montenegro side–not only the score was worth remarking on, but the quality of the Albiceleste's game made a real mark!
Even if the 6x0 score had been obtained against a week team, it would have been impressive–let alone against a team whose game had earned a respectful reputation in Europe all along the qualifying matches, even though Serbia and Montenegro ranked only #44 at FIFA, right before the World Cup.
Those who had not initially included Argentina among their favorites, must now review their list, for the Albiceleste boys have now sent a clear message that they have indeed come to Germany with a serious view on snatching FIFA's Gold Cup from their old South American rival's hands (the Brazilian Golden Canaries, who have, in contrast, staged quite a disappointing game in their first match–see above).
Can you wait for Argentina's coming match, against the Netherlands?... This match has every ingredient to turn out to be a truly memorable one! Don't miss it!
However bitter, there was a note of irony in the fact that Serbia and Montenegro's star, striker Savo Miloevic', was celebrating his 100th cap, right on the day his squad was so mercilessly beaten by Argentina (see above). It is impossible not to lament that such a notable mark will remain linked in memory to such a demolishing match result. Certainly, Miloevic's talent deserved a kinder handling from 'Mr. Fate,' or the 'Gods of Football'...
Likewise, on the match against Croatia, on June 13, Brazil's striker Ronaldo similarly earned his 100th cap, wearing the famous yellow jersey, his talent similarly deserving a kinder handling. For, despite his squad's win, Ronaldo was hardly noted on the pitch, on such a significant match date...except for a single shot on goal, from the first whistle to when he was replaced by Robinho... What a shame that also Ronaldo's significant 100-mark will be remembered in association with a sad episode–in this case, with Ronaldo's having been a faded, static figure on the pitch, a shadow of the player that marveled the World in 2002.
From the Brazilian camp (their team having likewise failed to impress, in their first match), what is heard is that Ronaldo is expected to improve through the World Cup matches, though public opinion in the home front seems to lean clearly in favor of Robinho's replacing Ronaldo on the team, while the 2002 star would work to regain his form (according to popular UOL's, Globo's and also The Guardian's sites polls–the last, in England, whereas the first two in Brazil; the second site, in fact, carrying two different polls on the subject: a yes-no inquiry, and a forwards' query, this one showing Adriano & Robinho as the heavily favored forwards of Brazilians). The Golden Canaries' next match will likely give an indication regarding whose judgment is the wiser–the coach's or the public's. Adding to what has apparently become a national debate, Ronaldo's former physical trainer at Real Madrid, Antônio Mello, along with a few other Brazilian colleagues, have come up to say that they believe in Ronaldo's rising to the occasion, as the World Cup moves on. Recurrent reports on the striker's being overweight are earnestly denied by the physical trainers, in the squad, it should be added.
The latest news, following the day off after the Golden Canaries' first World Cup match, reported that Ronaldo complained of dizziness and headaches, though no clinical reason was found, upon medical examination at a hospital, it was also reported. Brazil's side's chief doctor, Dr. José Luiz Runco, promised a clarifying statement on the issue, for Thursday, June 15. (The press conference then held could hardly be called elucidative, though, the doctor clearly struggling to hold onto his usual civility, when faced with questions that included Ronaldo's mysterious illness, right before the 1998 final match, against France.)
Ronaldo is undoubtedly a most remarkable player, who has nothing left to prove, as far as his superb talent as a striker; but he is not a soccer playing machine, of course. He appears to be far from his best form, at the moment, and has been sadly exposed to booing (at the Berlin stadium), to World-wide criticism (following Brazil's first match), and to even more embarrassing situations, for having been put on the team in his current form. Wouldn't it be wiser that the squad management showed greater respect for Ronaldo, thus sparing him from despairing embarrassment and further misery (see below) till he is better fit to play?...one cannot help wondering.
Croatia's Robert Kovac, in turn, remarked after the match, that it was surprisingly easy to mark Ronaldo–a statement which Ronaldo's single match shot on goal readily confirms. Certainly a tie would not have been an unfair result for that match, even if Croatia likewise failed to impress–the duty to perform, however, lying rather with the current Champions, of course.
On the home-front, on the other hand, in the aftermath of Brazil's disappointing game, Ronaldo's great popularity reportedly makes his performance a dominating topic of conversation, brings down sales of his # 9 yellow jersey, and even motivates irreverent humor, especially on the internet (Brazilian ability to turn to self-humor in face of tragedy, likely as a means of psychological release, when the situation would call for crying or depression, seems to have been set into motion, as the following irreverent remarks indicate: the Croatian fellow who invaded the pitch for two minutes ran more than Ronaldo did during the match, or the only two static things on the pitch, at Berlin's stadium, were the grass and Ronaldo, or the match Brazil vs. Croatia was the first ever to be played with two balls–at the same time jesting at the unkindly pounded rumors on Ronaldo's (over?)weight, in the international media–among other irreverent Ronaldo-inspired self-humor, according to local reports).
The known facts are that, in the build-up to this World cup, Ronaldo has [1] limped through a friendly (against New Zealand) due to blisters on his foot, [2] missed a day of practice due to an apparently mysterious fever, and now [3] felt unexplainably faint (in addition to a headache, on match day, it later transpired in comments made by FIFA's man-of-the-match Kaká, though denied by Ronaldo, albeit confirmed by his mother, in Rio de Janeiro, who is naturally in contact with the striker)...not to mention the fact that [4] Ronaldo had apparently been underperforming at Real Madrid, after a number of muscle injuries which prevented him from playing for a quite a while. All in all, this phenomenal striker may well be undergoing an untimely ebb-flow period, the World Cup considered.
Despite coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's insistently stating the opposite, Ronaldo's chances of truly playing against Australia sadly look dimmer and dimmer, given the above-mentioned facts and his performance (or lack of) in Brazil's first match, whether he will or not be maintained on the team. It is difficult to understand why Ronaldo is not given a clearly needed rest plus specific training, as favored in Brazilian public opinion, especially when the squad has such great reserve players, as Robinho and Fred, both of whom are currently in much better shape than Ronaldo, and raring to show their game in the top international arena. No doubt this apparent obstinate inclination of Brazil's coach as far as having Ronaldo on the pitch, despite the striker's unfortunate current poor form, must greatly delight Brazil's next opponents–Australia and Japan–while it ominously touches a sore spot in 180 million Brazilian hearts, back home, on the other hand...
update: It is fair to add that Ronaldo upped his game somewhat, against Australia and then yet a bit more against Japan, though by no means it could be said he has yet resembled that fabulous 2002 striker we all saw in Korea-Rep.⁄Japan. Though he did not score against the Socceros, the fact is that Ronaldo did help Brazil score their first goal: he received a ball from Ronaldinho, turned quickly (Ronaldo had had his back to goal), while holding some three or so Australian defenders with him, and rolled the ball over for Adriano to score.
Kudos to Australia for having won their first ever World Cup match! They fought hard for that win and deserved it at the end. This result now seems to have really boosted the Australian's morale–not only the team, but also back home (a local ABC poll reveals that most Australians actually trust that the Socceroos can beat Brazil, on their second World Cup match! And, in view of the above, i.e., Brazil's troubles, the Australians are undoubtedly not alone in finding it possible to defeat the current World Champions. After all, it takes just going back to the former World Cup, 2002, to recall how great a disappointment defending World-Champion France turned out to be...). Oddly enough, Brazil's coach looks set to give the Socceroos a hand toward their ambitious goal (see right above). Certainly, it would be a huge World Cup upset, but nothing is impossible in soccer-land... Let us not miss Australia's match against Brazil!
The latest reports from the Australian camp account that wizard-coach Guus Hiddink has declared that their Sunday match against Brazil means the moment of truth for his squad!... Meanwhile, Brazil's Parreira seems set to use the match rather as if it were a friendly, as it looks like Brazil will be playing with ten man who are World Cup ready, plus one (Ronaldo–see above) for whom the match is to serve as an aid toward his finding his needed form. Indeed, this match promises to be a interesting affair.
German Markus Merk (reportedly very well rated to officiate the final match, should Germany not be involved) has been chosen to officiate the x match, and it is up to him to manage a strong hand on discipline–especially in view of Hiddink's having converted this match into a sort of life-and-death affair for the Socceroos, after his pre-match statement (see right above).
Could FIFA likewise be viewing this match as some sort of testing for Markus Merk (given the above), now that the reliable efficiency of Pierluigi Collina is no longer at hand for final matches?... At any rate, Merk's choice seems to indicate that FIFA feels the need for a strong official in command of Australia's match against Brazil.
And it must be so following the Socceroos' apparent inclination (though it has become clear that they are not alone) toward targeting the ball with one leg–while the other, slightly more raised, strikes the opponent's body. Surprisingly, even in some matches involving more technical teams, naturally expected to be less physical (the match between Mexico and Portugal being an example), scenes which would call for a yellow or a red card could be seen on TV, though likely kept concealed from the referee's eyes, one would choose to believe.
At any rate, violence cannot either make up for nor enhance skill, and should be contained with a strong hand, whereas skill can of course be enhanced by physical strength–the latter, though, worlds apart from violence or disloyal playing.
Like the Trinidad and Tobago side, Angola managed a fabulous result against Mexico (tipped as a World Cup favorite), on only Angola's second ever World Cup match–a result, in fact, which they had already come close to pulling against Portugal, their first ever World Cup appearance. Needless to say, the Mexican side was bitterly disappointed, after a result indeed far, even from the most modest expectations and Mexican hopes. They have, after all, been tipped as one of the Cup's serious candidates; moreover, Mexico has ranked very high at FIFA, for quite a long time. (But, once more, what we can logically expect, given what we know, beforehand, has often proven surprising, in the world of soccer...see the pages Magic of complexity and If logic sufficed...)
Now, for the Angolan, on the other hand, this goal-less draw must have been worth the same elation and feeling of accomplishment as if it had been a World Cup final victory, or the like. To say that the well-humored Palancas Negras' fans were delighted, hardly describes the Angolan's' joy and pride. On Radio Canal Angola, for example, they sounded so elated that they could barely contain themselves, celebration being written all over ever word, every cry of joy, every clamor of praise heard on the air, following that match! And among songs written in support and eulogy for their Palancas Negras (among which, songs happily celebrating and supporting Angola's first World Cup appearance), the following statement was heard shortly after the final whistle: this is an evening that will be recorded in history! Yes, certainly a most memorable result for debutant Angola.
On a different note, the fifth blank score had already come up, even before the World Cup's First Round matches had all been played. On the other hand, just three was the number of goal-less matches in the entirety of the previous World Cup (2002 Korea⁄Japan), two of which were matches played in the First Round. The 2006 World Cup, in turn, had well surpassed the 2002 mark and, in fact, also the All Time 0x0 Results record, even before the last two matches had been played.
Of course, there have been many goals in some matches. For example, the winning team scored four goals in each of the following matches, Germany's and Spain's first matches, Ukraine's second, and Brazil's third; in addition, Argentina scored 6 goals in their second match (though just two in their first and no goals in their last First Round match).
But a total of eight 90-minute periods have been played through without a single goal, before the World Cup had come to a close. Certainly, a mark such as that can hardly live up to the high expectations of goals raised when the World Cup ball and boots were first presented...
Below, all the goal-less matches in 2006, up to the Semi-Finals (included), are listed. This list is followed by the shorter list from 2002:
The 2006 Trinidad and Tobago x Sweden and Mexico x Angola matches actually included an ingredient of excitement, despite their blank score sheets. And so did the 2002 Spain x Korea Republic. The excitement that these matches had in common was that they all constituted thrilling first-time results for one of the squads involved, all achieved with remarkable whole-hearted fighting spirit. Refresh your memory below:
the two draws in 2006 have represented, respectively, Trinidad and Tobago's first ever World Cup result and Angola's second ever World Cup result (their first match having come close to a similar score, though they conceded defeat, at the end). Both these results were remarkably obtained against squads enjoying considerable World Cup mileage, whereas both new-comers had moreover played with only ten men for approximately half of the time!
On the page Attacks & Defenses, the number of all null-null scores is kept up-to-date. On that same page, it is also possible to compare the current World Cup (2006) and the previous World Cup (2002). Finally, the all-time record of null-null scores, which the 2006 World Cup has already surpassed, before June 9, is likewise discussed and available for comparison. (Click here to go directly to the discussion & comparison.)
Ecuador deserves a special entry to celebrate their first ever qualifying beyond the First Round stage in a World Cup! And La Tricolor boys have done it, indeed with much merit: not only have they qualified after only two matches, but also they have not conceded a single goal, whereas their forwards have scored five goals, in these two matches! Undoubtedly this is a remarkable feat for a team that had never made it to the Round of Sixteen before! And, as if this did not suffice for La Tri,...they have not only played convincingly, but also they lie in first place, in their Group, after these first two matches! They may not end up first–after all, the other qualified squad in the Group is none other than Germany, the team representing the host nation–but this should by no means fade the feats of the Ecuadoran side, after just two matches, in 20006: they are plenty sufficient also to be recorded in history (to paraphrase the joyful and proud Angolan remark, above). Certainly, Ecuador's folks, back home, must be celebrating as if their soccer-boys in Germany had reached a final match play-off!
An odd coincidence emerged, and then re-emerged, in the World Cup First Round: the first four World Cup penalties to be awarded and converted have all been called for the two Iberian squads, Spain and Portugal, (two penalties for each team) during matches in which both these teams had already scored.
Only during match # 38 the awarded and converted penalties shifted away from Iberian territory, then heading South in double-dose fashion: Côte d'Ivoire converted two penalty shots into Serbia and Montenegro's net, grabbing a 2x3 victory out of an adverse initial 0x2 score! Coincidentally, both penalties were motivated by untimely attempts at volleyball playing...
Incidentally, the Serbia and Montenegro side has been one of the biggest disappointment in the World Cup First Round, especially in view of their brilliant qualifying campaign (see below). In name of fairness, it should be added that their squad faced a succession of problems (see the Serbia and Montenegro page) which have undoubtedly contributed to their underperforming. (See the previous page, Records & Memorable Details, for a special significance regarding the match referred to above.)
Nine penalties have so far been called (First Round), three penalties having been missed (one of which, actually defended)–see here, or in greater detail, on the pages for Goal Scorers and for Goalkeepers (below the goals table, on each of these pages).
During the same period (1st Round), in turn, the own goals have had a different destination, thus far. The beneficiaries of the first two own goals scored have been squads wearing the red-white-blue of a couple of nations playing major roles in the current World scenario: England and the United States.
An extra pinch of wit can be added, if one considers that the 'donors' of both these 'goal-gifts' were Romance language speaking squads (Paraguay and Italy), dispatching their gifts across the Atlantic, so to speak–that is, Paraguay's own goal (conceded by the squad's skipper and excellent defender–see above) was in favor of England, whereas Italy's first-class defense repeated the cross-Atlantic 'courtesy,' scoring their own goal in favor of the 
United States. 
. . .
Albeit not exactly a cross-Atlantic affair, curiously enough, the beneficiary of the third 2006 World Cup own goal was another red-white-blue contestant!... Conversely, though, it was now a Romance language speaking squad that received the 'goal-gift' from an English speaking one: this time it was Paraguay's turn to be paid for their earlier 'courtesy' toward England, the generosity coming from the brave Trinidad and Tobago side (see above).
Unfortunately for Trinidad and Tobago, this own goal will have to do as the sole goal that their side scored in the 2006 World Cup.
Surprisingly, the United States's attack has not managed to score a single goal, in their first two matches! Where it not for Italy's above-mentioned 'gift,' the American's goal-tally would be null. What sense can one make of that, in view of the United States's excellent ranking at FIFA?!...
By the same token, how surprising that the Czech Republic (ranking second, at FIFA) should be beaten by 
Ghana (2 x 0 having actually been a kind score to the Czech squad, as Ghana missed a penalty, among s few incredible goal opportunities). Unarguably, the Ghana side won that match with merits!
The result, however, one cannot help calling surprising (at least), given that this was Ghana's second ever World Cup match (versus an experienced Czech squad) and given, moreover, that Ghana lies some 40 places behind the Czech Republic, according to FIFA's ranking!
Indeed, soccer and logic can really be worlds apart!... Serbia and Montenegro had conceded only one goal in their ten (10!) European World Cup qualifying matches, and finished first in their group, also qualifying ahead of all other European squads, and sending Spain to fetch their World Cup place in the play-offs, among the squads hoping to grab their last chance.
On a similar note, who would have anticipated that that same Spain that nearly missed out at qualifying would surprise 
Ukraine with a 4x0 smash, in their first World Cup match 
?!...
These are just a few, among the results that one would have it hard to foretell! And these surprising scores have all come up just two-thirds through the First Round!
Certainly, there will be other surprises, the single question being where?!... (see Magic of complexity page)
x This was match that grew dramatic, owing to the weakest officiating (thus far) in the current World Cup (2006).
Despite Valentín Ivanov's flashing an unprecedented number of sixteen 
and four 
(see Records & Memorable Details), the Russian referee was unfortunately unable to keep a tense match under control, there being little football to enjoy, at the end of things, though plenty of delaying & other non-sporting tactics. It is such a shame that a talented Portuguese side led by Luis Figo would apparently chose to defend their early 1x0 at all costs, against a likewise talented young Dutch side, when both were capable of offering their fans high quality and exciting football, instead. Anyway, is this a convincing way of knocking the Netherlands out of the World's best eight? How ironic that an early goal can at times spoil, rather than enhance, the spectacle...
At the Portuguese home-front, the media obviously highlighted Portugal's having won the battle, the players, in addition, being lauded as heroes.
The Dutch, on the other hand, expressed great frustration and disappointment, amid their disbelief in the match atmosphere that they had just emerged from.
At another major officiating blunder, English referee Graham Poll, flashed the yellow card three times at Croatia's Simunic, before finally flashing a long due red card, in the match Croatia played against the Australian side.
Following this embarrassing performance, Graham Poll has announced that he is stepping down from officiating in international tournaments.
x Odd end of match:
ITA 0 x 0 AUS till when Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo surprisingly called a last minute and controversial 
penalty that rescued an exhausted and undermanned Italian Squad from having to endure a 30-minute extra time: Italy's Fabio Grosso appeared simply to have tripped over just grounded Lucas Neill. So the match culminated with a frustrating World Cup exit for a determined team which surprised everybody, this World Cup. Albeit their overly exuberant rough-playing on occasion, the Socceroos did not deserve to be ousted in such style, especially when their valiant efforts had earned them the upper hand, in that match. The neutral crowd in the stadium recognized that, and was clearly cheering the Aussies on, up to when Italy found that penalty, less than a minute away from an extra time that would have likely favored the vigorous Australian side. For not only the Socceroos had all their 11 men on the pitch, but also they had not yet made use of any of their allowed substitutions.
The Italian side, who fought bravely throughout, seems to have once more been out-witted by Huus Hiddink (remember they were ousted, in World Cup 2002, by Hiddink-managed South Korea's scoring a golden goal in the Round of Sixteen?).
In England's last four World Cups, this has been the third time that the team must go home earlier than expected, fallen by a frustrating penalty shoot-out decision.
Following England's World Cup exit and Sven-Göran Eriksson's depart (Steve McClaren is England's new coach), David Beckham has stepped down as England's captain. The new captain has not yet been chosen.
A 7.25 meter high statue of Ronaldinho Gaúcho was completely burned and destroyed overnight, at Chapecó, in Santa Catarina, Brazil, following the defeat to France. Local reports have it that only one of the hands and part of the ball survived that destructive wrath of local fans. The statue, which used to stand in the town's central square, was the work of Brazilian plastic artist Kattielly Lanzini, who (understandably) is reportedly very upset.
Incidentally, Brazilian fans seem to have become even more disappointed with their idol Ronaldinho, after he was reportedly seen at a Barcelona night club all night long, till five in the morning, just the day after Brazil's early departure from Germany-2006. Adriano was Ronaldinho's guest in Barcelona, having likewise taken part in a lunch-party which Ronaldinho organized in his house, at Castelldefels (Spain), earlier on that same day.
. . . more yet to be added
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See the all-time penalty shoot-out statistics, on the Trivia & Curiosities page.
in 2002 Korea⁄Japan, [A] France x Uruguay, [B] Nigeria x England (in the First Round), and [C] Spain x Korea Republic (which resulted in a final Spain 3 x 5 Korea Republic score, after a penalty shoot-out, in the Quarter-Finals). 
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