My OperaFIFA World Cup 2006 - Diary
Monday, July 10, 2006 6:40:48 AM
GROUP STAGES
Friday 9 Jun 2006
Germany kick-off campaign in style
Germany 4-2 Costa Rica
Philipp Lahm and Torsten Frings scored sumptuous goals as the competition hosts began their campaign with a win.
Energetic Ecuador punish Poland
Poland 0-2 Ecuador
Paweł Janas' team have it all to do in Group A after Ecuador dealt an early blow to their FIFA World Cup aspirations.
Saturday 10 Jun 2006
England profit from Gamarra slip
England 1-0 Paraguay
Sven-Göran Eriksson's side got their campaign off to a winning start courtesy of an early Carlos Gamarra own goal.
Sweden denied by Hislop heroics
Trinidad and Tobago 0-0 Sweden
Shaka Hislop was sensational as ten-man Trinidad and Tobago earned a point on their FIFA World Cup debut.
Clinical Argentina down Ivorians
Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast
Clinical finishing proved the difference as Argentina took the points in a high quality encounter.
Sunday 11 Jun 2006
Bravo provides Mexican hurrah
Mexico 3-1 Iran
Omar Bravo scored twice as Mexico beat their Group D rivals, but they were pushed all the way in Nurenburg.
Reliant Robben powers Dutch win
Serbia and Montenegro 0-1 Netherlands
Arjen Robben was at his bewildering best as the Dutch opened their Group C campaign with victory.
Misfiring Portugal limp to victory
Angola 0-1 Portugal
Pauleta's early strike proved enough to earn Portugal the points but it was Angola that emerged with credit.
Monday 12 Jun 2006
Japan sunk by Australia substitutes
Australia 3-1 Japan
A late double from Tim Cahill and fellow replacement John Aloisi's last-gasp strike earned a comeback victory.
Injury cuts short Koller celebrations
United States 0-3 Czech Republic
Jan Koller set the Czechs on course for victory but an injury to the striker could overshadow the result.
Italian experience pays dividends
Italy 2-0 Ghana
Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta were on target as the Azzurri claimed the points in an entertaining game.
Tuesday 13 Jun 2006
Korea trip up debutants Togo
Korea Republic 2-1 Togo
Substitute Ahn Jung-Hwan of MSV Duisburg completed a Korean comeback against ten-man Togo in Group G.
Points shared in Stuttgart stalemate
France 0-0 Switzerland
It was a tale of frustration as both countries missed the chances to win their opening Group G fixture.
Kaká strikes the decisive blow
Brazil 1-0 Croatia
Kaká made the difference as the holders overcame tough resistance from Croatia to win their opener.
Wednesday 14 Jun 2006
Superb Spain inflict Ukraine pain
Spain 4-0 Ukraine
Ten-man Ukraine suffered a nightmare start to their first finals tournament as Spain streaked to victory.
Tunisia thankful to last-gasp Jaidi
Tunisia 2-2 Saudi Arabia
Radhi Jaidi's added-time header earned Tunisia a draw to deny the Saudis an opening victory in Group H.
Neuville punishes ten-man Poland
Germany 1-0 Poland
Oliver Neuville's late goal gave the hosts a second Group A win and left Poland on the brink of elimination.
Thursday 15 Jun 2006
Germany advance as Ecuador win
Ecuador 3-0 Costa Rica
Germany are through to the last 16 but Group A rivals Poland are out after Ecuador ensured their own progress.
Lacklustre England leave it late
England 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago
Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard saw England through to the last 16 as Wayne Rooney returned.
Ljungberg swoops to revive Sweden
Sweden 1-0 Paraguay
Fredrik Ljungberg's last-gasp header moved the Swedes second in Group B as Paraguay's bid ended.
Friday 16 Jun 2006
Gritty Angola halt Mexican advance
Mexico 0-0 Angola
Ten-man Angola held on to pick up a famous draw as Mexico's Group D ambitions were dealt a heavy blow.
Plavi fall to awesome Argentina
Argentina 6-0 Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia and Montenegro's FIFA World Cup dreams are in tatters after a stunning Argentina performance.
Defiant Dutch hold firm to progress
Netherlands 2-1 Ivory Coast
Ruud van Nistelrooij and Robin van Persie scored as Marco van Basten's side booked a place in the last 16.
Saturday 17 Jun 2006
Deco drives Portugal past Iran
Portugal 2-0 Iran
A thunderous strike from Deco inspired Portugal as they booked a place in the knockout stages.
Ghana make history as Czechs falter
Czech Republic 0-2 Ghana
Goals from Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari saw Ghana claim their first FIFA World Cup victory.
Three sent off as USA hold Azzurri
Italy 1-1 USA
The USA earned a draw against Italy despite finishing an action-packed game in Kaiserlautern with nine men.
Sunday 18 Jun 2006
Croatia denied by Kawaguchi save
Croatia 0-0 Japan
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi produced a superb penalty save as Croatia and Japan played out a goalless draw.
Adriano spares Brazil blushes
Brazil 2-0 Australia
A fine shot by Adriano and a late Fred tap-in saw the holders Brazil through to the last 16.
Park strike punishes France
France 1-1 Korea Republic
France ended a worrying FIFA World Cup goal drought before Park Ji-Sung's strike left Group G wide open.
Monday 19 Jun 2006
Frei opens door for Switzerland
Togo 0-2 Switzerland
Goals from Alexander Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta put Switzerland on course for a place in the second round.
Four-goal Ukraine make history
Saudi Arabia 0-4 Ukraine
Andriy Rusol, Serhiy Rebrov, Andriy Shevchenko and Maxym Kalinichenko sealed their country's first win.
Raúl sparks a Spanish revival
Spain 3-1 Tunisia
Luis Aragonés's substitutions worked to perfection as his charges came from behind to reach the last 16.
Tuesday 20 Jun 2006
Bosacki eases Poland's pain
Costa Rica 1-2 Poland
Two goals from central defender Bartosz Bosacki enabled Paweł Janas's side to bow out on a high note.
Win hands Germany pole position
Ecuador 0-3 Germany
Two Miroslav Klose goals and a third by Lukas Podolski earned the hosts victory and top spot in Group A.
Paraguay finish with a flourish
Paraguay 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago
Paraguay ended their FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note with a 2-0 Group B win in Gelsenkirchen.
Swedes peg back nervy England
Sweden 2-2 England
Both sides confirmed their progress to the last 16 but Michael Owen's injury gave England cause for concern.
Wednesday 21 Jun 2006
Iran halt Angola's advance
Iran 1-1 Angola
Mexico breathed a sigh of relief after Angola were pegged back in their concluding Group D fixture.
Portugal progress as pool winners
Portugal 2-1 Mexico
Maniche (pictured) and a Simão penalty ensured Portugal advanced with maximum points in Group D.
Ivorian comeback shocks Serbians
Ivory Coast 3-2 Serbia and Montenegro
The European side let a two-goal lead slip to finish without a point at the foot of Group C.
Share of spoils suits title rivals
Netherlands 0-0 Argentina
The South Americans pipped the Dutch to top spot in Group C following a low-key draw in Frankfurt.
Thursday 22 Jun 2006
Ghana glory in Nuremberg triumph
Ghana 2-1 USA
First-half goals from Haminu Draman and captain Stephen Appiah secured second place in Group E.
Materazzi prompts Czech exit
Czech Republic 0-2 Italy
A Marco Materazzi goal and a first-half red card cost Karel Brückner's side as they bowed out of the finals.
Ronaldo sparks Brazilian revival
Japan 1-4 Brazil
Ronaldo took his FIFA World Cup tally to a record-equalling 14 as Brazil found their form in Dortmund.
Kewell jewel ends Croatia hopes
Croatia 2-2 Australia
Harry Kewell's late strike proved enough as Australia twice came from behind to end Croatia's campaign.
Friday 23 Jun 2006
Juanito maintains Spain momentum
Saudi Arabia 0-1 Spain
Juanito Gutiérrez's first-half header proved enough for Luis Aragonés's side to take first position in Group H.
Shevchenko fires Ukraine through
Ukraine 1-0 Tunisia
Andriy Shevchenko's second-half penalty propelled tournament debutants Ukraine into the last 16.
France relieved by Togo triumph
Togo 0-2 France
Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry were on target as the 1998 winners clinched second place in Group G.
Switzerland surge into last 16
Switzerland 2-0 Korea Republic
Goals in each half from Philippe Senderos and Alexander Frei set up a meeting with Ukraine.
ROUND OF 16
Saturday 24 Jun 2006
Podolski powers Germany through
Germany 2-0 Sweden
Early goals from Lucas Podolski set the hosts on course for an easy win against the ten-man Swedes in Munich.
Rodríguez secures dramatic win
Argentina 2-1 Mexico (aet)
Maxi Rodríguez's incredible extra-time strike saw Argentina through to a meeting with Germany.
Sunday 25 Jun 2006
Careful England edge past Ecuador
England 1-0 Ecuador
A trademark David Beckham free-kick proved enough as England clawed out a narrow victory in Stuttgart.
Oranje see red as Portugal prevail
Portugal 1-0 Netherlands
Maniche scored the only goal of a fractious encounter in Nurenburg that both teams ended with nine men.
Monday 26 Jun 2006
Last-gasp Totti on the spot for Italy
Italy 1-0 Australia
Francesco Totti converted a penalty with the final kick of the game to take ten-man Italy through.
Ukraine edge into last eight
Switzerland 0-0 Ukraine
(aet, Ukraine win 3-0 on penalties)
Oleh Gusev scored the decisive spot-kick in Cologne.
Tuesday 27 Jun 2006
Ronaldo helps Brazil to last eight
Brazil 3-0 Ghana
A record-breaking goal from a lively Ronaldo put the FIFA World Cup holders on their way to victory.
Zidane crowns France comeback
Spain 1-3 France
Zinédine Zidane, at 34, rolled back the years to set up a last-eight repeat of the 1998 final against Brazil.
QUARTER FINALS
Friday 30 Jun 2006
Lehmann saves German campaign
Germany 1-1 Argentina
(aet, Germany win 4-2 on penalties)
Two shoot-out saves from Jens Lehmann took the hosts into the last four.
Two for Toni as Ukraine bow out
Italy 3-0 Ukraine
Marcello Lippi's side marched on to a date with Germany after comfortably overcoming Ukraine.
Saturday 1 Jul 2006
Mesmeric Zidane inspires France
France 1-0 Brazil
Zinédine Zidane inspired a stunning French display to defeat Brazil and set up a semi-final against Portugal.
Portugal prevail as Rooney sees red
England 0-0 Portugal
(aet, Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
Ricardo made three saves to deny ten-man England, who had Wayne Rooney sent off.
SEMI-FINALS
Tuesday 4 Jul 2006
Azzurri break German hearts
Germany 0-2 Italy (aet)
Last-gasp goals from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero defeated the hosts in an epic semi-final.
Wednesday 5 Jul 2006
Zidane fires France to the final
Portugal 0-1 France
France will play Italy in Sunday's final after Zinédine Zidane's penalty earned a deserved win in Munich.
III/IV PLACE PLAY-OFFS
Saturday 8 Jul 2006
Schweinsteiger starts German party
Germany 3-1 Portugal
Two superb goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger helped the host nation claim third place amid a party atmosphere.
FINALS
Sunday 9 Jul 2006
Italy prevail after shoot-out drama
Italy 1-1 France (aet, Italy win 5-3 on pens)
Fabio Grosso scored the decisive penalty as the Azzurri claimed a fourth FIFA World Cup in Berlin.
Friday 9 Jun 2006
Germany kick-off campaign in style
Germany 4-2 Costa Rica
Philipp Lahm and Torsten Frings scored sumptuous goals as the competition hosts began their campaign with a win.
Energetic Ecuador punish Poland
Poland 0-2 Ecuador
Paweł Janas' team have it all to do in Group A after Ecuador dealt an early blow to their FIFA World Cup aspirations.
Saturday 10 Jun 2006
England profit from Gamarra slip
England 1-0 Paraguay
Sven-Göran Eriksson's side got their campaign off to a winning start courtesy of an early Carlos Gamarra own goal.
Sweden denied by Hislop heroics
Trinidad and Tobago 0-0 Sweden
Shaka Hislop was sensational as ten-man Trinidad and Tobago earned a point on their FIFA World Cup debut.
Clinical Argentina down Ivorians
Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast
Clinical finishing proved the difference as Argentina took the points in a high quality encounter.
Sunday 11 Jun 2006
Bravo provides Mexican hurrah
Mexico 3-1 Iran
Omar Bravo scored twice as Mexico beat their Group D rivals, but they were pushed all the way in Nurenburg.
Reliant Robben powers Dutch win
Serbia and Montenegro 0-1 Netherlands
Arjen Robben was at his bewildering best as the Dutch opened their Group C campaign with victory.
Misfiring Portugal limp to victory
Angola 0-1 Portugal
Pauleta's early strike proved enough to earn Portugal the points but it was Angola that emerged with credit.
Monday 12 Jun 2006
Japan sunk by Australia substitutes
Australia 3-1 Japan
A late double from Tim Cahill and fellow replacement John Aloisi's last-gasp strike earned a comeback victory.
Injury cuts short Koller celebrations
United States 0-3 Czech Republic
Jan Koller set the Czechs on course for victory but an injury to the striker could overshadow the result.
Italian experience pays dividends
Italy 2-0 Ghana
Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta were on target as the Azzurri claimed the points in an entertaining game.
Tuesday 13 Jun 2006
Korea trip up debutants Togo
Korea Republic 2-1 Togo
Substitute Ahn Jung-Hwan of MSV Duisburg completed a Korean comeback against ten-man Togo in Group G.
Points shared in Stuttgart stalemate
France 0-0 Switzerland
It was a tale of frustration as both countries missed the chances to win their opening Group G fixture.
Kaká strikes the decisive blow
Brazil 1-0 Croatia
Kaká made the difference as the holders overcame tough resistance from Croatia to win their opener.
Wednesday 14 Jun 2006
Superb Spain inflict Ukraine pain
Spain 4-0 Ukraine
Ten-man Ukraine suffered a nightmare start to their first finals tournament as Spain streaked to victory.
Tunisia thankful to last-gasp Jaidi
Tunisia 2-2 Saudi Arabia
Radhi Jaidi's added-time header earned Tunisia a draw to deny the Saudis an opening victory in Group H.
Neuville punishes ten-man Poland
Germany 1-0 Poland
Oliver Neuville's late goal gave the hosts a second Group A win and left Poland on the brink of elimination.
Thursday 15 Jun 2006
Germany advance as Ecuador win
Ecuador 3-0 Costa Rica
Germany are through to the last 16 but Group A rivals Poland are out after Ecuador ensured their own progress.
Lacklustre England leave it late
England 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago
Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard saw England through to the last 16 as Wayne Rooney returned.
Ljungberg swoops to revive Sweden
Sweden 1-0 Paraguay
Fredrik Ljungberg's last-gasp header moved the Swedes second in Group B as Paraguay's bid ended.
Friday 16 Jun 2006
Gritty Angola halt Mexican advance
Mexico 0-0 Angola
Ten-man Angola held on to pick up a famous draw as Mexico's Group D ambitions were dealt a heavy blow.
Plavi fall to awesome Argentina
Argentina 6-0 Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia and Montenegro's FIFA World Cup dreams are in tatters after a stunning Argentina performance.
Defiant Dutch hold firm to progress
Netherlands 2-1 Ivory Coast
Ruud van Nistelrooij and Robin van Persie scored as Marco van Basten's side booked a place in the last 16.
Saturday 17 Jun 2006
Deco drives Portugal past Iran
Portugal 2-0 Iran
A thunderous strike from Deco inspired Portugal as they booked a place in the knockout stages.
Ghana make history as Czechs falter
Czech Republic 0-2 Ghana
Goals from Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari saw Ghana claim their first FIFA World Cup victory.
Three sent off as USA hold Azzurri
Italy 1-1 USA
The USA earned a draw against Italy despite finishing an action-packed game in Kaiserlautern with nine men.
Sunday 18 Jun 2006
Croatia denied by Kawaguchi save
Croatia 0-0 Japan
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi produced a superb penalty save as Croatia and Japan played out a goalless draw.
Adriano spares Brazil blushes
Brazil 2-0 Australia
A fine shot by Adriano and a late Fred tap-in saw the holders Brazil through to the last 16.
Park strike punishes France
France 1-1 Korea Republic
France ended a worrying FIFA World Cup goal drought before Park Ji-Sung's strike left Group G wide open.
Monday 19 Jun 2006
Frei opens door for Switzerland
Togo 0-2 Switzerland
Goals from Alexander Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta put Switzerland on course for a place in the second round.
Four-goal Ukraine make history
Saudi Arabia 0-4 Ukraine
Andriy Rusol, Serhiy Rebrov, Andriy Shevchenko and Maxym Kalinichenko sealed their country's first win.
Raúl sparks a Spanish revival
Spain 3-1 Tunisia
Luis Aragonés's substitutions worked to perfection as his charges came from behind to reach the last 16.
Tuesday 20 Jun 2006
Bosacki eases Poland's pain
Costa Rica 1-2 Poland
Two goals from central defender Bartosz Bosacki enabled Paweł Janas's side to bow out on a high note.
Win hands Germany pole position
Ecuador 0-3 Germany
Two Miroslav Klose goals and a third by Lukas Podolski earned the hosts victory and top spot in Group A.
Paraguay finish with a flourish
Paraguay 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago
Paraguay ended their FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note with a 2-0 Group B win in Gelsenkirchen.
Swedes peg back nervy England
Sweden 2-2 England
Both sides confirmed their progress to the last 16 but Michael Owen's injury gave England cause for concern.
Wednesday 21 Jun 2006
Iran halt Angola's advance
Iran 1-1 Angola
Mexico breathed a sigh of relief after Angola were pegged back in their concluding Group D fixture.
Portugal progress as pool winners
Portugal 2-1 Mexico
Maniche (pictured) and a Simão penalty ensured Portugal advanced with maximum points in Group D.
Ivorian comeback shocks Serbians
Ivory Coast 3-2 Serbia and Montenegro
The European side let a two-goal lead slip to finish without a point at the foot of Group C.
Share of spoils suits title rivals
Netherlands 0-0 Argentina
The South Americans pipped the Dutch to top spot in Group C following a low-key draw in Frankfurt.
Thursday 22 Jun 2006
Ghana glory in Nuremberg triumph
Ghana 2-1 USA
First-half goals from Haminu Draman and captain Stephen Appiah secured second place in Group E.
Materazzi prompts Czech exit
Czech Republic 0-2 Italy
A Marco Materazzi goal and a first-half red card cost Karel Brückner's side as they bowed out of the finals.
Ronaldo sparks Brazilian revival
Japan 1-4 Brazil
Ronaldo took his FIFA World Cup tally to a record-equalling 14 as Brazil found their form in Dortmund.
Kewell jewel ends Croatia hopes
Croatia 2-2 Australia
Harry Kewell's late strike proved enough as Australia twice came from behind to end Croatia's campaign.
Friday 23 Jun 2006
Juanito maintains Spain momentum
Saudi Arabia 0-1 Spain
Juanito Gutiérrez's first-half header proved enough for Luis Aragonés's side to take first position in Group H.
Shevchenko fires Ukraine through
Ukraine 1-0 Tunisia
Andriy Shevchenko's second-half penalty propelled tournament debutants Ukraine into the last 16.
France relieved by Togo triumph
Togo 0-2 France
Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry were on target as the 1998 winners clinched second place in Group G.
Switzerland surge into last 16
Switzerland 2-0 Korea Republic
Goals in each half from Philippe Senderos and Alexander Frei set up a meeting with Ukraine.
ROUND OF 16
Saturday 24 Jun 2006
Podolski powers Germany through
Germany 2-0 Sweden
Early goals from Lucas Podolski set the hosts on course for an easy win against the ten-man Swedes in Munich.
Rodríguez secures dramatic win
Argentina 2-1 Mexico (aet)
Maxi Rodríguez's incredible extra-time strike saw Argentina through to a meeting with Germany.
Sunday 25 Jun 2006
Careful England edge past Ecuador
England 1-0 Ecuador
A trademark David Beckham free-kick proved enough as England clawed out a narrow victory in Stuttgart.
Oranje see red as Portugal prevail
Portugal 1-0 Netherlands
Maniche scored the only goal of a fractious encounter in Nurenburg that both teams ended with nine men.
Monday 26 Jun 2006
Last-gasp Totti on the spot for Italy
Italy 1-0 Australia
Francesco Totti converted a penalty with the final kick of the game to take ten-man Italy through.
Ukraine edge into last eight
Switzerland 0-0 Ukraine
(aet, Ukraine win 3-0 on penalties)
Oleh Gusev scored the decisive spot-kick in Cologne.
Tuesday 27 Jun 2006
Ronaldo helps Brazil to last eight
Brazil 3-0 Ghana
A record-breaking goal from a lively Ronaldo put the FIFA World Cup holders on their way to victory.
Zidane crowns France comeback
Spain 1-3 France
Zinédine Zidane, at 34, rolled back the years to set up a last-eight repeat of the 1998 final against Brazil.
QUARTER FINALS
Friday 30 Jun 2006
Lehmann saves German campaign
Germany 1-1 Argentina
(aet, Germany win 4-2 on penalties)
Two shoot-out saves from Jens Lehmann took the hosts into the last four.
Two for Toni as Ukraine bow out
Italy 3-0 Ukraine
Marcello Lippi's side marched on to a date with Germany after comfortably overcoming Ukraine.
Saturday 1 Jul 2006
Mesmeric Zidane inspires France
France 1-0 Brazil
Zinédine Zidane inspired a stunning French display to defeat Brazil and set up a semi-final against Portugal.
Portugal prevail as Rooney sees red
England 0-0 Portugal
(aet, Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
Ricardo made three saves to deny ten-man England, who had Wayne Rooney sent off.
SEMI-FINALS
Tuesday 4 Jul 2006
Azzurri break German hearts
Germany 0-2 Italy (aet)
Last-gasp goals from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero defeated the hosts in an epic semi-final.
Wednesday 5 Jul 2006
Zidane fires France to the final
Portugal 0-1 France
France will play Italy in Sunday's final after Zinédine Zidane's penalty earned a deserved win in Munich.
III/IV PLACE PLAY-OFFS
Saturday 8 Jul 2006
Schweinsteiger starts German party
Germany 3-1 Portugal
Two superb goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger helped the host nation claim third place amid a party atmosphere.
FINALS
Sunday 9 Jul 2006
Italy prevail after shoot-out drama
Italy 1-1 France (aet, Italy win 5-3 on pens)
Fabio Grosso scored the decisive penalty as the Azzurri claimed a fourth FIFA World Cup in Berlin.
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