Category Archives: World Cup 2006

FINAL: Italy 1 – 1 France(Italy win 5-3 on penalties) World Cup finals rarely live up to the full-blooded attacking abandon of the earlier rounds, because there’s just so much at stake. Both France and Italy had demonstrated their full … Continue reading →

Third place play-off: Germany 3 – 1 Portugal I’m sure I’m not alone in wondering whether there’s really any need for a third place play-off match at all. Both teams are beaten semi-finalists, physically spent and in mental anguish over … Continue reading →

Semi-final: Portugal 0 – 1 France Do you mind if I just dispense with any attempt to be impartial for this one? I’ve been a good boy so far, don’t you think? I haven’t said “C’MONYOUINGERLUN!” once, have I? I … Continue reading →

Semi-final: Germany 0 – 2 Italy Classic. Less than three weeks ago, Germany were plodding unconvincingly through their first two group games, while Italy were showing off their self-destructive tendencies in spectacular fashion against the USA. But now look at … Continue reading →

Brazil 0 – 1 France The resurrection of Les Bleus is fast becoming *the* story of the tournament. They looked good against Spain, but tonight’s performance against Brazil looked even tighter and more organised. Zidane, who looked forlorn and frustrated … Continue reading →

England 0 – 0 Portugal (Portugal win 3-1 on penalties) Rubbish. Yes, I know this is where we’re all supposed to talk of heroism in the face of defeat and didn’t the plucky lads try hard, but that’s just not … Continue reading →

Germany 1 – 1 Argentina (Germany win 4-2 on penalties) Plenty of people were looking forward to this being the match of the tournament, but it never really lived up to the hype. The quality of football was still pretty … Continue reading →

Just musing idly on the latest FIFA rankings, compiled in May. Here are the top 20 countries, along with their progress (where appropriate) in the World Cup… 1. Brazil — quarter finals 2. Czech Republic — group stage 3. Netherlands … Continue reading →

Brazil 3 – 0 Ghana Apparently, when the Brazilians went on to the pitch to warm up before the match, the Ghanaian players stopped their own warm-up session to gaze admiringly at the football legends on display. I don’t know … Continue reading →

Italy 1 – 0 Australia While yesterday ended in silent-era slapstick farce (or a Vietnam war movie, perhaps?) today’s play started with full-on soap opera tragedy. The match was no classic, and the Italians spent most of the first half … Continue reading →