CÔTE D'IVOIRE 3-2 SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

21 June 2006

Côte d'Ivoire produced a stirring finale to their first-ever FIFA World Cup™ adventure, coming from two goals down to clinch a stunning 3-2 win over Serbia and Montenegro.

The FIFA World Cup Stadium Munich witnessed a terrific match, one of Germany 2006's best to date, and the Ivorian Elephants thoroughly deserved the victory secured by goals from Aruna Dindane and Bonaventure Kalou, after earlier strikes from Nikola Zigic and Sasa Ilic had put the Serbo-Montenegrins 2-0 in front.

As if that drama wasn't enough, there were also a couple of red cards in this match, with Albert Nadj's 46th-minute dismissal a key factor in tipping the balance in favour of a Côte d'Ivoire side who lost captain Cyrille Domoraud in added time.

Despite their first FIFA World Cup victory, Côte d'Ivoire finish third in Group C with three points while Serbia and Montenegro go home without a point, having conceded 10 goals.

The match:
6‘: The match started briskly, with the ball zipping across turf which had been soaked by a huge storm which broke 90 minutes before kick-off. It was still pouring with rain when Arthur Boka had the first shot of the night, but the Côte d’Ivoire defender was well wide of the mark.

10‘: Serbia and Montenegro scored their first ever FIFA World Cup™ finals goal when captain Dejan Stankovic played a cross-field pass from just inside the Côte d’Ivoire half and Nikola Zigic nipped in between Blaise Kouassi and his hesitant goalkeeper Boubacar Barry to control the ball and slide it into an unguarded net (0-1).

16‘: Serbia and Montenegro’s Mladen Krstajic was forced to go off injured after an innocuous-looking accidental challenge led to what looked like a broken arm. He was replaced by Albert Nadj, who was booked almost immediately.

18‘: Côte d’Ivoire came close to an equaliser when Kader Keita broke free down the right and reached the by-line before pulling it back to Aruna Dindane, but his shot was saved by the trailing leg of Dragoslav Jevric and Kanga Akale could not turn home the rebound from very close range.

20‘: Serbia and Montenegro profited from another defensive error as Predrag Djordjevic curled a hopeful cross into the box and when Cyrille Domoraud failed to control it, Sasa Ilic gratefully pounced to turn in the second goal (0-2).

37‘: Serbia and Montenegro conceded a penalty when Milan Dudic handled Boka’s cross from the left. Dindane did well to hold his nerve with a twice-taken penalty, scoring both times with identical kicks amid a cacophony of whistles and a frightening clap of thunder after his first attempt was ruled out for player encroachment (1-2).

39‘: Djordevic forced Barry into a smart save with a well-driven free-kick from 20 metres out.

46+‘: Serbia and Montenegro substitute Nadj was sent off for his second yellow card.

Tricky conditions
57‘: The incessant rain made it difficult for the players to control the ball and after an untidy passage of play, Côte d’Ivoire forced Jevric into another unconventional save. Boka had a free-kick charged down by Ilic and Akale blasted the rebound at goal but Jevric once again saved with his leg.

61‘: Arouna Kone had two attempts for Côte d’Ivoire, the first charged down by Goran Gavrancic, the second was dragged wide.

62‘: A fantastic shot from 25 metres by Kouassi had a helpless Jevric beaten all ends up but it smacked against the crossbar.

63‘: As Côte d’Ivoire piled on the pressure, Dindane’s header went centimetres wide.

67‘: The equaliser Côte d’Ivoire had been threatening to score came when Dindane steered in Keita’s cross with his head to claim his second goal of the game (2-2).

71‘: Yaya Toure clipped a firm shot at Jevric but this time clutched it by taking the ball straight into his chest.

77‘: Stankovic ghosted into the Côte d’Ivoire penalty area unmarked but could only guide Djordevic’s inviting free-kick a metre the wrong side of Barry’s left-hand post.

86‘: Côte d’Ivoire’s remarkable comeback is complete after their second penalty award when Bonaventure Kalou’s shot was handled by Dudic. Kalou stepped up and made no mistake from the spot (3-2).

92+‘: In stoppage time, Côte d’Ivoire’s Domoraud was sent off for his second yellow card.

In conclusion:
With both teams already eliminated and little but pride at stake, they threw caution to the wind – and rain – to produce a fabulous contest. Côte d’Ivoire emerged victorious despite conceding two early goals for a well-deserved win.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Carlos TEVEZ (ARG)

21 June 2006

Argentina forward Carlos Tevez showed why so many European teams are trying to pry him away from Brazilian side Corinthians with his impressive display of hard work and attacking skill in his team’s final group match against the Netherlands, and the performance earned him Budweiser Man of the Match honours.

Although strike-partner Lionel Messi also displayed some dazzling skills, Tevez’s combination of strength, speed and skills proved to be a constant danger to the Dutch defenders, and when virtually everyone else seemed to settle for a point late in the match, Tevez was still working to try to get the match-winner, latching onto a long ball and firing a powerful volley just wide in injury time.

“In an evenly contested match, Tevez was the strongest,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Jim Selby.

“He fought for every ball and caused problems for Netherlands not only with his attacking play, but also by occasionally dropping back into midfield to win the ball and even helped the defenders.

"Ultimately, he made several efforts to create his own scoring chances. For his work in the attack and also his collaboration with the defence, he is the Budweiser Man of the Match.”

NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA

21 June 2006

Argentina secured first place in Group C and a Round of 16 meeting with Mexico after a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in Frankfurt on Wednesday, 21 June 2006.

The stalemate between two sides already assured of qualification left them tied on seven points at the top of the group, with Argentina finishing first virtue of their better goal difference. While Jose Pekerman's team move on to face Mexico in Leipzig on Saturday, the Dutch will play Portugal in Nuremberg 24 hours later.

The match:
7': The Dutch controlled the opening exchanges but Argentina showed the threat they carry on the counter as a perfectly-weighted ball from Lionel Messi looked to have found Esteban Cambiasso until an excellent challenge from Khalid Boulahrouz cleared the ball for a corner.

16': Gradually Argentina got into their stride and with Javier Mascherano pulling the strings and Maxi Rodriguez and Messi adding the flair, they began to look increasingly dangerous. Carlos Tevez curled a shot a yard wide from the edge of the area, but from the resulting goal-kick the South Americans played themselves into trouble.

17': Nicolas Burdisso was caught in possession by Dirk Kuyt who cut into the penalty area and shot for goal, but Boca Juniors Roberto Abbondanzieri turned the ball round for a corner at his near post.

24': Just a few minutes later Burdisso was forced to limp off and was replaced by Deportivo La Coruna defender Fabricio Coloccini.

27': The opening goal almost came direct from a corner, but Edwin van der Sar repositioned himself quickly enough to tip over a vicious inswinger from Juan Riquelme.

28': Again Riquelme caused problems and from his low free-kick, Rafael van der Vaart, stretching to clear, turned the ball onto Van der Sar's right-hand post. Less than a minute later Rodriguez flashed a powerful drive inches wide – Argentina were now moving through the gears.

40': Despite the attacking flair on show, neither goalkeeper was overstretched during the first half.

No breakthrough:
49': Strong and determined play from midway inside his own half from Tevez put the Dutch defence under pressure and Riquelme shot just wide from the edge of the penalty area.

54': Tevez was again the danger a few minutes later when setting up Rodriguez, but after cutting in from the right the Atletico Madrid midfielder shot over.

61': There were swathes of orange around the stadium in Frankfurt but it was the Argentinian fans who were making more noise as their side continued to control the tempo of the second half.

65': For all their possession, direct chances were few and far between for the Albiceleste. Tevez might have made more of a difficult chance when sent through, but he could not get the bouncing ball under his control.

69': Direct efforts from the Dutch were at this stage something of a rarity, so when Phillip Cocu shot narrowly wide from 20 yards it served as a wake-up call to everyone that they were not here just to defend. Cocu's effort precended the departure of Lionel Messi, making way for Julio Cruz following his first start at the FIFA World Cup.

73': Tevez however continued to provide a direct threat and brought a one-handed save from Van Der Sar with a well-struck drive from 20 yards.

84': For all that Argentina had forced the pace, the Netherlands were playing a well-controlled game and tried to snatch the points in the closing stages. However, a free-kick from just short of 30 yards by Van der Vaart was always edging wide.

In conclusion:
The Netherlands have not lost in normal time to Argentina in four meetings in the FIFA World Cup™, but it is the South Americans who finish the group stage marginally happier having secured first place. The unbeaten records of both should ensure they look ahead to the Round of 16 with confidence.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Jose FONSECA (MEX)

21 June 2006

Mexico striker Jose Fonseca was named as the Budweiser Man of the Match after his country’s narrow 2-1 defeat against Group D winners Portugal.

Fonseca was recognised by FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG) after putting in an influential display at the sharp end of his country’s attack, particularly after Ricardo La Volpe’s team were reduced to ten men.

The Tricolor coach opted for the Cruz Azul hit-man over Guillermo Franco to partner Omar Bravo, hero of Mexico’s win over Iran, up front. Fonseca’s tireless performance ensured that the coach’s faith was not misplaced. “Throughout the game, he was the hardest-working Mexican forward, always looking for a goal and trying to create chances for his team-mates,” said TSG member Gyorgy Mezey of Hungary.

“He was a crucial player in how the game unfolded. He stood out for his individual play, but also for how much he worked for his team. He also scored a good goal, and almost squared the match for his team, after Mexico went down to ten men.”

PORTUGAL 2-1 MEXICO

21 June 2006

Portugal made it three wins out of three in Group D as they defeated Mexico 2-1 in Gelsenkirchen through goals from Maniche and Simao Sabrosa on Wednesday, 21 June 2006.

While Portugal advanced as group winners to face the second-placed team in Group C - either Argentina or the Netherlands - in a Round of 16 tie in Nuremberg on Sunday, Mexico joined them in the knockout stage after finishing second with four points. El Tri will take on the Group C winners on Saturday in Leipzig.

The Mexicans trailed 2-0 inside 24 minutes in Gelsenkirchen after Maniche shot Portugal into a sixth-minute lead and Simao Sabrosa doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. Jose Fonseca made it 2-1 in the 29th minute but Omar Bravo's missed spot-kick in the second half ensured a defeat for Ricardo La Volpe's team. Mexico also suffered the loss of Luis Perez to a red card, which means he will miss the Round of 16 match through suspension.

The match:
2': Mexico made a fast start as Jose Fonseca, picking up possession on the edge of the box, turned inside his man and forced Ricardo into a good low save with a powerful strike.

6': Having already assured qualification, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had left on the bench five players on yellow cards – Cristiano Ronaldo, Costinha, Deco, Nuno Valente and Pauleta. Yet their absences were not felt as the Portuguese took an early lead: Simao Sabrosa raced towards goal and squared for the onrushing Maniche to power a shot into the top corner from around the penalty spot. (1-0)

8': Mexico, two points behind Portugal going into the game, were almost level immediately. Pavel Pardo crossed for Bravo whose acrobatic effort fell inches wide of the post.

24': Scolari's side were looking comfortable and were presented with a golden opportunity to extend their lead when captain Rafael Marquez handled Luis Figo's corner. With Oswaldo Sanchez dancing on his line, Simao crashed the penalty home. (2-0)

27': Mexico were stunned and they almost conceded a third soon afterwards. Helder Postiga's effort from the corner of the area was saved by Sanchez before Tiago fired the follow-up over.

29': Bravo almost pulled a goal back for Mexico. Alone at the back post he volleyed low and hard but Ricardo got down well to block the effort with the ball spinning onto the bar and over. From the resulting corner, however, Fonseca did score, flicking a fine header into the unguarded far post to reduce the arrears. (2-1)

43': Fonseca saw another headed effort float wide before Maniche forced Sanchez into a save from 25 yards at the other end.

44': Mexico pushed for the equaliser. Pardo saw his long-range strike saved and from the resulting corner, Portugal finally cleared the danger after an almighty scramble in their penalty box.

Bravo misses from the spot:
57': La Volpe's men poured forward and and earned a penalty as Miguel handled the ball. However, the chance went begging as Bravo smashed the penalty high into the netting above the crossbar.

61': Miguel was involved in another incident, tussling with Luis Perez in the Portugal box. The Mexican went down but this time the referee gave a free-kick the other way before handing a second yellow and then a red card to Perez.

63': Bravo had another great chance to hand the ten men an equaliser. Clean through on goal, the Guadalajara forward lifted his shot high over the bar.

72': With the news that Angola had gone a goal up, the Mexican bench became more agitated. More good work down the left from Simao presented substitute Nuno Gomes with a chance to add a third but he fired over.

83': Now on the right side, Simao beat his man and sent in a vicious cross that Nuno Gomes was a whisker away from reaching.

87': The Europeans were again close to a third. Sanchez threw the ball against the back of a defender and had to back-track fast as an effort flew inches over the bar.

90+2': Maniche found time again to shoot but the icing on the cake just would not arrive as Sanchez parried.

In conclusion:
Portugal advance to the second round for the first time since 1966 in some style, having claimed maximum points. Mexico - with a win, a draw and a loss - will hope to find some consistency as they head into the knockout stage yet again.

Budweiser Man of the Match: ZE KALANGA (ANG)

21 June 2006

Angola winger Ze Kalanga created chances for his team throughout their 1-1 draw with Iran, and his ability to deliver telling crosses from the right flank did not go unrewarded when it came time for Roger Milla to select the Budweiser Man of the Match.

The speedy midfielder, who plays his club football with Angolan side Petro Atletico, contributed considerably both in attack and defence, combining well with central midfielder Figueiredo on many occasions. Ze Kalanga was involved in virtually every Angolan attack and, most importantly, he was the one who served up the cross from the right wing that was measured perfectly for Flavio to head home his team's first-ever goal at the FIFA World Cup™.

"The Budweiser Man of the Match was Ze Kalanga because he was the centre of all Angolan attacks,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Milla. “The goal came from his wonderful cross and he was destabilising the Iranian defence with his runs. He also contributed defensively for his team and so the nomination is well deserved."

IRAN 1-1 ANGOLA

21 June 2006

Iran ended Angola's slim hopes of qualifying from Group D, as they held the African side to a 1-1 draw in Leipzig on Wednesday, 21 June 2006.

Angola scored their first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup™ finals when Flavio headed home Ze Kalanga's cross on the hour mark. However, their hopes of catching Mexico on goal difference were ended when Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh rose unmarked to convert Mehdi Mahdavikia's corner 15 minutes from time.

The result left Angola in third place behind Portugal and Mexico with two points, while Iran propped up the table with this, their solitary point of the tournament.

The match:
5': After a slow start to the game news filtered through to Leipzig that Portugal had taken the lead against Mexico. This made the Angolan fans inside the stadium dance with delight, as they hoped to help inspire their team to victory.

13': Vahid Hashemian nodded the ball to Ferydoon Zandi on the edge of the area. The Kaiserslautern midfielder skipped inside the box and hit a low shot, which Joao Ricardo did well to parry.

15': Figueiredo's drive from the edge of the box forced Ebrahim Mirzapour into a low save as the Africans pushed forward.

20': There was bad news for Angola as they had two players stretchered off inside 60 seconds. First Mateus left the field after sustaining what looked like a serious leg injury, and then Loco needed medical attention after being involved in a challenge with Hashemian. While Mateus was replaced by Love, Loco was able to continue, having been booked for his foul on the Iranian striker.

24': Iran had a great opportunity to take the lead, but veteran striker Ali Daei missed the target, heading over from just four yards when completely unmarked. The man with 109 international goals to his name was visibly frustrated by his profligacy.

27': For the second time in three minutes, Iran went close. Hashemian rose above the Angolan defence and directed a header towards goal, but Mendonca cleared off the line. Rahman Rezaei sliced the rebound wide.

31': Both coaches were left frustrated by the finishing of their strikers. First Akwa blazed a volley over the crossbar and when play switched to the other end, Zandi was guilty of the same crime.

34': Angola had four corners in a row, but they were unable to create a clear-cut chance and Miloy ended the spell of pressure for the Palancas Negras when he dragged his 20-yard effort wide of the target.

40': Andranik Taymoorian sent in a strong, right-footed effort from 20 yards that forced Joao Ricardo into a fine low save. The keeper also had to be alert to pounce on the rebound as Daei closed in.

45+2: Akwa touched the ball to Love on the edge of the box and his drive was superbly tipped over the bar by Mirzapour. Adventurous Angola
47': Angola started the second half brightly. Less than 100 seconds after the restart, the ball fell kindly for Mendonca in a promising position outside the box, but the midfielder saw his right-foot shot drift just wide.

52': Mendonca went a little closer with a 25-yard effort, the ball flying narrowly off target.

60': Angola took the lead with a superbly taken goal. After showing good skills in the centre of the pitch, Figueiredo played the ball to Ze Kalanga who sprinted down the right-hand side. His ball into the box was perfect and a grateful Flavio headed the ball home for his 14th international goal. (0-1)

69': In almost a carbon copy of the goal, a Ze Kalanga cross from the right was headed towards goal by Love, but this time Mirzapour was well-placed to save the striker’s effort.

75': Against the run of play, Iran drew level. After winning a corner on the right-hand side, which was taken by Mahdavikia, the unmarked Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh headed the ball into the net, to the fury of Angola No.1 Joao Ricardo. (1-1)

84': Iran's goal appeared to dent Angola's sense of belief and the Africans risked conceding a second as Rasoul Khatibi's shot on the turn was palmed over by Joao Ricardo.

In conclusion:
The odds were always stacked against Angola reaching the Round of 16 going into this match, but when they took the lead through Flavio their hopes were suddenly raised. However, Bakhtiarizadeh’s equaliser effectively ended their dreams. In a spirited display from both sides, a draw was probably the fair result, although Angola will be frustrated that they could not convert more of their opportunities.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Julio DOS SANTOS (PAR)

20 June 2006

On his first start at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany 2006™, the 23-year-old Paraguay midfielder Julio Dos Santos was the outstanding player in Tuesday's game against Trinidad and Tobago. His efforts earned him the Budweiser Man of the Match award as voted for by FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG).

“He bossed the midfield, he was the man behind all of Paraguay’s attacking moves,” explained TSG member Alvin Corneal. “He was the one who made all the best passes to the forwards and managed to find a way through the opposition’s back line. Dos Santos was the most consistent player in the match. He was everywhere, always looking for the ball, was always the best option for a pass from his team-mates and always seemed to be in the right place. He was quite simply excellent."

Before Paraguay’s third group game, the lanky (1.90m) Dos Santos had only featured once at this FIFA World Cup, replacing Cristian Riveros in the 62nd minute of his side’s previous match against Sweden. An excellent 30-minute cameo performance saw the Bayern Munich midfielder given a starting role for his team’s Germany 2006 swansong against Trinidad and Tobago, and he repaid coach Anibal Ruiz’s confidence with a top-quality display.

PARAGUAY 2-0 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

20 June 2006

Paraguay’s disappointing FIFA World Cup™ campaign finished on a high note as they beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in Kaiserslautern's Fritz-Walter-Stadion on Tuesday, 20 June 2006.

The Soca Warriors, meanwhile, depart Germany without a win or goal to their name, and yet the pride of Leo Beenhakker’s team remains firmly intact, with this gallant defeat typical of their energetic, courageous performances throughout their debut tournament.

Much of this match was, in fact, dominated by a T&T side who fell behind to the most unfortunate of opening goals, headed past his own, helpless goalkeeper by Brent Sancho in the 25th minute.

The second half provided entertaining and competitive fare, and saw Paraguay weather a sustained Soca storm before securing their only points of the tournament with a coolly-taken 86th-minute strike from Nelson Cuevas.

The match:
A Mexican wave swept around the stadium in Kaiserslautern in the minutes before kick-off. Both sets of fans were determined to lend their own colour to the game, with plenty of Trinidad and Tobago flags waved by people from the Caribbean islands as well as neutrals who had adopted the team during the competition.

2': Edgar Baretto swung a free-kick into the box that Roque Santa Cruz met with a glancing header. The effort looked to be heading towards goal, but Kelvin Jack made a superb save, springing to his left to tip the ball around the post for a corner.

5': At the other end, Dwight Yorke picked out Cornell Glen, whose header was turned away by Aldo Bobadilla.

7: A Trinidad and Tobago corner from the right was only partly cleared by Carlos Gamarra. The ball came to Aurtis Whitley on the volley, but the midfielder's effort was well off-target.

9': The Barretto-Santa Cruz combination went close again for Paraguay, but this time the Bayern Munich man’s header sailed over the top of the crossbar.

12': A Yorke free-kick was headed clear by Carlos Paredes, just before Stern John could pounce to steer the ball past Bobadilla.

16': The referee, Roberto Rossetti, awarded Trindad and Tobago another free-kick in a central position which Yorke floated into the box, just as he had done on the previous occasion. This time, Bobadilla punched it away, although the unease of the Paraguay back four was clearly apparent.

23': Another lovely floated ball from Baretto into the box found Nelson Valdez in a central position, but once again the header was off target.

25': The deadlock was broken when Roberto Acuna's free-kick was flicked on by Julio Dos Santos and turned into his own net by Sancho. The Gillingham defender could not hide his disappointment upon seeing the net ripple and the blue shirts of Paraguay converged together in celebration. (1-0)

30': Paredes earned the first booking of the game for a late foul on Whitley and the first substitution was made. Kenwyne Jones came on for Avery John and almost made an immediate impact when his powerfully struck free-kick was blocked en route to goal by one of his own team-mates.

40': A stretcher took Glen off the field after the LA Galaxy striker suffered a serious-looking knee injury. He was given a warm ovation as he was carried to the dressing room.

42': Santa Cruz powered his way down the left flank, beating several Trinidad and Tobago defenders in the process. He cut inside, made his way into the box and fired a low drive which flashed across the face of the goal.

46+': Acuna curled the ball in from the left and only a fantastic save from Jack denied the Paraguayans from doubling their advantage. From the resulting corner, Densill Theobald’s goal-line clearance left Paredes with his head in his hands.

Explosive restart from T&T:
47': Trinidad and Tobago made a bright start to the second half, typified by Jones’ lung-bursting run through the centre of the pitch. He squared the ball to Carlos Edwards, whose low cross into the box was only inches away from being met by Yorke.

55': Paraguay created their first chance of the second 45 when Santa Cruz touched the ball to Paredes on the edge of the box, but the Reggina man’s effort was comfortably gathered by Jack.

62': Yorke burst through the midfield and played the ball to Edwards on the right. His cross narrowly evaded John in the area and fell to Theobald, who blasted the ball into the side-netting. In the same minute, Santa Cruz went close at the other end after a quick break by the South Americans, but his shot whistled just wide of the upright.

63': Jack was called into action by strikes from Santa Cruz and Barretto, however, the Dundee goalkeeper proved equal to both.

71': Chris Birchall skipped past the challenges of several Paraguay players, but the midfielder lost his balance just as he was about to shoot and fired over.

75': With 15 minutes of the game to go, two of T&T’s most experienced players, Russell Latapy and Yorke combined well on the edge of the box, but the former Manchester United man fired his shot well wide.

77': A knock down from Jones found Latapy on the edge of the box and his left-footed volley was only inches away from hitting the target.

80': Trinidad and Tobago went close twice in the space of a minute as Paraguay’s good fortune continued. John was just inches away from converting a Jones cross and the former failed to get any real purchase on a headed effort just seconds later.

86': With Trinidad pushing for an equaliser, Paraguay scored their second of the game. Good interplay on the edge of the box saw substitute Cuevas work a clever one-two with Santa Cruz before firing past Jack. (2-0)

In conclusion:
Paraguay collected their first win of Germany 2006 in their final match, leaving them in third place in the Group B table behind England and Sweden. Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, can feel a little frustrated not to have gained a share of the spoils, especially for their attacking second-half performance.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Joe COLE (ENG)

20 June 2006

England midfielder Joe Cole scored what might prove to be the goal of the tournament and delivered an outstanding effort all around in his team's 2-2 draw with Sweden in their last match in Group B. The performance made him the clear choice for the Budweiser Man of the Match.

His 34th-minute strike was absolutely stunning, an amazing volley from over 25 metres that left Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson with no chance – an undeniably brilliant effort from one of England’s best. Cole also played an important part in England’s second goal, clipping in a pinpoint cross from the edge of the area for Steven Gerrard to head home. It would have been the match-winner if not for Henrik Larsson’s 90th-minute equaliser.

“It was an excellent overall performance from Joe Cole,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Kalusha Bwalya. “In the first half especially he was the outlet on the left, always positive in trying to take on his man and finding Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch. He scored a wonderful goal and had an assist.”

SWEDEN 2-2 ENGLAND

20 June 2006

England and Sweden drew 2-2 in Cologne on Tuesday, 20 June 2006 - a result that sends both teams through to the Round of 16 from Group B.

England's prize for topping the section is to play Ecuador in Stuttgart on 25 June, while Sweden must take on hosts Germany in Munich 24 hours earlier. Sven-Goran Eriksson's team had already secured qualification before this match and they were only denied a third successive win by a 90th-minute Henrik Larsson goal.

England had gone in front on 34 minutes through a spectacular strike from Joe Cole. Marcus Allback headed the Swedes level at 1-1 six minutes into the second half but substitute Steven Gerrard restored England's advantage when he headed in their second on 81 minutes.

The match:
2': England suffered a terrible early blow when Michael Owen collapsed in agony close to the touchline after his right knee buckled under him. The injury was so serious that team physio Gary Lewin immediately signalled for a substitution. Peter Crouch, one booking away from a suspension, came on two minutes later as Owen left the scene on a stretcher.

3': Frank Lampard, who has had more shots than any other player at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ so far, set his sights from 20 metres though the effort went wide.

7': Lampard had another go at goal, but it was straight at Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson.

12': Wayne Rooney’s determined run and cross was met, yet again, by the ubiquitous Lampard, but his attempted header came off his shoulder and passed harmlessly wide.

21': After surviving a period of pressure and a succession of Swedish corners, England went forward again and Joe Cole went close with a shot just over Isaksson's crossbar.

25': David Beckham released the bustling Rooney but his shot was expertly blocked by Teddy Lucic.

29': Beckham's inswinging free-kick from near the touchline was punched out for a corner by Isaksson.

34': England went ahead through an absolutely fantastic goal by Joe Cole. He chested the ball before sending a looping, textbook volley in off the top of the post from 25 metres out, with Isaksson only managing to get his fingertips to it. (0-1)

40': Lampard had Isaksson scrambling from the same sort of range as Joe Cole, but the ball skimmed the top of the net on its way out for a goal-kick.

Landmark goal
51': Freddie Ljungberg made a positive run into England's penalty area and his shot was blocked by John Terry, who turned it behind. From the resulting corner on the left by Tobias Linderoth, Allback rose high and flicked a header past Robinson, with Ashley Cole failing to keep it out on the line. Sweden had scored the 2,000th goal in FIFA World Cup history (1-1)

54': From a corner on the opposite flank, Larsson rattled England and their crossbar with an instinctive header that Robinson did well to tip onto the woodwork after it deflected off Jamie Carragher.

59': Sweden, playing much better than in the first half, once again had England rocking from a corner. Linderoth delivered it and Larsson headed the ball back for Olof Mellberg who clipped the top of the bar with his right-footed attempt from near the penalty spot.

69': Gerrard, who came on for an obviously frustrated Rooney in England's final substitution of the night, had to hack the ball off the line from Kallstrom's measured left-footed shot as another Swedish corner caused England headaches at the back.

85': England went in front again when Joe Cole crossed for Gerrard, who scored his second goal at Germany 2006, this time with a decisive header. (1-2)

90': Sweden hit back to claim a late draw as Larsson stabbed in from close range just ahead of Mellberg from a low throw-in that England's defenders failed to deal with. (2-2)

In conclusion:
England have still not beaten Sweden since 1968 but, as group winners, they will be happier to be facing Ecuador and not Germany in the Round of 16. Sweden's performance in the second half here, however, should give them confidence ahead of their meeting with the hosts.

Budweiser Man of the Match: ZE ROBERTO (BRA)

18 June 2006

In a team of star attackers, it was the defensive midfielder Ze Roberto who garnered the Budweiser Man of the Match honours for his hard-working performance in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Australia.

On the same field where he celebrated a Bundesliga championship victory just four weeks ago in what was probably his last game with Bayern Munich, Ze Roberto was the man who did the selfless ball-winning work for his more celebrated team-mates.

His biggest single contribution arguably came just minutes after his side had taken the lead early in the second half when he made a terrific defensive recovery, running half the length of the field to stop a clear breakaway for Australia's Marco Bresciano.

“Brazil have many solo artists, the star players whom everybody knows,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Francisco Maturana, “but such a team needs a worker like Ze Roberto, who hustled for almost 90 minutes to help the stars. Players like him have to be honoured. They are really important for any team, even one like Brazil.”

Budweiser Man of the Match: Michael BALLACK (GER)

20 June 2006

Michael Ballack played a true captain's role in a commanding Germany performance and it earned him the Budweiser Man of the Match honours.

Chelsea’s new midfielder dictated things as the host nation comfortably assured themselves of first place in Group A with a wider margin of victory than might have been predicted before the start.

It was the ability and power of Ballack that helped to crush the South Americans’ spirit and the high point of his performance came when he laid on Miroslav Klose’s second goal with a sublime forward pass. He almost came close to scoring a fourth goal himself but his fierce shot whistled just too high.

“Michael Ballack was the one player who organised the game for a German side containing a lot of good players today,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Andy Roxburgh. “If you look at the 90 minutes overall, he was the one centrally who had the power and took charge of a lot of the attacks. Additionally he created the second goal which was the decisive one.”

ECUADOR 0-3 GERMANY

20 June 2006

Germany sealed top spot in Group A in impressive style, with a Miroslav Klose brace and Lukas Podolski's first goal of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ sealing an emphatic 3-0 win over Ecuador.

Both these sides had already qualified for the Round of 16 prior to this match, but it is Jurgen Klinsmann's side who will march on to the next phase in more confident mood after a performance that simply oozed self-assurance.

The sell-out crowd of 72,000 at Berlin's Olympiastadion were certainly treated to a terrific showing from their side, for whom Klose - now tournament top scorer - was particularly impressive up front.

Ecuador, meanwhile, opted to rest a number of the players who had helped secure victories over Poland and Costa Rica in the South Americans' previous two matches, and did not look as potent without the likes of key striker Agustin Delgado.

Germany will now face the second-placed side from Group B in Munich on 24 June, while Ecuador will go head-to-head against the winner of that section in Stuttgart the following day.

The match:
4': After early half-chances at both ends, the hosts took hold of the game with a goal inside five minutes. A looping cross from the left from Per Mertesacker was cut back across the face of goal by Bastian Schweinsteiger and buried from eight yards by Klose to tie the Werder Bremen man with Spain’s Fernando Torres as Germany 2006's top scorer with three goals. (0-1)

19': With the previously impressive South Americans unable to muster much resistance, the Germans sliced them wide open once again. This time, Philipp Lahm's raid up the left channel ended in a whipped-in cross for Bernd Schneider at the back post. However, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder's well-struck volley flashed over the crossbar to groans from the home faithful.

25': Not long after, a fine chipped through-ball from Schneider picked out the energetic Klose racing into the box. Ecuador goalkeeper Cristian Mora, however, raced off his line to deny the onrushing striker what would have been his second of the match.

33': In an almost identical move, another lofted ball from Schneider found the foot of Klose once again, only for the striker's viciously struck volley to fly over the bar. With time ticking down in the first half, the Ecuadorians were just hanging on.

44': As it transpired, they could not make it to the interval without conceding again. Michael Ballack’s brilliant flicked pass picked out Klose, who overpowered his marker before rounding Mora and slotting into the open net. (0-2)

Podolski off the mark
51': The Germans came out in the second half intent on picking up where they had left off in the first. Ecuador did, though, manage to stamp some authority on the match. Luis Valencia's fierce tackle on Ballack in midfield earned him a yellow card and a stern talking-to from referee Valentin Ivanov.

53': Just a few seconds later, the German response almost yielded a goal as Lahm picked out Podolski, who clipped a low shot just past the far post.

57’: The youngster made amends for his near-miss just seconds later as a brilliant counterattack led to another German goal. Turning defence into attack in a matter of seconds, Schneider crossed from the right to pick out the sliding Podolski, who made no mistake, poking the ball just inside the back post. (0-3)

66': Giovanny Espinoza tried his luck from distance after a rare Ecuadorian break, Jens Lehmann in the German goal was barely troubled, however, and palmed the ball over with a minimum of fuss.

72': A free-kick from 20 yards was the next decent chance the Ecuadorians conjured, with Edison Mendez's swerving effort just failing to dip under the crossbar.

In conclusion:
Germany could have won by even more goals here and will advance to the Round of 16 with the confidence gained from three wins in Group A. Ecuador, despite a difficult day in Berlin, can look forward to their first-ever knockout game having won their first two matches.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Bartosz BOSACKI (POL)

20 June 2006

Poland defender Bartosz Bosacki was named Budweiser Man of the Match after scoring a goal in each half in his team's 2-1 defeat of Costa Rica on Tuesday to send Poland home from the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ with a consolation victory.

He got his first in the 33rd minute after Costa Rica goalkeeper Jose Porras tried to cut off a corner kick but missed his punch. The ball fell to Bosacki, who calmly placed it into the back of the net. Another 33 minutes of football passed before Bosacki struck again, and this time he needed no mistake from the keeper as he rose above Costa Rica’s Paulo Wanchope to head in a cross in the 66th minute.

“He scored the equaliser and the winning goal,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Kwok Ka-Ming. “ And he did well on defending. He is a great defender and he came from the back to make the victory. He deserves to be the Budweiser Man of the Match.”

COSTA RICA 1-2 POLAND

20 June 2006

Poland rescued some pride with a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica as both sides said goodbye to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Hannover on Tuesday, 20 June 2006.

With both sides already eliminated after two defeats, they went into this Group A match aiming to end on a high at least, and it was Costa Rica who started the better as they took a 25th-minute lead through Ronald Gomez's free-kick. However, Batosz Bosacki drew the Poles level eight minutes later and same player headed the winning goal in the 66th minute.

Poland's victory means they finish third in Group A with one win and two defeats - the same record as four years ago in Korea/Japan. With three defeats, bottom-placed Costa Rica are left to dwell on their poorest return in three FIFA World Cups.

The match:
The fans from both sides gave it everything for one last time when the anthems for their countries were played. Both sides were playing for pride after failing to qualify from the group stages and there was plenty pride on show from both sets of supporters.

8': As the pace of the game picked up a little, the Ticos won a free-kick 40 yards out. Ronald Gomez went for goal, but while his shot carried power it was deflected for an easily cleared corner.

15': The Poland fans were not slow to let their team know when they disapproved and loud whistles reverberated around the stadium when Maciej Zurawski curled a free-kick wide from 20 yards.

24': Costa Rica showed how it should be done when opening the scoring. Paulo Wanchope went to play a neat one-two on the edge of the Poland penalty area and was brought down by opposition captain Jacek Bak. Up stepped Gomez to send a low left-footed shot through the wall and through the legs of embarrassed goalkeeper Artur Boruc. (1-0)

30': Costa Rica could have had a second goal. A low cross from the right from Wanchope picked out Gomez unmarked 12 yards out but he missed a great chance with a weak shot. Less than a minute later Gomez picked out Wanchope in a similar position but he miskicked completely.

33': Poland were made to pay the price for those misses when, from a left-wing cross, Bosacki volleyed home from six yards.

41': A sweeping move took Poland from their own half to the edge of Costa Rica's penalty area, but a low shot from Ireneusz Jelen was blocked.

Poles take the points
49;: There was an early chance for Costa Rica when play resumed. But after clever control Cristian Bolanos just failed to lob Boruc.

52': Borussia Dortmund's Ebi Smolarek was next to threaten, while Leonardo Gonzalez went close at the other end.

65': Poland were picking up the tempo, however, and a low shot from Krzynowek was turned round for a corner at full stretch by Jose Porras.

66': From the ensuing corner, Poland took the lead as Bosacki rose high on the edge of the six-yard box to head powerfully home.

82‘: The Ticos thought they had found a way back into the game when Wanchope lobbed Boruc and then headed the ball into the open goal, but his celebrations were cut short when he noticed the raised flag of the assistant referee.

87': With the clock ticking down, Poland nearly grabbed a third goal. A left-wing cross caused problems for Porras and Pawel Brozek was inches away from connecting with what would have been a header on an open goal.

In conclusion:
Poland wanted so much more from this FIFA World Cup, but at least they ended with a win. For the Costa Ricans it brings a disappointing finale to a campaign that began with a creditable display in the Opening Match against Germany.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Xabi Alonso (ESP)

19 June 2006

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso was named as the Budweiser Man of the Match for his part in La Selección’s 3-1 comeback victory over Tunisia.

There were a number of contenders for the award, including goalscorers Raul and Fernando Torres, but Xabi Alonso played a part in virtually every build-up for Spain and was also effective in tracking back to break up Tunisia's counter-attacks.

His leadership in midfield was critical to Spain’s ability to maintain long spells of pressure, and he even almost scored a goal himself in the first half but had his powerful header from a corner kick was cleared off the line.

“He was the mastermind of the Spanish midfield,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Alvin Corneal. “He made superb passes and controlled perfectly the pace of the game. He figured prominently in every build-up."

SPAIN 3-1 TUNISIA

19 June 2006

A second-half turnaround saw Spain come from behind to register a 3-1 over Tunisia in Stuttgart and consequently book their place in the Round of 16.

The African team got off to a great start when Jaouhar Mnari opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Roger Lemerre’s side held the lead until half-time when his counterpart Luis Aragones made a bold double substitution.

Luis Garcia and Marcos Senna were replaced by Raul and Cesc Fabregas and the pair were extremely influential in Spain’s equalising goal. With 71 minutes gone, Fabregas’ shot was parried by Ali Boumnijel and into the path of Raul who gratefully slotted the ball home.

A brace from Fernando Torres, taking his tally in the tournament to three, gave Spain the victory. It leaves them on top of Group H, three points clear of their nearest challengers Ukraine and five points clear of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

The match:
Spain coach Luis Aragones kept with the same line-up that had defeated Ukraine 4-0, while his counterpart, Roger Lemerre, made two changes from the team that had drawn 2-2 with Saudi Arabia, bringing in Anis Ayari and Mehdi Nafti for David Jemmali and Yassine Chikhaoui.

5’: The Spaniards began confidently. Breaking forward, Luis Garcia nodded down to Villa, whose first-time shot from outside the box bulged the side-netting.

8’ Three minutes later the inside of the net shook, but at the other end as Tunisia struck with their first attack. Zied Jaziri did wonderfully well to hold off Carlos Puyol and then the attentions of three defenders in the box before crossing to Jaouhar Mnari who followed up his saved volley to fire past Iker Casillas from close range.

10’: Villa, who scored twice in the opener, was looking menacing and his scorching free kick from just outside the corner of the area had Ali Boumnijel fisting away.

26’: The Valencia striker then slipped Fernando Torres through but Spain’s No. 9 was muscled off the ball by Hatem Trablesi.

31’: Tunisia were already playing on the break and after Puyol had scythed down Trabelsi on the edge of the box, Ayari curled the free kick straight at Casillas.

33’: The Carthage Eagles began to concede a series of free kicks in dangerous places around the area. From one, Garcia, darting to the near post, flicked a header wide.

40’: Another was rolled to Xabi Alonso whose powerful 25-yarder fell a yard wide as Spain pressed.

44’: With the rain pouring down, Torres fired just over from the corner of the box. From the corner, Alonso, unmarked, thought he had scored the equaliser until Ayari stuck out his head to clear off the line.

Holding on:
48’: Spain began the second half as they ended the first. Piling forward, Cesc Fabregas, on for Marcos Senna, had a 20-yard effort fisted away.

52’: Boumnijel was doing the same minutes later, punching Mariano Pernia’s shot clear.

61’: Although offering little as an attacking force, the Africans were now riding the forward waves well. Pernia was gaining ground though and the Argentina-born left-back saw another shot flash wide.

71’: Just when it looked as though Spain had run out of ideas, they struck the equaliser. Joaquin crossed from the right, Torres stepped over the ball for Cesc to shoot. Open-handed this time, Boumnijel palmed the 18-yard effort straight to the feet of Raul who made no mistake from six yards.

75’: Fabregas, breaking into the box, almost gave the Europeans the lead but his shot was blocked by Boumnijel.

76’: No matter - moments later Spain were ahead. Fabregas picked out Torres’ perfect run and the Atletico Madrid striker rounded the keeper and slotted home.

89’: Torres, clean through again, should have added a third for Spain but this time Boumnijel was the one-on-one winner, blocking the shot.

90+1’: Seconds later, he did, striking a penalty under the body of Boumnijel after being held down in the box following a delightful cross from the resurgent Raul.

90+4’: Now on fire, Torres almost grabbed the first hat-trick of the finals, taking down a long pass perfectly before blasting over left-footed.

In conclusion:
A perfect six points, Spain qualify for the second round with another classy display of attacking football. Tunisia, ahead for much of the match, will now need to defeat Ukraine to stand a chance of making the knockout stage.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Maksym KALINICHENKO (UKR)

19 June 2006

Ukraine playmaker Maksym Kalinichenko was the centrepiece of a Ukrainian attack that put the ball in the net four times in their defeat of Saudi Arabia, and he was recognized as the Budweiser Man of the Match.

Kalinichenko’s service was deadly from set pieces, with his fourth-minute corner kick leading to a goal for Andriy Rusol and his 46th-minute cross from a free-kick finding the head of striker Andriy Shevchenko, who headed home. Kalinichenko then put the exclamation mark on his performance by getting on the receiving end of a pass from Shevchenko and slamming it into the net from close range.

“Kalinichenko contributed so much to the team - he scored one goal and created two more and he did everything well today,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Teofilo Cubillas. “He inspired the players around him with his tireless work. He won the ball, he passed the ball and he was the playmaker. He was definitely the most important player in their team.”

SAUDI ARABIA 0-4 UKRAINE

19 June 2006

Ukraine made amends for their disappointing start to Group H when they defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Hamburg on Monday, 19 June 2006.

Oleg Blokhin’s side, who had suffered defeat by the same scoreline to Spain in their opening match, look desperate to make amends in this match and began in the best possible manner.

Andriy Rusol fired Ukraine ahead in the fourth minute, while a Serhiy Rebrov wonder strike double their advantage on 36. Andriy Shevchenko headed a third just seconds after the restart, while Budweiser Man of the Match Maksym Kalinichenko got the goal his performance deserved six minutes from time.

The match:
4':After the nightmare of their opening loss to Spain, Ukraine made a dream start here. Mabrouk Zaid conceded a corner under pressure from Shevchenko and after the first kick was deflected into the side-netting, Maksym Kalinichenko delivered again and Rusol turned the ball into the net from close range.

6': Mohammed Noor slipped the ball across to Omar Al Ghamdi in the Ukraine penalty box but he lost his footing and the chance was gone.

14': Ukraine had the Saudi defence under severe pressure with a series of corners. From the third, Shevchenko's header was blocked on the line by Ahmed Dokhi and Rebrov blazed the rebound over the crossbar.

21': Ukraine kept coming forward, scenting a second goal. Shevchenko created space to get in a shot but could only direct his effort straight at Zaid. Moments later, the Chelsea-bound striker, who has been struggling for fitness, missed the opportunity to send Andriy Voronin clean through by overhitting his pass.

25': Rusol gave his goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi a scare as he diverted a cross from Mohammed Ameen just wide of his own goal. From the ensuing corner, Hamad Al Montashari volleyed wide at the far post from a difficult angle.

36': After Voronin had fired another chance wide, Ukraine finally got their second goal as Rebrov struck from fully 30 yards. Collecting the ball from Anatoliy Tymoschuk, he turned to goal and sent a shot flying past Zaid, who seemed to slip on the greasy surface as the ball sped past him.

43': A mistake from Al Montashari let in Voronin but he flashed a low shot the wrong side of the post.

Shevchenko in on the act:
46': Ukraine needed barely 60 seconds to extend the advantage as Kalinichenko swung a free-kick into the box and Shevchenko headed into the far corner.

55': With the match threatening to resemble a shooting practice for Ukraine, Saudi coach Marcos Paqueta sought to inject fresh life into his team with the introductions of Abdulaziz Al Khathran and Malek Al Hawsawi.

64': Saudi Arabia enjoyed one or two promising moments around the Ukraine penalty area but Oleksandr Shovkovskyi remained untested and it was soon normal service resumed. Kalinichenko looked up and launched a dipping shot onto the top of the crossbar then Shevchenjo twice had sight of goal before being crowded out by defenders.

74': A neat exchange of passes around the Saudi area set up a shooting chance for Kalinichenko but Zaid was equal to it.

84': Ukraine struck again as Kalinichenko finally got his goal. Shevchenko sprinted clear down the inside-left channel and squared to the long-haired No.19 who sidefooted the ball high into the empty net.

90': Kalinichenko went close again. Ukraine may have scored four goals but it could have been twice.

In conclusion:
Ukraine are up and running after this comfortable victory in Hamburg which should serve to restore confidence in the camp after the opening loss to Spain. For Saudi Arabia, the outlook appears bleak, however, with Spain still to come.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Alexander FREI (SUI)

19 June 2006

Switzerland forward Alexander Frei was named Budweiser Man of the Match for his 16th-minute strike and strong all around attacking play in his team’s 2-0 victory over Togo on Monday.

The Rennes man was always busy during his 87 minutes of action, working all over the pitch, but he still managed to be in the right place at the right time to score a classic poacher’s goal. It came after a left-wing cross met Tranquillo Barnetta and he knocked it down back across goal for Frei to pounce .

“He was selected as the Budweiser Man of the match because he scored a wonderful goal and was always dangerous in his whole field of operation,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Gyorgy Mezey. “He was the key player.”

TOGO 0-2 SWITZERLAND

19 June 2006

Switzerland surged to top of Group G with a convincing 2-0 win over Togo in Dortmund on Monday, 19 June which leaves the Helvetians leading the section on goal difference.

Victory was secured by goals from Alexander Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta in the 16th and 88th minute respectively, the second of which took Kobi Kuhn's side clear of Korea Republic by a single goal. All the Swiss now need is a point against Dick Advocaat's Taeguk Warriors to guarantee their place in the last 16.

Togo, though impressive in flashes, could have few complaints at surrendering all three points, and Otto Pfister's side remain without a point and anchored to the bottom of a group in which Switzerland and Korea both lead on four points from France, who have two.

The match:
2’:: Mohamed Kader found himself in a good position, but Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbueher showed great alertness in coming off his line and clearing the ball.

5’: Switzerland’s Ricardo Cabanas fired in a shot, but it was comfortably collected by Kossi Agassa.

10’: Emmanuel Adebayor took advantage of a slip by Cabanas to steal the ball and ran powerfully into the area. However, his cross aimed for Mohamed Kader was just a little to high.

16’: Tranquillo Barnetta touched Ludovic Magnan’s cross into the path of Alex Frei who smashed the ball into the roof of the net for Switzerland’s first goal of the tournament. (0-1)

24’: Togo coach Otto Pfister who looked unhappy on the touchline in the opening stages made his first substitution of the game, bringing on Moustapha Salifou for Kuami Agboh.

35’: A slip from Philippe Senderos gave Thomas Dossevi a free shot on goal, but the Togo midfielder shot wide.

Agassa’s acrobatics:
51’: Togo goalkeeper Agassa showed his agility when he tipped over Barnetta’s shot from the edge of the area.

53’: Hakan Yakin’s swerving strike flew over the bar, much to the relief of Pfister and his charges.

62’: Salifou’s shot from distance sailed high over Switzerland’s bar.

64’: Agassa made another crucial intervention, this time from Hakan Yakin, as the midfielder saw his goalbound effort stopped.

80’: Alexander Frei hit a long looping shot from distance, which hit the top of the Togo net, much to the relief of the African team.

88’: With two minutes of normal time to go Barnetta made the game safe for the Swiss by firing a low shot past Agassa and into the far corner of the net. 0-2

90’: Togo applied pressure to Zuberbuhler’s goal, but saw the keeper save well from Salifou. From the resulting corner, Adebayor missed the target with a header.

In conclusion:
Switzerland moved to the top of Group G with this 2-0 victory. Their four-point haul from their opening two games was equal to that of Korea Republic, but Kuhn’s men moved ahead of the Asian nation on goal difference. The result also ensured that Togo cannot qualify for the Round of 16.

Budweiser Man of the Match: PARK Ji-Sung (KOR)

18 June 2006

Korea Republic's Park Ji-Sung was named Budweiser Man of the Match after scoring the equaliser in his team's 1-1 draw with 1998 world champions France.

The Manchester United man was the key to the South Koreans' comeback after they were dominated in the first half. He contributed a hugely influential performance as the his side fought back and, fittingly, he was the player on hand to poke the ball into the net after Cho Jae-Jin had headed back across the face of goal. It meant a salvaged point for Korea Republic, putting them top of the group.

"In the first half, France controlled the game," said FIFA Technical Study Group Member Jozef Venglos, "but in the second half, Korea were able to change the pattern of the game. Park was essential in that role. He was able to create a lot of spaces, and he was the best player of the match."

FRANCE 1-1 KOREA REPUBLIC

18 June 2006

Korea Republic fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with France as Park Ji-Sung cancelled out Thierry Henry's first-half opener in Leipzig on Sunday, 18 June 2006.

The point salvaged here put the Koreans top of Group G, at least until the end of Monday's match between Togo and Switzerland in Dortmund. The evening began promisingly for Les Bleus when Thierry Henry scored their first FIFA World Cup™ goal since the 1998 Final with nine minutes on the clock.

However, Korea Republic drew level when Park bundled the ball over the line in the 81st minute. To compound France's disappointment, Eric Abidal and Zinedine Zidane both collected bookings which rule them out of their final group game against Togo.

The match:
7': France, making the far brighter start, nearly stunned their opponents with a finely crafted bit of interplay early on. Thierry Henry slipped a neat through-ball to Sylvain Wiltord, but the Lyon striker saw his close-range strike batted away by the outrushing Lee Woon-Jae.

9': That proved just a warning shot as as the one-time Arsenal team-mates linked up again soon afterwards. With Wiltord turning provider, Henry collected a deflected shot from his team-mate inside the penalty area and pushed the ball coolly past the Korean keeper to settle French nerves that must have been jangling since their goalless draw with the Swiss. (1-0)

24': After jinking into space near the edge of the box, Lyon's powerful midfielder Florent Malouda sent a tame shot trickling wide of the post. However, the French were keeping up the pressure and it seemed another goal was in the offing.

28': Henry looked to be clean through again after controlling a brilliant long ball in the Korean area. But it came to nothing and the striker's protests for a penalty were ignored by referee Benito Archundia as Lee Young-Pyo timed his last-second tackle perfectly.

30': From an inch-perfect corner-kick, Patrick Vieira powered in a header from close range and must have thought he had scored. However, the scrambling Lee Woon-Jae managed to keep the ball out before it had crossed the line.

36': The Koreans tried to hit back and nearly equalised when Lee Chun-Soo's free kick picked out Cho Jae-Jin. The striker missed his kick, though, and the ball bobbled harmlessly past the post.

Koreans roar back
53': Henry got on the end of a hoisted ball up from midfield and nodded down for Wiltord. The resulting shot was disappointing from the Lyon front-runner, however, skipping wide of the mark by a substantial margin.

60': In the hope of injecting fresh inspiration into his attack, France coach Raymond Domenech took off the tiring Wiltord and brought on Marseille's Frank Ribery.

74': Unable to find a clear way through the Korean defence, Malouda decided to try his luck from distance only to see the ball skip past the top corner.

81': The Koreans grabbed an equaliser with a goal that revived memories of their semi-final run four years ago as hosts. A stunning cross from substitute Seol Ki-Hyeon out on the right was nodded down at the back post by Cho Jae-Jin and Park Ji-Sung poked the ball over the head of a despairing William Gallas to send the red-clad fans into hysterics. (1-1) In conclusion:
Both sides went close to sealing victory in the dying minutes but in the end they had to be content with a share of the spoils. The Koreans will surely be the happier of the two as the French still hunt their first FIFA World Cup win since the Final of France 98. As Group G stands now, Korea Republic lead the pack with four points with France second with two points. Switzerland and Togo have one and no points respectively ahead of their second game.

BRAZIL-AUSTRALIA: Players' Quotes

18 June 2006

RONALDO (BRA)
I played better today and I created the opening goal. I’m getting my fitness back and I’m very pleased with my performance. Australia defended very well but Brazil were always going to win.

ROBERTO CARLOS (BRA)
The team is performing a lot better, despite the very high temperatures, and we’re full of confidence. It was a difficult game, they marked us very tightly. We’re going to keep playing like we did today, and as a top side we’re well capable of winning our next games. It’s not about winning one game, it’s about winning the competition. We’re on the road to our sixth title – the team is on the right track.

CAFU (BRA)
This was my 18th World Cup game for the Seleção. I’m really pleased to have broken the record. I now need to make sure that my performances match the way the team is playing.

ADRIANO (BRA)
It was our most difficult game so far, but we played better than in our previous match. It was an incredible feeling to score my first World Cup goal, and I’m dedicating that goal to my son.

RONALDINHO (BRA)
We’re going to improve with every game. The World Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. Brazil are capable of playing nice football and the team is getting stronger with every game.

KAKA (BRA)
The Australians marked us very tightly in the first half, but after the break the heat took its toll and we were able to find enough space to score our goals. Brazil’s quality is there for all to see. We had to play a patient game. The team is evolving and we’re growing together in every way.

Mark VIDUKA (AUS)
It was a tough match, but a fair one. It was difficult for us to score, as Brazil have got so many superstars in their team. Our aim is still to make it through to the next round. It was great to play in a match like this surrounded by so many Australian fans. Now we want to beat Croatia.

Harry KEWELL (AUS)
We played well, it was a good team performance. The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic. Now we want to go and beat Croatia – we’re not looking for a draw.

Mark SCHWARZER (AUS)
We’re not yet talking about the Round of 16, we’re just concentrating on our last group match against Croatia.

John ALOISI (AUS)
Brazil were a very good team, they now have six points and they’re through to the next round. You can be pretty sure that they’ll go a long way in this tournament. We showed what we were made of today and played really well; it’s just a pity that we let those two goals in.

Lucas NEILL (AUS)
We’re really frustrated and disappointed, but we played very well and I’m really happy to be a part of this Australian team.

Vince GRELLA (AUS)
We played very well and created a few good chances. We put Brazil under pressure. The defeat won’t knock us off our stride as it’s still possible for us to get through to the last 16. We want to approach the next match the way we played Japan. We’re confident that we will be able to beat Croatia – we know we’re good enough.

Marco BRESCIANO (AUS)
Brazil deserved to beat us today, they were better than us. The World Cup has really been an incredible experience for us so far.

Scott CHIPPERFIELD (AUS)
We knew that it would be tough against Brazil. We created some chances, but didn’t quite have the luck we needed. We really pushed forward towards the end, but we couldn’t quite turn our pressure into goals.

BRAZIL 2-0 AUSTRALIA

18 June 2006

Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 after overcoming a tough challenge from Australia with a 2-0 win in Munich on Sunday, 18 June 2006.

The FIFA World Cup™ holders took the lead four minutes into the second half through Adriano but they had to survive one or two nervy moments before substitute Fred sealed the victory with a tap-in in the 90th minute. Brazil's second Group F win secured their advance to the second round with a game to spare, while Australia are well poised to join them, holding a two-point advantage of Japan and their next opponents Croatia.

The match:
1': Carlos Alberto Parreira started with the same team that had defeated Croatia in the first game with Ronaldo keeping his place in attack. As expected, his Australia counterpart Guus Hiddink included Tim Cahill albeit, surprisingly, at the expense of Harry Kewell.

3': After receiving some less than complimentary headlines following his first appearance at Germany 2006, Ronaldo gave a glimpse of his magic early on, controlling the ball on his chest on the edge of the area and lobbing it over his head for Kaka to volley inches wide.

5': Australia refused to be intimidated and skipper Mark Viduka found space to strike a 25-yarder which moved a lot in the air before Dida saved in the centre of goal.

26': The Seleção's so-called 'Magic quartet' were conjuring up little and Dida again had to be watchful as Brett Emerton fired in a snapshot from just outside the box.

37': The world champions almost cut through after a fine combination between Ronaldinho and Kaka but Ronaldo, well positioned inside the box, drove his foot through clean air and the chance went begging.

42': The number nine got much closer five minutes later after a neat back-flick from Adriano. Using strength to shake off his marker, he cracked his 20-yard effort a yard wide.

45+2': More on the defensive now, the Socceroos were nevertheless finding their men well and after a flowing move from one side of the pitch to the other, Marco Bresciano, on for the injured Tony Popovic, cut inside and struck a dipping 20-yard effort that only just cleared Dida's bar.

Deadlock broken:
49': Brazil began the second half in more determined fashion and they were rewarded within four minutes of the restart. Ronaldinho found Ronaldo on the edge of the box and the Real Madrid striker squared to Adriano who cut inside onto his left foot before striking the ball through Scott Chipperfield's legs and inside the near post. (1-0)

55': The goal sparked the Australians into action. Bresciano was sent clear down the left but he delayed his shot and was thwarted by a last-ditch tackle. Then, Mike Sterjovski saw his sweetly struck 25-yard half-volley graze the bar.

57': It was Kewell, however, with his first kick, who missed the best chance. Dida came a long way for a high ball and, under Viduka's challenge, dropped it at the feet of Kewell but instead of sliding the ball into the empty net the Liverpool man managed to clear the bar with his left-foot shot.

68': The No.10 almost made amends with a combination made in Leeds. Kewell read former club colleague Viduka’s flick-on and without thinking twice lobbed his 30-yard effort just inches over.

70': With Brazil on the back foot for once, Kaka, their most in-form player, broke with a typically direct run ending with a low shot from 20 yards which Mark Schwarzer got down well to save.

77': The Seleção were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter and substitute Robinho almost stole in at the near post after a fine move.

80': However, the Socceroos were amply showing their fighting instincts and Dida had to scramble to his right to save Bresciano's acrobatic effort.

82': Kaka almost made the game safe, meeting Ronaldinho's corner at the near post but his header crashed off the bar.

84': Back down the other end, Viduka almost grabbed the equaliser on two occasions. First, with the lightest of headers, he diverted Bresciano's inswinging free-kick a whisker wide. Then, two minutes later, he lobbed the onrushing Dida but again the effort took paint off the wrong side of the post.

90': With Australia throwing men forward, Brazil snatched their second goal to seal the game. Robinho’s angled drive crashed off the near post and the rebound fell to substitute Fred who tapped into the empty net. (2-0)

In conclusion:
While not altogether convincing, a second victory for Brazil ensures their progress to the second round. An impressive Australia will rue the missed chances but, provided Japan fail to beat Brazil, a draw against Croatia in their final match will take them through.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Hidetoshi NAKATA (JPN)

18 June 2006

Hidetoshi Nakata was the key man in a Japan team that created chances but could not score in their 0-0 draw with Croatia. His attacking leadership and hard work earned him the title of Budweiser Man of the Match.

“I thought that Hidetoshi Nakata had an extremely influential game for Japan,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Jim Selby. "He was the link between defence and attack and controlled play superbly. He tired a little bit towards the end, but that was only natural given the game it was and the way Japan played.

“I have to say that it was a close decision between Nakata and Akira Kaji, the right-back, who I thought played extremely well. He ran up and down the flank to great effect, came inside when he had to and showed tremendous commitment throughout the 90 minutes.”

Nakata, however, was the one running the show for Japan. “It was Nakata in the engine room who orchestrated Japan’s best moves and also directed the players around him. So, for his contribution both on and off the ball, I feel that he deserves the Budweiser Man of the Match Award.”

JAPAN 0-0 CROATIA

18 June 2006

It was a story of frustration for Japan and Croatia as they played out a goalless draw in Nuremberg on Sunday, 18 June 2006.

The pivotal moment of the match came in the 22nd minute when Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved Darijo Srna's penalty, although Croatia were also breathing a sigh of relief when Atsushi Yanagisawa missed when it seemed easier to score early in the second half.

The result left Japan rooted to the foot of Group F with one point and Croatia ahead only on goal difference in third place. It will hardly help the mood in either camp that both teams will be without key players for their third matches after Japan captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Croatia's Robert Kovac collected their second yellow cards of the tournament.

The match:
5': Croatia fashioned the first shooting chance, working the ball forward from Dario Simic via Niko Kovac to Niko Kranjcar, who drilled the ball straight at Kawaguchi.

16': During a cagey opening period, Japan were seeing plenty of the ball albeit without opening up any spaces in the Croatian back line. Suddenly, an opening did arise as Akira Kaji broke down the right but he failed to pick out a blue shirt with his ball into the box.

19': Josip Simunic's header was blocked on the line by Kaji but referee Frank De Bleeckere had already whistled for an infringement.

22': Croatia spurned a golden opportunity to open the scoring as Kawaguchi dived low to his left to turn away Srna's spot-kick, awarded for Miyamoto's challenge on Dado Prso. The danger had not passed altogether as, from the ensuing corner, Kranjcar headed into the side-netting.

28': Croatia went close again as Kranjcar span away from Takashi Fukunishi and struck a fierce shot that slapped against Kawaguchi's crossbar.

30': The tempo was picking up now. Mitsuo Ogasawara warmed the hands of Stipe Pletikosa in the Croatia goal and moments later, at the other end, Ivan Klasnic fired a shot across Kawaguchi's goal from a tight angle.

33': Kawaguchi was almost caught out by a nasty bounce as from Kaji's back-pass, the ball bobbled up over his boot. Fortunately for Japan, the keeper was able to retrieve it at the second attempt.

36': Namakura worked the ball infield and Nakata's first-time strike drew a flying save from Pletikosa.

39': Without either side producing a spell of sustained pressure, a steady succession of shots was testing the two goalkeepers. This time Kawaguhi came to Japan's rescue again to tip away Klasnic's low drive.

No way through:
51': The second half started in a similar vein with opportunities missed at both ends. Kaji burst into the Croatian penalty box and slid the ball across goal to Yanagisawa but, with the goal at his mercy, he somehow shot wide of the gaping net.

54': Next it was Croatia's turn, Kranjcar stretching to meet a low cross but poking the ball the wrong side of the post.

63': The pace may have slowed in the afternoon sun but chances continued to come. Srna curled a free-kick into the box and Simunic headed wide of the far post. Three minutes later Marko Babic's run took him to the edge of the Japan area but his disappointing shot trickled well wide of goal.

75': With a stalemate looking increasingly likely, Japan substitute Junichi Inamoto – scorer of two fine goals at the 2002 finals - blazed a shot high over the crossbar.

78': Another Japan substitute, Keiji Tamada, burst into the penalty box but his cross-shot was turned to safety by the covering Simunic with Naohiro Takahara lurking just behind.

81': With a draw of no real use to either team, Croatia substitute Ivica Olic tried his luck from the left-hand side of the box but his shot went past the far post.

89': Japan threatened one last time but again, to no avail. Alessandro Santos broke through down the right but his cross was turned behind by Simunic. From the corner, Masashi Oguro just failed to get on the end of Yuji Nakazawa's header across goal

In conclusion:
This stalemate does neither side any favours but will be welcomed warmly in the Brazil and Australia camps.

Red cards on red-letter day for Ghana

17 June 2006

THE DAY REPLAYED: Three European teams played today but only Portugal took three points, as the Czech Republic fell 2-0 to Ghana and ten-man Italy drew 1-1 with nine-man USA. Ghana, meanwhile, stepped up to represent their continent, scoring the fastest goal of Germany 2006 and notching the first victory for an African side in their win over the Czechs.

The results leave Portugal on top of Group D and qualified for the round of 16 with the maximum six points, while Iran are pointless and eliminated after two matches. Group E is more complicated, with all four teams still alive: Italy sit top with four points, followed by the Czech Republic and Ghana each with three, and the US with one.

Moment of the day
Ghana earn the first win for Africa
The day began with the African teams in the tournament all winless, Tunisia and Angola each having earned a point and Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo all having experienced only defeat. But Ghana changed that statistic with their impressive performance against a Czech Republic team that had become fancied after their 3-0 thumping of the US.

Goal of the day
Sulley Muntari: Ghana 2-0
With the Czechs pushed forward looking for a late equaliser and goalkeeper Petr Cech having looked unbeatable in the second half, Sulley Muntari finally sealed the win for Ghana in the 82nd minute. Asamoah Gyan kept himself just barely onside to receive the ball deep up the right and played a give-and-go before finding Muntari in space in front of goal. Ghana had failed to convert a number of wonderful opportunities – including a missed penalty – but Muntari made no mistake as he slammed his shot into the back of the net.

The flurry of second-half opportunities were made possible in large part because of an extraordinarily quick start. After failing to score in their 2-0 defeat by Italy, Ghana needed less than 90 seconds to open their account against the Czechs. Stephen Appiah picked out Gyan at the top of the penalty area, and the Modena forward brought it down with his chest and finished clinically inside the Cech's left-hand post.

For the Czechs, the absence of injured strikers Jan Koller and Milan Baros was only too apparent and coach Karel Bruckner's concerns will have been compounded by a booking for Koller's deputy, Vratislav Lokvenc. This leaves him yet another striker short for the showdown with Italy.

While the Czechs were going down 2-0, it was the same score but a different story in Portugal's meeting with Iran. Their only goal against Angola had come in just the fourth minute but Portugal played over two hours of FIFA World Cup™ football before finding the net again in the 63rd minute against Iran – but it was worth the wait as Luis Figo’s square pass found Deco in space at the top of the penalty arc and the Barcelona man drove a powerful shot inside the left post. On the second goal, Figo had a hand in the action again, this time earning a penalty courtesy of Iranian defender Yahya Golmohammadi. Cristiano Ronaldo was trusted to finish matters from the penalty spot, and he did not disappoint.

In the final game of the night, an eventful first half saw two goals and two expulsions. Both goals came from set-pieces and both were scored by Italy, though one went into their own net, with Cristian Zaccardo’s 27th-minute own goal cancelling out Alberto Gilardino's 22nd-minute header.

But the story before the interval was the two red cards. The first was shown to Daniel De Rossi in the 22nd minute for an elbow to the face of Brian McBride, the second to Pablo Mastroeni for a two-footed tackle into the ankle of Andrea Pirlo. That theme continued in the opening minutes of the second half as veteran centre-back Eddie Pope drew his second booking for a tackle from behind. Now playing nine-on-ten, the US somehow managed to keep the score even despite heavy pressure from the Italians over the final ten minutes.

Player of the day
Deco leads the way for Portugal
The only European side that did not disappoint today were Portugal, who had impressive contributions from several players, none more so than Deco, who was the centre-piece of their attack and the scorer of a fantastic goal at a time when his team was surely getting frustrated with their inability to put the ball in the net.

ITALY-USA: Coaches' Quotes

17 June 2006

Bruce ARENA (USA)
The team were fantastic tonight, playing with nine men against ten. It's the first time in my career that I've had two players sent off in one match. I don't want to talk about the red cards as I need to see the replays. (Kasey) Keller was our hero tonight, he made some outstanding saves.

Bobby Convey also had an excellent game. We've made a lot of progress since the match the other day (against the Czech Republic). After tonight I know I've got a fantastic bunch of players.

Marcello LIPPI (ITA)
We struggled tonight. We were off-colour and didn't play nearly as well as we did against Ghana the other night. I suspect we hadn't fully recovered. I had an inkling that might be the case and unfortunately my worst fears were confirmed. As so often happens, our mentality was different going into the game. We were nervous and it showed in our performance.

We made mistakes and didn't keep the ball. The equaliser that deflected off (Christian) Zaccardo was bad luck, but we weren't good enough to take advantage of the two sendings-off. Am I angry with (Daniele) De Rossi? He made a serious mistake, but that's something we'll deal with in-house. I don't want to discuss it in public. He will be suspended and we’ll pay the price. There's still everything to play for in Group E.

ITALY-USA: Players' quotes

17 June 2006

Simone PERROTTA (ITA)
I’m disappointed because we didn’t play as well as we did against Ghana. On a personal level the last thing I needed was an injury because my form has been good. I have my club Roma to thank for that. I took a knock on the backside and had to grit my teeth just to stay on the pitch. We’ll see what the situation is tomorrow.

Gianluigi BUFFON (ITA)
For us, the knockout stages of the tournament start with the next game against the Czech Republic. You can blame my old friend Pavel Nedved and the rest of his team for losing to Ghana.

Angelo PERUZZI (ITA)
It was a very strange match. It’s obviously disappointing to only draw when you have ten men against nine for the whole of the second half. I don’t know if it was down to tiredness as Marcello Lippi suggested. What I do know is that when you set out to do something and you don’t achieve it you are always looking for reasons why and fatigue may be one of them. The feeling in the camp is good and regardless of the final outcome it has been a positive experience.

Alessandro NESTA (ITA)
I was urging my team-mates on in the fist period because the USA were on top. I remember one incident when we couldn’t clear the ball and I fouled one of their players on the edge of the penalty area. We didn’t play as well as we can, indeed we played badly. We haven’t talked about it with the manager yet.

Andrea PIRLO (ITA)
It was a hard game tonight; we ran our socks off. I’m not interested in the results of other teams, we play to win. Landon Donovan was everywhere for the Americans tonight. De Rossi says he caught the player accidentally. They were very aggressive and the two red cards confirm that. We created a few chances but we didn’t manage to score.

Fabio GROSSO (ITA)
I was all set to come on at the end of the first half. The game then changed suddenly with the USA’s first sending off and the manager decided to do something else.

Eddie POPE (USA)
I didn’t agree with the dismissal of my team-mate Pablo Mastroeni, but I’m happy with the result. We can now approach the last match against Ghana knowing we have a chance to qualify, which seemed like a distant hope before tonight.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Kasey KELLER (USA)

17 June 2006

TSG member Alvin Corneal believes that Kasey Keller’s performance against Italy in Kaiserslautern not only kept the US in the game, but also in the tournament.

The 36-year-old produced a stunning display of goalkeeping to help earn his side a point against the Group E seeds, particularly after his side were reduced to nine men.

The pick of his saves came in the 73rd minute when he denied Alessandro Del Piero with a one-handed save at full stretch. "He made three tremendous saves and they made the difference," said Corneal.

"A great goalkeeper is one that makes no mistakes and Keller made no mistakes tonight. I believe that he kept the USA in the game and also in the tournament through his performance against Italy."

ITALY 1-1 USA

17 June 2006

Italy moved a point clear at the top of Group E after drawing 1-1 with the USA in an incident-filled match in Kaiserslautern on Saturday, 17 June 2006.

Alberto Gilardino headed Italy into a 22nd-minute lead but their lead last only five minutes until Christian Zaccardo turned the ball into his own net. That was the end of the scoring but a minute later the Azzurri lost Daniele De Rossi to the first of three red cards.

The USA's Pablo Mastroeni then saw red in the 45th minute and Eddie Pope followed suit two minutes into the second half. The result left both sides in contention before their final games, with Italy top on four points and the USA bottom with one.

The match:
10': After a slow, patient start to the game where neither side could gain the initiative, the USA tried to force a breakthrough when Claudio Reyna fed Landon Donovan, but his cross from the right was cleared by the Italians.

16': Clint Dempsey brought the US contingent into full voice in appreciation as he outfoxed Italy with several step-overs on the right flank and his cross found Bobby Convey but he blazed over the top.

18': The Americans continued to press Italy and when Donovan fed Dempsey, he tried a right-footed shot which had Gianluigi Buffon scrambling but the shot was dragged wide.

22': After Italy initially struggled to get into the game, Andrea Pirlo curled in a free-kick from the right and Gilardino put Italy in front with a glanced diving header. (1-0)

27': The USA pulled level when Zaccardo tried to clear Reyna's free-kick with his left foot and sliced the ball into his own net. (1-1)

28': Italy were reduced to ten men when De Rossi was sent off with a straight red card for an elbowing offence on Brian McBride.

36': Gennaro Gattuso came on for Francesco Totti in a tactical substitution for the short-handed Italians and his first touch was a deflected shot which beat Kasey Keller, but the whistle had already blown for an offside offence.

42': USA gave Italy a huge scare when Pablo Mastroeni tried his luck from 25 metres and the ball skimmed the top of the net as it passed over. Three minutes later, however, Mastroeni became the second man sent off following a lunging foul on Pirlo.

Third red card
47': Ten became nine when Pope earned his second yellow card for a foul on Gilardino. Pirlo curled the resulting free-kick just over Keller's crossbar.

52': Gilardino's inswinging free-kick was headed onto the top of his own crossbar by US defender Carlos Bocanegra.

61': As Italy forced the pace to press home their extra-man advantage, Simone Perrotta fizzed a shot in at Keller but was wide of the mark.

63': Donovan raced at Italy and slipped the ball wide to McBride, but he slashed at his shot and did not trouble Buffon.

65': US substitute DaMarcus Beasley found the back of the net with a low left-footed drive past Buffon, but McBride was standing in an offside position in front of the Italy goalkeeper and the flag was raised.

68': With Perrotta limping heavily and Italy having already used all three substitutes, Gianluca Zambrotta tried to curl one in with his right foot after cutting inside from the left wing but his attempt was just wide.

73': Substitute Alessandro Del Piero stretched and flicked a left-footed volley on target but Keller dived athletically and tipped the ball away with his right hand, saving a certain goal.

79': Del Piero fired in a swerving shot, but once again the impressive Keller was equal to it, palming the ball to safety.

In conclusion:
Italy ended the night top of a very tight Group E, one point ahead of Ghana and the Czech Republic, prior to next week's showdown with the Czechs. The USA kept their hopes of qualification alive after playing almost the entire second half with one man less than the Italians.

CZECH REPUBLIC-GHANA: Coaches' Quotes

17 June 2006

Karel BRUCKNER (CZE)
Firstly congratulations to the Ghana team. We don't take injury and tiredness as excuses for our defeat because our opponents played splendid attacking football today. We made defensive errors and our rivals looked constantly dangerous with their excellent midfielders.

We had two important players missing due to injuries in this game (strikers Milan Baros and Jan Koller) and Vratislav Lokvenc will be banned for the next match. We have yet to decide on the replacements but we need to bring young players in to strengthen the team.

Ratomir DUJKOVIC (GHA)
I am very happy about the team's performances and results because the three points are very important to keep our hopes of reaching the next stage alive. The victory will prove crucial for us and for other teams in the group as well. We played good football today and it was Czech goalkeeper (Petr) Cech who saved his team from conceding more goals. He did his job well between the posts and I am surprised to see that we only scored two goals (laughs).

However, the victory is only one match and I should calm our players down and warn them not to be too excited as our task now is to focus on our preparation for the next game against USA, which will be decisive for both teams.

CZECH REPUBLIC-GHANA: Players' Quotes

17 June 2006

Michael ESSIEN (GHA), Budweiser Man of the Match
I'm very happy that we've won our first game and that we scored twice. We felt no fear before the match. Their goalkeeper (Petr Cech) was magnificent and I told him that after the game. We'll go for a win against the United States and our chances are good, I think. The win was very important for African football.

Asamoah GYAN (GHA)
Everything was so great. I think we did very well.

Asamoah GYAN (GHA)
This is our first World Cup so it's a historic moment for Ghana. In our first game we lost a little bit of concentration but we did our homework well and I think we did very well. Everything was so great. I'm sorry to miss the next game. I'm important to the nation and to the team. I'm also disappointed I didn't score the penalty. I'm going back to train more (laughs).

Matthew AMOAH (GHA)
It was our first ever World Cup goal and I think we deserved to win. The United States play quick football but we now have four or five days to prepare. If we play like today, we will win again. This victory means so much.

Derek BOATENG (GHA)
I feel great. The game was important for us and for all of Africa. We have a fine team and a very good coach (Ratomir Dujkovic). We are now looking forward to being among the last 16. The German people love us: they give us strength and confidence.

Otto ADDO (GHA)
It was time for a surprise. The first goal coming so early was important because we could play our own game after that. A great ball from our captain (Stephen Appiah) and a fine finish. I'm a bit disappointed because we should have scored at least one more but we didn't seem to take it too seriously after the second goal. The chemistry is right between the coach and the players and it's working out well. If we beat the USA, anything is possible.

Tomas ROSICKY (CZE)
We feel awful. The first goal came so early and after that we were chasing the lead and running after Ghana players who did well. It was hard for us without (Vladimir) Smicer and (Milan) Baros.

Jan KOLLER (CZE)
We worked very hard but it wasn't enough. My injury is not that bad. The muscle is not pulled but it’s up to the doctors when I’ll be able to play again. I suffered a lot on the bench.

Petr CECH (CZE)
I'm satisfied with my personal performance but I'm disappointed with my team and the result of the game. We have a chance against Italy. We've played against them a few times and we are still confident of reaching our goal. Of course our plans changed within a few seconds of the start of the match and that’s never easy. It was complicated because we lost our first two strikers and now we've lost another player (Tomas Ujfalusi) because of the red card. Of course this should not be a way to go out of the tournament. It was the worst defeat since I played in my youth team but we will keep on fighting. Pavel NEDVED (CZE)
We couldn’t play our game tactically because Ghana were very strong. We didn't have any clear-cut chances and we couldn’t exert enough pressure. If our disallowed goal had counted, it would have been a different game. Some of the players like me had problems with cramp. Our team is in the worst position of the group in terms of yellow cards and injuries and we don’t have enough points - that’s the reality.

David ROZENHAL (CZE)
It should not be an excuse that we lost because Koller and Baros weren't there. We have enough good players in the team. The fact is today all the players had a bad day.

Tomas GALASEK (CZE)
Some days ago we were dreaming but today we are back in reality.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Michael ESSIEN (GHA)

17 June 2006

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien won the Budweiser Man of the Match award for a complete performance, according to TSG member Kalusha Bwalya.

The Chelsea midfielder acted as a driving force for the Black Stars in their 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. Together with Stephen Appiah in midfield, he helped the African side to dominate the match.

Ghana’s high-tempo football in Cologne was a joy to watch and Essien was an influential figure, prompting some of their best moves.

“It was extremely difficult to make this decision, because the entire Ghana team played very well,” said Bwalya.

“The goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and strikers all did a great job. It was a tremendous team performance.

“However, it was the number eight, Michael Essien who was the pick of the players. He helped the defence when required and looked very strong going forward.”

CZECH REPUBLIC 0-2 GHANA

17 June 2006

Finally one of the newcomers at this FIFA World Cup™ were able to celebrate a victory as Ghana made history by beating the Czech Republic 2-0 in Cologne on Saturday, 17 June 2006.

Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari scored the goals that gave Ghana their first win on the world stage at the expense of a Czech side who played the closing stages with ten men after Tomas Ujfalusi's dismissal.

Ghana's triumph is the first for any of the debutants at Germany 2006 and also the first for any of the five African finalists. Their victory margin might have been greater had Gyan not struck a penalty against the post in the second half.

Gyan had earlier opened the scoring in the second minute before Sulley Muntari confirmed their success seven minutes from time. However, bookings here mean both scorers, together with Tomas Lokvenc and the dismissed Ujfalusi from the Czech team, will be suspended for their next matches.

The match:
2': Ghana got off to a fantastic start, scoring the earliest goal so far at Germany 2006. With just 70 seconds played a fine ball from captain Stephen Appiah picked out Gyan who took it under control beautifully on his chest and cracked home a low shot from just inside the penalty area.

3' Back came the Black Stars hungry for more and Matthew Amoah struck an effort wide from the edge of the penalty area after capitalising on slack marking in the Czech defence.

4': The Czechs sought a swift response but defender Marek Jankulovski, up supporting the attack, sent a low shot well off target from the edge of the box.

14': Far from overawed by playing a side ranked 46 places above them in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, Ghana went looking for a second and Appiah was close with a drive from 22 yards.

26': Ghana were continuing to cause problems for the Czechs and from a free-kick into his own penalty area, David Rozehnal sliced the ball over his own crossbar when attempting to clear.

29': Karel Poborsky – the only home-based player in the Czech team – had a clear chance to shoot inside the box but pulled a low effort wide of Richard Kingson's right-hand post.

34': There was a rare moment of concern for the Ghanaians as the ball fell to Tomas Rosicky, but his low shot was quickly charged down.

39': The game was being played at a fierce pace and Ghana created another chance with Appiah inches away with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Ghana keep going:
46': In the opening seconds of the second half the Czechs thought they had found a way back into the game when Nedved headed in, but both he and Vratislav Lokvenc were offside the ball came in.

51': From a low goal-kick by Kingson, Gyan took control and ran straight at the heart of the defence, bringing a full-length save from Chelsea keeper Petr Cech – a clear sign that Ghana intended to carry on taking the game to their opponents.

56': A sweeping move brought the Czechs a chance of an equaliser, but Jaroslav Plasil shot well over from a narrowing angle when picked out deep inside the Ghana box.

65': Ghana swept forward into the Czech box where Amoah was brought down by Ujfalusi at the price of a penalty. Gyan stepped up to stroke the ball home, but referee Horacio Elizondo was busy showing the red card to the defender. He subsequently showed a yellow card to Gyan for taking the kick prematurely.

67': Gyan finally took the penalty but struck it against Cech's left-hand post.

73': Another great chance fell the way of Ghana, but Michael Essien delayed his shot a fraction and hit Cech with a low drive.

74': There was still a healthy pace to a really open game and Ghana were forced to defend, but not for long as they swept forward and twice in less than a minute Essien failed to covert eminently scoreable chances.

82‘: Finally a second goal did arrive as Gyan linked well with Muntari who blasted an unstoppable left-footed drive past Cech from 12 yards.

90': Two fine saves from Kingson deep in injury time prevented Libor Sionko and Jan Polak from scoring and set off wonderful celebrations in Cologne.

In conclusion:
Ghana's historic win gives them genuine hope of qualifying for the second round. In their final group game they will play the USA, while the Czechs – disappointing today without strikers Jan Koller and Milan Baros – will hope for better in their showdown with Italy in Hamburg.

PORTUGAL-IRAN: Coaches' Quotes

17 June 2006

Luiz Felipe SCOLARI (POR)
This was the best performance by my team in the last seven or eight games. Now we have qualified we can concentrate on other things for the next match. We can look at who has got yellow cards while it will also give a chance for some players to recover.

I think the teams in the World Cup are all even, sometimes they play five or six very good games and then they have a bad day. So we just have to face the game when it comes around. (Whoever we face) we take it, we play it. We were very strong in the first half but we just couldn't score so we continued the same way in the second half and then we scored.

I like the Iranian team. They have very good players, they are physically very strong and very tall . They will become the most important team in that area. We respected the Iran players because they deserved to be respected.

Now we have to continue on and see what happens in the round of the last 16. This was a much much better performance by Portugal than in the first game against Angola. The difference is you have to look at the history - it's the first time in 40 years that Portugal have qualified for the next stage. The first game is always different, there was so much pressure on us.

At the start of the game it was very emotional for me because I saw my family and friends in the crowd and that's the first time I have seen them since they arrived in Germany. I was very happy and showed my emotions. Did I cry? No, maybe I just changed my eye colour.

Branko IVANKOVIC (IRN)
It was an even game. We started to see more mistakes from the Portugal side and we wanted to take advantage. I was trying to make a substitution. Then right at this moment Deco scored this wonderful goal. That was the quality of Deco to make a goal at this moment.

It must have been a big surprise for some people that we did not start with Ali Daei in the team but I needed a faster team and we played very, very well. Because Portugal were so strong it was hard for us and they made it difficult for us to score.

The next game is a life-and-death matter. Angola will be very motivated against Iran but this is the World Cup so you don't really need any extra motivation. It was very nice of Mr Scolari to talk about the Iranian team like that. It was a nice compliment and I really appreciate it.

PORTUGAL-IRAN: Players' Quotes

17 June 2006

Luis FIGO (POR)
I'm delighted with the win, and we're all looking forward to taking on the next big-name opponents. We threw away possession at the start and misplaced our passes. We really should have taken the lead well before the second half, but we took the game by the scruff of the neck after half-time. We're very pleased with the victory, but we'll keep our feet on the ground, because Mexico are our next opponents and they represent a very tough challenge. But I'm generally delighted at the way it's gone within Group D.

Fernando MEIRA (POR)
We were more of an attacking force than the Iranians and created plenty of chances. I believe in this team's ability, and we're all looking forward to taking on Mexico.

RICARDO (POR)
We knew we'd get at least three games here, and now we've achieved our first goal of qualifying for the next round – and with a game in hand. It hasn't been easy so far, and there are no easy games coming up. We'll work together as a team towards the next victory.

Ricardo CARVALHO (POR)
Will it be Holland or Argentina in the next round? I'm honestly not bothered. Both are packed with big names, so we have nothing to lose.

Ferydoon ZANDI (IRN)
We weren't smart enough at the decisive moments. Some of our most important and influential players were never 100 per cent fit. And to be frank, the opening defeat put a damper on the dressing room, so there was no wave of euphoria for us to ride. We weren't affected by the stories about the coach (Branko Ivankovic) over recent days, because that's what you get in Iran after every defeat. Obviously it's a matter of honour and pride for us now. We'll give it our best shot in our last game and bid the tournament a worthy farewell. We'd like to finish third in the group, but we're well aware Angola will provide tough opposition.

Mehdi MAHDAVIKIA (IRN)
We're devastated at being knocked out, because we'd set our sights on making the last 16. We played well in the first half against Mexico, and we did the same again today. We have a good crop of youngsters and there's a very good team for the future coming together here.

Vahid HASHEMIAN (IRN)
We looked very good indeed for the first ten minutes, but it was never going to be enough to win. Portugal were definitely the better team and they were physically strong too. It's over for us and we have to live with the defeat. We only matched them for 45 minutes. We kept it tight in the first half, but we looked very tired after half-time. Some of our best players are injured and couldn't make their normal contribution. Obviously we missed them. We have plenty of talented players in Iran, some of whom could play in Europe. Our coaches are always criticised at home when we lose.

'Don't I know you?'

17 June 2006

For the second day running at the FIFA World Cup™, Chelsea players find themselves on opposing teams. Goalkeeper Petr Cech and midfielder Michael Essien go head-to-head in the FIFA World Cup Stadium Cologne as Czech Republic seek their second win of the tournament against Ghana.

However Chelsea are not the best-represented club in Germany. Their Premiership rivals Arsenal take that honour with 15 members of their squad on duty.

Chelsea are next best on 14, with AC Milan showing 13. Then comes Manchester United and Juventus with 12, Bayern Munich (11) and Barcelona, Real Madrid and Lyon all with 10.

Budweiser Man of the Match: DECO (POR)

17 June 2006

Portugal playmaker Deco was awarded the Budweiser Man of the Match award for his inspirational performance in his side's 2-0 win over Iran.

The win guaranteed Luiz Felipe Scolari's side a place in the Round of 16 and it was Deco who put them on the road to victory with a superb strike in the 63rd minute. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, the Barcelona midfielder curled the ball past Ebrahim Mirzapour and into the back of the net.

However, his performance was about more than just a goal. His set-pieces, intelligent goals and crisp passing were influential in Portugal’s well-deserved victory.

"He was chosen by us because he continually drove the team forward," said TSG member Rodrigo Kenton. "His goal was of the highest quality - it broke the deadlock in an important game for both sides."

PORTUGAL 2-0 IRAN

17 June 2006

Portugal became the sixth team assured a place in the Round of 16 at Germany 2006 after second-half goals from Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 2-0 win against Iran on Saturday, 17 June 2006.

While Portugal were celebrating a second straight win in Group D - and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's ninth in succession overall in FIFA World Cups™ - Iran were left to reflect on what went wrong after their second defeat confirmed their elimination. After a goalless first half in Frankfurt, Deco broke the deadlock with a long-distance strike in the 63rd minute and Ronaldo sealed the victory from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining.

The match:
13': After making the early running, Portugal created the first significant chance when Deco controlled the ball brilliantly inside the area and fired a wicked half-volley on goal. Fortunately for the well-supported Iranians, Ebrahim Mirzapour managed to slap it away for a corner.

16': From a Luis Figo corner, Maniche's vicious volley was deflected over the crossbar as pressure began to mount on the Iran goal.

31': Andranik Teymourian broke in behind the Portuguese defence, only to see his shot strike the post. However, the assistant referee's flag was raised already for offside.

34': Another dangerous corner-kick from Figo picked out Cristiano Ronaldo some six yards from goal, but the Manchester United starlet could only watch as his well-directed header was chested off the line by Hossein Kaabi.

36': Kaabi was in the thick of things again. Just moments after Ronaldo had gone close with a fine strike from a tough angle, the raised boot of the Iran defender caught Figo in the face in an accidental collision.

44': Just on the stroke of half-time, Valencia full-back Miguel roared in and fired a shot from close range. But his effort off the keeper and wide of the post.

Portugal too powerful:
63': After a frenetic, end-to-end start to the second period, Barcelona’s midfield jewel Deco put the favourites out in front. After collecting a fine slipped pass from Figo, he broke the impressive Iranian resistance with a screaming arrow to the top corner from 23 yards out. (1-0)

69': Fighting against early elimination from the finals, Iran's second-half substitute Rasoul Khatibi nearly put his team back onto level terms. But his good attempt, after collecting a long ball from the back, slipped just wide of Ricardo’s goal.

78': Mehdi Mahdavikia had a great chance to equalise but his header from close range was well saved by Ricardo.

80': The game switched immediately to the other end where Iran captain Yahya Golmohammadi took down Figo with a sliding challenge and referee Eric Poulat of France did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. Ronaldo, cool as you like, fired home to ensure three more points for Portugal. (2-0)

90': Pauleta had a clear chance to increase the lead, only to fluff his lines on a counterattack.

In conclusion:
Despite battling bravely all the way and showing much to be proud of, Iran's hopes are crushed with one group game still to go. Portugal, while sure of a spot in the Round of 16, are not yet guaranteed first place in the group with a tough final test against second-placed Mexico still to come. Only pride will be at stake for Iran in their final match against Angola.

MEXICO-ANGOLA: Coaches' Quotes

16 June 2006

Luis Oliveira GONCALVES (ANG)
It was a good performance. Mexico are very strong and it’s not easy to play against them. My congratulations to both teams for the great game we saw tonight. I think I can safely say this is the best ever result in the history of Angolan football.

It’s our first World Cup and after two games we’ve already got a point. The whole country celebrated the performance against Portugal and they’ll obviously be celebrating this point against Mexico even more. We had two objectives when we came here: to do our country and our continent proud and I think we achieved that to perfection in this game. The match tonight was much harder than the one against Portugal, and Iran will be even tougher still.

Ricardo LA VOLPE (MEX)
We played pretty well. There was only one team out there and that was Mexico. The problem is, when the ball doesn’t want to go in, it doesn’t go in. Some games are like that, and the Angola keeper put in an extraordinary performance as well. Angola played just as we expected them to and were very defensive.

We’ll have to look closely at why we didn’t score, though. I thought we were direct enough, but the problem was that the midfield was packed full of Angola players and we had to move the ball around a lot to try and pull them out of position. On reflection, I think perhaps we lacked the killer ball in the final third. We know full well there are no easy games in a World Cup, and this game was far from easy.

MEXICO-ANGOLA: Players' Quotes

16 June 2006

JOAO RICARDO (ANG), Budweiser Man of the Match
We are sure that this game will give a better image of our country and we are putting in a very strong effort also for Africa. We gave everything in the game, we are very inexperienced and that was a great result.

Rafael MARQUEZ(MEX)
We let our chance to qualify slip away because we couldn’t put the ball in the net. But we controlled possession, got to the edge of their box and we were dangerous. The team did what it had to, but we didn’t get lucky. But there were still lots of good things that we can take from the game.

Carlos SALCIDO (MEX)
It was our game, but we just didn’t get the rub of the green to get a goal. It means that qualification is now a little more complicated, but we’re not too concerned because we’re in good form. Their goalkeeper did very well.

Ricardo OSORIO (MEX)
Our approach was positive. Angola set out their stall not to concede, and no matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t score. It feels more like a defeat than a draw, but qualification is in our own hands. We’ve got four points, and all is not lost. Their goalkeeper deserved to be man of the match.

Antonio NAELSON (MEX)
We know that we didn’t play worse than they did, but we didn’t have the intelligence to break the deadlock. But it hasn’t made things any more difficult, because it’s still in our hands. The problem was that they had a very defensive game plan, and we didn’t have the composure to knock the ball around as well as we’d have liked.

Pavel PARDO (MEX)
Tonight we played better than against Iran, but obviously we’re not completely happy because we dominated the game and didn’t score. But it doesn’t make qualification any harder because we have four points now. The game against Portugal is going to be more difficult but we’re ready and we’re capable of winning the game. Football is like life; you have good days and bad days, and tonight didn’t go well for us.

MATEUS (ANG)
We couldn’t make any real inroads in attack because we had to defend all the time. The Mexico team are very strong in attack, but we deserved this result.

AKWA (ANG)
We had a chance to make a goal, but there were some failures in the game. But I thought the game was very good, this is like a victory for us because we had only ten players for a time and we have never played in a World Cup before. We don’t have much experience and we were nervous at the start because of this. Our Man of the Match was our goalkeeper Joao Ricardo.

ANDRE (ANG)
I’m really sorry because I can’t participate in the next game (due to an expulsion in the 79th minute). I was a little bit naive. But I don’t regret it in a way because it stopped an attack. I’m sure we are going to win our next game against Iran.

FIGUEIREDO (ANG)
We did not have too many chances to win, but we have a lot of hope. We have not scored so far, but we have played against two of the strongest teams in the world (Portugal and Mexico). We are at the beginning, but we know with more experience we will get better results – remember, Mexico are ranked very high in the ratings.

MANTORRAS (ANG)
Our goal was a victory, but we know we are at the beginning as a team. If I can play from the start I know I will give it all for the honour of my country. I know for sure Angola will be happy with the result.

Budweiser Man of the Match: JOAO RICARDO (ANG)

16 June 2006

Angola goalkeeper Joao Ricardo made several stunning saves and dominated his penalty area as he led Angola to a 0-0 draw with Mexico on Friday night. The performance was enough to make him the first keeper to be named Budweiser Man of the Match at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.

Among all of Joao Ricardo's superb saves, perhaps the biggest came in the 88th minute. With Angola reduced to ten men, Mexico captain Rafael Marquez fired a rocket that seemed destined for the upper left-hand corner of the net, but the Angolan keeper sprung to tip the ball wide.

"Joao Ricardo was simply outstanding," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Teofilo Cubillas. "He made some excellent saves and if he hadn’t been there, Angola surely would have lost this match. He only made one error in the entire match, but it wasn’t costly. Overall, he was just great."

MEXICO 0-0 ANGOLA

16 June 2006

A brave performance from ten-man Angola saw them hold Mexico to a goalless draw in their Group D meeting in Hanover on Friday, 16 June 2006.

Angola, who lie 53 places below El Tri in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, frustrated the Mexicans due to a combination of some resolute defending and some superb goalkeeping from Joao Ricardo.

The Palancas Negras' task was made even harder when they had Andre sent off in the 79th minute, but the African side held firm to register their first ever point in the FIFA World Cup™ finals.

The match:
3' It was another nervy start by Angola and, as against Portugal, they almost conceded an early goal. The North Americans were intent on stamping their authority on the game and Carlos Salcido, foraging forward, saw a 25-yard shot land on the top of the net.

11': Finding it difficult to retain possession, the Africans conceded a series of free-kicks around the edge of their box. From one, Pavel Pardo fired straight into the arms of Joao Ricardo.

14': From another, three minutes later, captain Rafael Marquez struck the base of the post with a low skidding effort.

23': Angola began to settle and started to dominate possession. Figueiredo found space to shoot 25 yards out, lifting his strike a yard over.

24': Then Mateus snatched at a decent chance from the edge of the area with his effort rising high over the bar.

26': From a free-kick, Mendonca cracked another shot wide of the post as the Tricolor fans became restless.

45': After creating little for much of the half, Mexico almost snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time. Guillermo Franco used all his strength to withstand an aerial challenge inside the box but could not quite prod the bouncing ball home and Ricardo came out quickly to block.

A handsome display:
46' The second half began with no noticeable increase in the tempo. Mexico slowly began to push forward but Ricardo was proving equal to anything thrown his way.

55': Angola were now playing exclusively on the break and shooting as soon as they could see the whites of the posts. Having watched a number of efforts sail high and wide, Oswaldo Sanchez had to be alert to save another Mendonca effort from distance.

56': Franco was finding little room to manoeuvre but the Argentine-born striker had a great chance to break the deadlock after Mexico’s best move of the match. The Villarreal forward flicked on a long pass to Salcido and ran onto the return pass but his lob over the advancing Ricardo lacked conviction and the keeper clawed the ball away. Jesus Arellano hit the follow-up goalwards but the ball was hacked off the line.

66':It was Omar Bravo's turn to squander a golden chance next. The Guadalajara striker, who struck twice in the opening game against Iran, found space inside the box but could only shoot timidly at the keeper when presented with a clear-cut chance in front of goal.

79':Angola were reduced to ten men with a little over ten minutes to go when Andre was shown his second yellow card for handball.

82':Pouring forward, Fonseca miscued his volley from a deep cross and the ball whistled wide.

88':Then Marquez picked up the ball 30 yards out but the Barcelona player's strike was brilliantly tipped away by Ricardo. From the resulting corner only the goalpost saved the keeper's blushes with a stretching Bravo unable to take advantage of a rare misjudgement.

In conclusion:
Angola collected their first ever FIFA World Cup point with a courageous display and still have a chance of making the second round. Despite creating few clear chances, Mexico, on four points, are nevertheless well positioned to qualify with the fixture against Portugal still to play.

NETHERLANDS-CÔTE D'IVOIRE: Coaches' Quotes

16 June 2006

Marco VAN BASTEN (NED)
We're delighted we've made it through to the last 16. It's an incredibly tough group and we have a very young team. Any of the teams could have made it, but we're just overjoyed about getting through. A lot of my players are contesting their first World Cup. We were very good for the first half-hour and created any number of chances, but we eased off after Côte d'Ivoire scored their goal. After that, we all saw how good they are if you let them play. In fact, they were so good in the second half, we had no option but to defend. You have to say we still have a lot of work to do, but the first job is to go out and beat Argentina.

Henri MICHEL (CIV)
Obviously we're disappointed. We always knew it would be tough, but we hoped to get something from the game. The pattern's basically been the same in both our matches. We've been forced to chase a two-goal deficit, because on both occasions we've been unable to contain our opponents. It's always going to be difficult turning it around against class sides like these. And when you're at the World Cup, you've got to make more of the chances that come your way. We have to accept we're not yet where we want to be. This is a new team with no experience of the World Cup, but I do believe we can cope with the pressure. We simply lack experience. It's possible we were too nervous, that's something we'll have to sit down and analyse.

NETHERLANDS-CÔTE D'IVOIRE: Players' Quotes

16 June 2006

Arjen ROBBEN (NED), Budweiser Man of the Match
I feel happy to be awarded Man of the Match, though it's more important we win as a team. The second half was very difficult for us and Ivory Coast caused us lots of problems, but I am satisfied with the way we worked today. Both games were tough for us and we started well in them. After the quick two-goal lead today, we might have taken it a bit too easy and we didn’t play on our best level. Ivory Coast can be proud of their performance, as they played strongly in both matches. Maybe it was just bad luck for them.

Ruud VAN NISTELROOIJ (NED)
I’m very happy that we had a lot of luck, I liked the atmosphere in the stadium very much. The crowd was fantastic. We created a lot chances in the first half and this is the way we always want to play, with two goals after a few minutes.

Robin VAN PERSIE (NED)
We are not afraid of Argentina in the next match and we will win the group. It was a game with many positive things for me and one thing was my goal. I also managed to clear the ball off the line.

Andre OOIJER (NED)
It was a really tough game and the Ivory Coast players never gave up.

Khalid BOULAHROUZ (NED)
I was glad to be a part of the game. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. We are fit and ready for the next game against Argentina and it’s our target to be the number one in the group.

Edwin VAN DER SAR (NED)
I’m happy that we have qualified for the next round and now we have to deal with Argentina. It will be a very hard and tough game. We both have six points and the more wins you get, the better it is for you. From tomorrow on, our focus is on Argentina. I’m happy Robin van Persie was on the scoresheet today and he’s had a good season in England.

Phillip COCU (NED)
There was a lot of fire in the game. This was the hardest group and it looks like the favourites have passed to the next round.

Mark VAN BOMMEL (NED)
I think getting to 2-0 was a good score at the beginning of the match, but then we lost our plan a bit. Ivory Coast were very strong, especially down the right-hand side, where they created a lot of pressure.

Rafael VAN DER VAART (NED)
The next match will be the most important one because we absolutely want to be the first in our group. I’m happy that we reached the next round and we have to win against Argentina. That will be a close, tough game.

Ryan BABEL (NED)
The game against Argentina won’t be a friendly because we want to be first in the group.

Jean-Jacques TIZIE (CIV)
We tried everything and we must not have our heads down. We did everything we could and we will try to do better next time.

Didier DROGBA (CIV)
It’s very hard to catch up two goals. We gave our best but I am realistic. We had a very hard group although I think we still deserved to get into the next round. We felt like we played a really good game today, but playing well doesn’t guarantee victory.

Bakary KONE (CIV)
It’s a pity but this was our first experience. We can say that we had a lack of luck. We have to do everything to qualify the next time and in the next World Cup we will not play the same.

Arouna KONE (CIV)
It was a hard game. Our tactics were good. In the next game against Serbia and Montenegro we want to try to get a win. I think it's a question of experience. All the other teams have experience of playing in the World Cup but we don’t.

Kolo TOURE (CIV)
I am disappointed that we are out of the World Cup but it’s a learning process for us and it will help us to improve our game

Budweiser Man of the Match: Arjen ROBBEN (NED)

16 June 2006

Arjen Robben was named Budweiser Man of the Match for his spirited attacking play in Netherlands' 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire on Friday, making him the second player to receive the honour twice at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

Robben ran tirelessly throughout the match, combining well with Ruud van Nistelrooij and Robin van Persie and becoming even more dangerous late in the match as the Ivorians began to tire. Robben's biggest contribution came in the 27th minute, when he played a wonderful reverse ball to send Van Nistelrooij in for Netherlands' second goal.

"Every time he has the ball, he is a threat for the opponent, he always creates fear," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Kim Chon Lim. "His pass for the second Dutch goal that Van Nistelrooij scored was just intuitive. He is definitely one of the key figures in the Dutch team."

NETHERLANDS 2-1 CÔTE D'IVOIRE

16 June 2006

The Netherlands booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup™ as goals from Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooij earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire in Stuttgart on Friday, 16 June 2006.

Their second win in Group C means the Dutch advanced with a game to spare, along with Argentina who also have six points after beating Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 earlier in the day. Côte d'Ivoire, like the Serbo-Montenegrins, can go no further in this tournament but they certainly pushed the Dutch all the way.

After Van Persie's 23rd-minute free-kick opener, Van Nistelrooij doubled the Dutch lead four minutes later but the Ivorians hit back through a spectacular Bakary Kone effort and threatened an equaliser on more than one occasion.

The match:
1': Before a sea of orange, it was the Netherlands who began the match the brighter. With three points to their name already and two wingers just itching to do something creative, their fans were in full voice as they poured forward.

17': Côte d'Ivoire appeared to settle down and Yaya Toure slipped the ball through to Arouna Kone in the inside-right channel but the striker, who plays his club football in the Netherlands for PSV Eindhoven, allowed the ball to get away from him and his effort from an increasingly tight angle missed the near post.

23': Van Persie ran the ball at the heart of the Ivorian defence before being upended by Arsenal team-mate Kolo Toure. Van Persie picked himself up and thrashed the free-kick past the fingertips of Tizie and into the top corner to give the Dutch the lead. (1-0)

27': Four minutes later and the Oranje were 2-0 up as the Africans paid the penalty for not keeping a tight defensive line. Robben, who was having the better of things against Emmanuel Eboue, tore at the defence from the other wing. He eventually slipped the ball to Van Nistelrooij who, just onside, made no mistake with his right-foot finish. (2-0)

33': Half an hour gone and, as against Argentina, Côte d'Ivoire were again two goals down. They so nearly pulled one back when Didier Zokora, 25 yards out, cut inside onto his right foot and sent a stunning strike crashing against the bar.

38': Henri Michel's disappointed look from the bench had told its own tale up to this point but now the Ivorians did pull one back with a fine goal. The pint-sized Bakary Kone picked up possession midway inside the Dutch half, accelerated past two defenders and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. (2-1)

42': Minutes later, Didier Drogba stole the ball but could only hit Giovanni van Bronckhorst with the pass with Kone unmarked to his right.

45 +1': Kone, swivelling on the edge of the box, fired over with the last chance of the half.

Holding on:
47' The African side began the second half in the ascendancy with Kolo Toure firing a long-range free-kick into the hands of Edwin van der Sar.

51': With Van Nistelrooij's confidence boosted by the goal the Elephants had to be wary at the back. The Manchester United striker tried his luck from outside the box with a sharp strike that Tizie could only hold at the second attempt.

54': At the other end, the ball fell kindly to Eboue inside the box and for a moment it looked for all the world like the equaliser would arrive but the Arsenal player's goal-bound shot was blocked.

58': Côte d'Ivoire drove forward but a fine four-man move ended with Arouna Kone firing wastefully over from 20 yards.

70': The Netherlands appeared to have weathered the storm and went in search of a third. Robben's pace and skill gave him another shooting chance which Tizie failed to hold and Van Nistelrooij's follow-up was blocked.

77': Switching ends, Drogba nodded a deep corner dangerously back into the goalmouth but there were no Ivorian strikers on hand to apply the finishing touch and Van Persie, positioned on the post, chested clear.

80': Substitute Giles Yapi Yapo cut in well from the left flank only to shoot straight at Van der Sar. Defending resolutely, Marco van Basten's side had chances to make the match safe as the Elephants finally ran out of steam.

In conclusion:
With this second win by the narrowest of margins, the Netherlands advance to the last 16 alongside Argentina. Debutants Côte d'Ivoire put on another fine show but when they travel home after their final match against Serbia and Montenegro they will reflect on the costly goals conceded early in their first two games.

ARGENTINA -SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO: Coaches' Quotes

16 June 2006

Jose PEKERMAN (ARG)
Argentina closed the game out really well after the first two goals. Serbia and Montenegro were meant to pose a big threat so it's an important victory for us. We’ve got a great squad, a team with a real will to win. They know what they want and they go out and get it. The injury to Lucho (Luis Gonzalez) was a big setback, but we just carried on playing good football. That’s very important too.

You’re all asking me who’s going to play against the Netherlands and that’s understandable, but I can’t make any decisions just yet. In the next few hours we’ll start thinking about what’s best for that game. What’s clear, though, is that they’re a very strong side and it will be a tough game.

As for the so-called 'Group of Death', well, in this game people always tend to look at what's happened in the past. Sometimes, though, things don’t turn out how you expect. That’s what makes football so exciting. When the draw was made the group looked very tight. The Netherlands were in transition and so were we. Serbia and Montenegro sent Spain into the play-offs and Côte d’Ivoire were the top African side, so yes, it looked tough. What’s happened, though, is just typical of football.

Mexico and Portugal are two very good footballing sides that qualified comfortably for the World Cup and have gone on from there. They’ll both be hard to beat.

Ilija PETKOVIC (SCG)
It's an absolutely terrible result, the worst in our history, and I've got take responsibility for it. I did what I could but nothing worked. I don’t want to point the finger at any player in particular. We made some errors for sure, but the buck stops with me.

I’ve got to lick my wounds so I’d rather not talk about Argentina. All I’ll say is that time will tell if they played a great game or we played a bad one. Today also shows that the qualifiers and the World Cup finals are two completely different things. You have to face different types of teams and the results are there for all to see. I’m not blind. We’ll just have to do what we can against Côte d’Ivoire.

ARGENTINA-SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO: Players' Quotes

16 June 2006

Juan RIQUELME (ARG), Budweiser Man of the Match
I think we're at a very good level. Just like the last game, I think we deserved to win this match. I don't like the comparison, but in the last World Cup we had some good games, but we didn't have any luck in front of goal. Now we are putting the ball in the net. I hope that this doesn't prove to be our best game, and I hope we can continue to improve. Today we're very happy because of what we've done, but our intention is to keep growing as a team. I imagine all the Argentinian fans, both here and back home, enjoyed our performance. We players enjoyed it too. As for Messi, he did well and I'm pleased that he feels fine and played well. I love watching him play.

Maximiliano RODRIGUEZ (ARG)
It was an incredible game, and I can’t complain. The team won, we played well, and I got two goals. As far as the team's performance is concerned, we showed that we could play with freedom. We managed to put our plan into practice, which was to keep the ball moving and be solid. We did very well.

Lionel MESSI (ARG)
I'm happy to have made my (FIFA World Cup) debut, and, of course, because I scored. However, I want to remember the team’s performance, which was very good. We have to stay calm and keep working hard. Before the match, Diego Maradona came up to me and wished me luck, and that was a big lift for me, no doubt about it.

Javier MASCHERANO (ARG)
When you win you always feel good, and more so when you're playing at this level. But there are always things to improve and we can't be complacent. When you win 6-0, it’s difficult to pick out any mistakes, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. Today we won an important match, but we have to be level-headed about it if we are going to keep improving.

Carlos TEVEZ (ARG)
I'm very happy, firstly because I played, and secondly because I scored. It’s one of the best things that has happened to me in my career. Now we have to keep calm, and humble. We can’t let this go to our heads because we could come crashing back down to earth.

Javier SAVIOLA (ARG)
We have to be happy but calm. All three areas of the team played well, in attack as well as in defence. We had won the previous game, but today we played good football and that’s the most important thing. The euphoria? It’s difficult to stop it, especially among our fans, but the big players in the squad have to take charge and calm everyone else down. This is a World Cup and all the teams are strong.

Nicolas BURDISSO (ARG)
You never expect games like this one, and so it’s good to enjoy it. As of tomorrow, we can start to think about Holland. We performed well in the first half, but it is difficult to analyse the second. The good thing was that we were the ones who opened up the game.

Mladen KRSTAJIC (SCG)
We played against a fantastic team and there is no shame in losing to a team of this calibre. I will be the first to congratulate them on a wonderful performance.

Albert NADJ (SCG)
Argentina were much better than us today, there is nothing we can do about that. They were smarter and in terms of technique they are virtually untouchable. After we went a man down we were dead in the water. Now we have to focus on our last match and hopefully we can get a win to bring back to our people at home. Of course we are very sad, but they scored with all of their chances. We know we are pretty much out now.

Dejan STANKOVIC (SCG)
The people back home will be upset, because when you lose 6-0 it’s like you were really destroyed. But now we need to put this behind us and do our best to win our last match against the Ivory Coast.

Mateja KEZMAN (SCG) We had a very bad day. They (Argentina) are a very good team and they outplayed us the whole game long and we never had a chance. Argentina and Brazil are my candidates to win it all.

Ognjen KOROMAN (SCG)
It was really tough for us today. We did what we could, but after Kezman was sent off we had no chance really.

Ivan ERGIC (SCG)
To lose 6-0 is horrible, but we were not completely fit and we have had a lot of pressure put on us by the press and the media back home.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Juan RIQUELME (ARG)

16 June 2006

Juan Riquelme was the centrepiece of an Argentine attack that put the ball in the net six times against Serbia and Montenegro on Friday, earning himself recognition as the Budweiser Man of the Match.

By half-time, Argentina were already in control thanks to two goals by Maxi Rodriguez in the sixth and 41st minutes, and another by Esteban Cambiasso in the 31st. After Serbia and Montenegro were reduced to ten men thanks the 65th-minute expulsion of Mateja Kezman, the floodgates really opened, as Hernan Crespo, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi each followed with goals in the last quarter-hour.

The honour could easily have been awarded to any number of Argentine players, as there was clearly no shortage of impressive performances, but Riquelme was recognised for being at the centre of it all.

"It was not easy to choose the Budweiser Man of the Match because there were several very good players,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Roy Hodgson, “but we thought that Riquelme had a tremendous influence for Argentina. In an Argentine team that played very well, he always asked for the ball. His ability and passing vision were fundamental factors in the great attacking performance that we were presented with here today.”

ARGENTINA 6-0 SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

16 June 2006

Argentina gave a fearsome show of attacking strength as they swept aside Group C rivals Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 in Gelsenkirchen on Friday, 16 June 2006.

Jose Pekerman's team equalled their record FIFA World Cup™ win against Peru from 1978 against opponents they had, coincidentally, dismantled by the same score at the 2004 Olympic Football Tournament. More importantly, the victory took them a big step closer to the second round, while leaving Serbia and Montenegro’s hopes hanging by a thread.

The flow of goals began in the sixth minute with Maxi Rodriguez and after Esteban Cambiasso had doubled the lead in the 31st minute, Rodriguez struck again to make it 3-0 ten minutes later. There was no respite for Serbia and Montenegro after the break as, following the dismissal of Mateja Kezman, Hernan Crespo hit Argentina's fourth in the 78th minute. Substitutes Carlos Tevez (84') and Lionel Messi (88') completed the scoring in the final ten minutes.

The match:
2' Argentina showed their intent from the off, putting the Serbia and Montenegro defence under early pressure with a series of corners.

6' Serbia and Montenegro's defence went 649 minutes without conceding in qualifying but it took Argentina just six minutes to find the net here, following some fine interplay between Rodriguez, Juan Pablo Sorin and Javier Saviola. Rodriguez applied the final touch as he collected a Saviola pass and slipped the ball past Dragoslav Jevric. (1-0)

10' Predrag Djordjevic had the first sight of the Argentine goal at the other end but his volleyed attempted lacked power and direction.

17' Luis Gonzalez left the field with an apparent injury to the adductor muscle in his left leg, Cambiasso coming on in his place.

23' A spell of Serbia and Montenegro possession proved short-lived and Argentina soon had the Balkan team under pressure again, Juan Roman Riquelme testing their backline with a couple of set-pieces.

28' Riquelme worked his way into a shooting position but blazed the ball over the crossbar.

31' A glorious move produced Argentina's second goal. The ball was swept crossfield from one navy shirt to another before arriving at the feet of Cambiasso. He fed Crespo with his back to goal in the box, and was on hand to meet the striker's back-heeled return and shoot high into the net. (2-0)

35' Crespo raced onto Saviola's through-ball and finished past Jevric but the linesman's flag was already raised for offside.

41'
The third goal arrived thanks to the persistence of Saviola. After stealing the ball from Mladen Krstajic by the corner flag, he glided past another white shirt before launching a low shot at goal. Jevric got a hand to the ball, pushing it towards the far post where Rodriguez turned it into the net, via a post. (3-0)

More of the same:
46' Roberto Abbondanzieri was finally called into action, to turn behind a low drive from Savo Milosevic.

51' Crespo, seeking a goal of his own, powered in a shot on goal but straight at Jevric. Sorin then engineered another opportunity in the box with an eye-catching flick of his heel but Saviola was flagged offside.

55' A clear scoring chance went begging for Serbia and Montenegro, following some fine work by substitute Danijel Ljuboja. After surging down the right, he sidestepped a defender and launched a cross to the far post to Kezman. The No.8 volleyed the ball back across goal but, with a free header, Milosevic – on his 100th international appearance - failed to even make contact with the ball.

65' The Serbo-Montenegrins' day went from bad to worse with Kezman dismissed for a two-footed challenge on Javier Mascherano.

74' Riquelme nearly conjured a goal for Crespo with a gorgeous flick but the No.9 went down under pressure from an opponent and the opportunity was gone.

78' Just three minutes after taking the field for his first FIFA World Cup appearance, Messi became the architect of Argentina's fourth goal. Breaking into the left-hand side of the penalty box, he looked up and sent a low cross to the far post where Crespo did the rest. (4-0)

84' Tevez, another substititute, was one of six Argentina players who played in the victory over Serbia and Montenegro in Patras two years ago. He scored twice then and found the net here with a fine effort. After leaving two defenders for dead he placed the ball low past Jevric for another memorable Argentina goal. (5-0)

88' Now Tevez turned provider, picking out Messi's surge into the box and the teenager did the rest with a confident finish inside the near post. (6-0)

In conclusion:
If anyone doubted Argentina's credentials, they can doubt no more. As for Serbia and Montenegro, this ‘nightmare group’ has become just that.

SWEDEN-PARAGUAY: Coaches' Quotes

15 June 2006

Lars LAGERBACK (SWE)
It was a really good team effort from us tonight. I have a lot of respect for the Paraguay team but we created more goalscoring chances. Of course there is relief, but the players did a marvellous job and deserved to win.

Of course it's always frustrating when you're sitting on the bench and so many chances are being wasted, but it would have been worse if we weren’t playing well and weren’t creating any chances. If you don’t score goals, there are generally two reasons. One is that you are not doing well enough with your chances and the other, which was also true, is that the other team is working very hard.

With Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), he had a muscle injury to his leg and our medical people said that if he went out for the second half, we might not see him again through the World Cup. So we decided not to risk him. With the substitutions, I’m just really happy they worked. Sometimes they come off, sometimes they don't. We're going to enjoy tonight first and then focus on England.

Anibal RUIZ (PAR)
This is the World Cup, so of course this is painful. It’s painful for the boys, it’s painful for me, but this is life. Sometimes you don’t achieve all the things you would wish to. I thought it was a balanced match, although Sweden probably had more possibilities to score goals and more possession.

I attempted with my substitutions to give our play more aggression. Roque Santa Cruz was tired and Julio Dos Santos was going to play in any case, so it was a good time to make the change. Unfortunately, one player had a muscular contraction and that meant we weren't able to implement our tactical plan. But it's useless to complain. It hurts, but we congratulate the other team on their victory.

SWEDEN-PARAGUAY: Players' Quotes

15 June 2006

Freddie LJUNGBERG(SWE), Budweiser Man of the Match
It will be a massive game against England and both teams will want to win to top the group. It's going to be very difficult because England are a very good team, but we’re looking forward to it. The goal was important, but not just because it was me who scored it. We needed the three points tonight. Plus, it was important for the fans because you saw the support we had here. It made me very proud and I would have been disappointed not to give something back to those fans.

Henrik LARSSON (SWE)
Of course I am very happy. Paraguay are a very good team, but in the end luck was on our side. We are pleased that we managed to score the goal. We played well today and against Trinidad and Tobago, but that’s how football is: sometimes you make the chances, sometimes you don’t. A victory like this gives you an extra edge and it was fantastic having 50,000 fans here for us.

Christian WILHEMSSON (SWE)
We created a lot, again, and finally we did it. We have the three points and that’s all that matters.

Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC (SWE)
We are happy with our situation and are not thinking about playing Germany in the round of 16. We take it game-by-game and will play the next match against England like we have played all our other matches so far. Let's see what will happen.

Roque Santa Cruz (PAR)
We are really disappointed, as we came here with a big dream, and now we go home with nothing. It is very difficult to explain what happened, the words are missing. The team is sad because we feel that we have done enough in the game. We didn't find our way of playing in either of the game. It is not possible any more, but I would have been happy if Paraguay had reached the Round of 16 and played against Germany. It is difficult to know why we have gone out because we weren't bad in either game. The players' confidence was there.

Roberto ACUNA (PAR)
I don’t know what was missing. Maybe I will know tomorrow, but at the moment it’s just very sad. It’s my last World Cup and I’m very thankful. To be in the World Cup is the greatest thing for any football player. You represent your country, your flag. We could have qualified, but there is nothing we can do about it now.

Nelson VALDEZ (PAR)
We came to the World Cup with the dream of making history. Now we are very disappointed that this dream has been shattered. Now I cross my fingers for the Germans, who are celebrating a big party here.

Denis CANIZA (PAR)
I’m really sad. It is the World Cup and I know that the whole of Paraguay was watching and that they are all crying now.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Freddie LJUNGBERG (SWE)

15 June 2006

With fellow forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic forced to come off at half-time, Freddie Ljungberg was the last-minute hero for Sweden thanks to his 88th-minute strike, the lone goal in his team's 1-0 defeat of Paraguay.

Ljungberg's goal and all-round attacking presence throughout the match earned him honours as Budweiser Man of the Match. In a game that saw plenty of chances but only one goal, the Arsenal player came through when it seemed that the teams would have to share the points, a result that would have satisfied nobody.

"It was actually going to be a difficult decision to pick the Budweiser Man of the Match because there were quite a lot of players who made a good contribution, but Freddie obviously tipped the balance in Sweden's favour," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Andy Roxburgh.

"He started brilliantly, worked really hard throughout the match and was the one guy who seemed to be able to open Paraguay up. When Sweden put him off the front two, it released him from his normal role and he blossomed."

In the end, Ljungberg's goal made him an obvious choice. "It was a great header and it had to be to beat the Paraguayan goalkeeper, who was outstanding tonight. When picking the Man of the Match, the thing you look to is who made the difference – tonight, the man who made the difference was Freddie Ljungberg."

ENGLAND-TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Coaches' Quotes

ENGLAND-TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Coaches' Quotes

15 June 2006

Sven-Goran ERIKSSON (ENG)
We had a lot of chances in the first 80 minutes and we were unlucky not to take them. Trinidad and Tobago defended with eight, nine or ten men behind the ball and made things very difficult for us. They showed great discipline and great strength, but we showed great patience too. We fully deserved the win. Both goals that we scored were excellent.

I have to say too, that although he didn't score, I was delighted to see Wayne Rooney on the pitch. I am very happy that he is fit. Of course, he is not 100 per cent in form, but he hasn't played football for six weeks, so how can he be? This 30 minutes will have been very important for him and I hope to see him getting stronger in each game that we play.

We must now immediately begin our preparations for the game against Sweden. We haven't beaten them for a long time, so it would be nice to do it in Cologne.

Leo BEENHAKKER (TRI)
I am proud of the effort of my players today, but of course we are disappointed. They played with a lot of courage and a lot of passion. That's the only way we can play. Before the match we knew that we could organise the players to frustrate England for a long period of the game and we did that to good effect.

It was very hard to see the first goal go in. As the minutes tick by and the game goes on, your hopes build and you get more and more excited. Our heads dropped after that and I wasn’t surprised to see England score the second.

I thought that England lost patience at times. They had possibilities to score goals and although we found it tough to survive, they began hitting long balls. However, they dominated the match and deserved to win. I wish them luck for the rest of the competition.

SWEDEN 1-0 PARAGUAY

SWEDEN 1-0 PARAGUAY

15 June 2006

Freddie Ljungberg's 88th-minute header earned Sweden a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Berlin on Thursday, 15 June 2006.

Ljungberg's strike leaves the Scandinavians strongly positioned to take second place in Group B, three points above Trinidad and Tobago going into their game against leaders England. For Paraguay, however, the late goal spelt heartbreak, ending their hopes of progressing to the second round.

The match:
1'Following a goalless draw against Trinidad and Tobago in their opening game, Sweden coach Lars Lagerback knew this was a match he could not afford not to win and the Scandinavians began the match immediately on the attack.

9': Kim Kallstrom, in for Anders Svensson, unleashed a stunning shot from 25 yards that Aldo Bobadilla did brilliantly to turn around the post. From the resulting corner, Zlatan Ibrahimovic climbed highest six yards out but his glancing header landed wide of goal.

13': Kallstrom was again in the thick of things four minutes later. The Lyon-bound midfielder fed Ibrahimovic who combined with Henrik Larsson to tee up Christian Wilhelmsson for a shot from distance that whistled wide.

33': Just as they did against England, Paraguay seemed content to sit back, soak up the pressure and rely on the counterattack. In one of their more dangerous ventures beyond the half-way line, Nelson Valdez blasted well over from edge of the box after Roque Santa Cruz's astute knock-down.

34': Spurred into a reply, Larsson almost pounced on a poor clearance but the 34-year-old's header fell kindly into the arms of Bobadilla.

41': With Sweden throwing men forward, left-back Jorge Nunez found plenty of space to exploit as Paraguay broke only for his angled cross-shot to fall harmlessly wide. Straight from the goal-kick, Ibrahimovic broke clear at the other end but his precise finish lacked strength and Bobadilla dived to save comfortably.

More positive:
46': Facing the prospect of being eliminated before their third group match, Paraguay came out for the second half in more aggressive fashion. Moving intelligently along the backline, Valdez ran onto a pass inside the area and cut the ball back onto his right foot before shooting into the side-netting.

51':From a similar position, the striker, who plays his football in Germany for Werder Bremen, this time turned onto his left foot but the end result remained the same with the effort missing the near post.

54': The Swedes hit back and after Ljungberg was tripped on the edge of the box, Larsson's fiercely struck free-kick had Bobadilla throwing himself to his left to fist clear.

58':Despite the lack of goals, the game was brewing nicely now. At the other end, Roberto Acuna, always one for the dramatic, forced Andreas Isaksson into a save with a skidding left-foot strike from fully 30 yards.

59':But it was Sweden who should have taken the lead. Substitute Marcus Allback, on for Ibrahimovic, broke the offside trap but failed to connect properly with his lob over the onrushing Bobadilla allowing Denis Caniza to make a spectacular goal-line clearance.

79':Lagerback's team again were beginning to dominate possession albeit without really creating a clear scoring chance. Wandering forward, Nunez tried his luck from 40 yards out and the ball only just cleared the bar as Isaksson quickly backpeddled.

80': Allback had another wonderful chance to break the deadlock. Larsson nodded the ball down but the Copenhagen forward, with his back to goal six yards out, could only manage to hook it into Bobadilla’s arms.

83': Paraguay were being restricted to long shots although substitute Edgar Barreto's 30-yarder needed to be tipped over by Isaksson.

88': Just as it seemed the game would end goalless, Sweden snatched the winner. Allback headed the ball across goal and Ljungberg, running in from the right, directed his header back across goal and inside the far post to kick off wild celebrations on the bench and in the crowd.

90+1':The Arsenal player almost grabbed a second goal but Bobadilla pulled off a fine save to turn his curling effort around the post.

In conclusion: After a performance not dissimilar to that in their opening game, Sweden conjured up their first goal at these finals to secure their first win. While they are now clear favourites to join England in the second round, Paraguay, who again defended bravely without really looking threatening in attack, will make an early exit after their final match against Trinidad and Tobago.

Budweiser Man of the Match: David BECKHAM (ENG)

Budweiser Man of the Match: David BECKHAM (ENG)

15 June 2006

David Beckham was named Budweiser Man of the Match after England’s 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.

The England skipper spent the entire 90 minutes serving dangerous balls into the penalty area, and it was one such cross that finally brought the breakthrough, Crouch heading past Shaka Hislop in the 83rd minute for the first goal by an England player at this FIFA World Cup™.

"David Beckham is the Budweiser Man of the Match today for a number of reasons,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Rodrigo Kenton. “At times, he dictated the pace of the game and the quality of the ball he delivered for England's first goal was superb.”

Beckham, who spent part of the second half in an unfamilar right-back role, contributed with his leadership at a time when England might have let themselves get frustrated. "Being the captain of a team is a very important job and today Beckham did that superbly," said Kenton.

"Things were not going well for England, but he rallied the team by the standard of his performance and by his character. He knows the rhythm of the team, he is able to manipulate it - and quite simply, he is a quality player."

ENGLAND-TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Players' Quotes

ENGLAND-TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Players' Quotes

David BECKHAM (ENG), Budweiser Man of the Match
I think you can safely say that you haven’t seen the best of us yet, but we are almost through to the next round. You cannot argue with the fact that we have won both of our games so far. I have to pay a special tribute to the fans who were magnificent for us throughout the game. They believe and we believe to. I know we left it late, but we did it. I was also pleased to see Wayne Rooney in the team. The world deserves to see a player like him…

Peter CROUCH (ENG)
Thankfully the goal did come in the end. It’s a pleasure to play with someone like David Beckham, who supplied a great ball for me. It was disappointing in the first half, but we never gave up. I know that we can play better and we will. We had a lot of chances, but Trinidad did well to stop us. I’m enjoying every minute of being with the squad. It’s great to be at the World Cup.

Steven GERRARD (ENG)
I was delighted to score my first World Cup goal, but I was more pleased for the team. The result may have been a good one, but we need to play more as a team. At some points, we did not move the ball around as well as we should have. Although we can improve, it’s important to remember that we have kept two clean sheets and we have six points on the board.

Frank LAMPARD (ENG)
It was great to see Wayne Rooney make a return, but I think Aaron Lennon deserves a special mention too. He played extremely well on the right hand side and made sure that the pace of the game increased. It was very difficult to break down Trinidad and Tobago, who were very organised. But we didn’t stop believing.

Michael OWEN (ENG)
I wasn’t disappointed to be substituted. It’s a team game and the substitutions proved to be the right ones for the team. I know I haven’t scored, but Peter and Steven did, so it worked out well. My confidence is high. I know that if I get a good chance, I will take it. I feel sharp. I am taking part in all the training sessions and enjoying them.

Dwight YORKE (TRI)
The crowd knew that it was a fantastic effort and we were more than happy to play our part in history. We are a small country, but we did a good job. A surprise just wasn't meant to be. We frustrated England in the first half and I think we did enough to get a draw. It's just a shame that we couldn't hold on for 90 minutes.

Chris BIRCHALL (TRI)
We are proud of our performance today. England are such a good team that they could score in every minute, so we did well to hold them for 83 minutes. The crowd was amazing, it was great to see so many people supporting T&T. It was always going to be difficult to stop Peter Crouch for 90 minutes. He is a great player who does well for Liverpool and he proved to be our undoing.

Shaka HISLOP (TRI)
We were written off before the tournament began, but we have shown once again that we deserve to be taken seriously. But now we are disappointed. There was a huge hype about this match in the English media, people thought that we would get beaten heavily, but we didn't. We were well prepared for this match.

Stern JOHN (TRI)
We worked really hard. We needed a bit of luck, which we didn’t get at the end. But we’ve shown that we deserve to be here and I hope we’ve surprised a few people. It was a massive compliment to us when Wayne Rooney came on, as it showed that things weren’t going England’s way. We kept them at bay for 83 minutes and we are proud of that. It’s a historical match for T&T and it was a great day for us.

ECUADOR-COSTA RICA: Coaches' Quotes

15 June 2006

Luis SUAREZ (ECU)
Did I ever dream of this moment? Yes, I did. People back in Ecuador will be delighted, and so they should be, because this is a day for celebration. The one thing that we have got going for us is the fact that we are solid at the back. We take a lot of satisfaction from keeping clean sheets. It’s always our starting point, and everything we do in the match is based on that.

Today we achieved our goal and that of the fans back home: to play one more match than at the last World Cup. And we don’t want to stop there. We want to go on and make a few more dreams come true. We're already well-known across the globe because we beat Argentina and Brazil, two traditionally strong teams, in qualification. On Tuesday, we have the opportunity to build on that reputation, and to show how far we have come. We've got the chance to make history against Germany, one of the traditional powers at this level.

Is it down to me? Without blowing my own trumpet, I think that I've picked the right squad. The players' contribution, though, has been enormous and I have to give them credit for that. I know that whoever I pick will go out there and do his job. Without them you wouldn't even be asking me if I think that I am the reason behind our success.

I don't think we can be so presumptuous as to choose our next opponents. The further you get in the World Cup, the harder it becomes, but that will be the same for whoever plays us. We deserve respect, as we respect every other team here, and our opponents will know that we are a strong side. It's like those people who said that we only won because we played at altitude. Over the last two games, we've shown that there's much more to us than that. Is this the best game of my life? No, the best game of my life is always the next one.

Alexandre GUIMARAES (ECU)
I don’t think we were too defensive. They scored an early goal from a situation that didn’t look very threatening, and from that point we were always chasing the game. Our game plan is based on hard work, and keeping things tight at the back. But today Ecuador were better than us in both of those aspects, and so they controlled the game. In the second half, they scored early on again, and we had to take risks, without ever having a lot of possession. That played right into Ecuador’s hands.

I’m in charge of this team, and I make the decisions. We’ll come to our conclusions after the third match, but, undoubtedly, to concede seven goals in two games, when we work so hard on our defensive system in training, is just too much. But I want to congratulate the Ecuador players and staff. They've carried their good form into the tournament, and they are worthy winners. They've done what we did in 1990, and I hope that they can go even further.

ENGLAND 2-0 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

15 June 2006

England secured their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup™ with a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago but they left it late before striking through Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard on Thursday, 15 June 2006.

Crouch broke the deadlock in Nuremberg with a headed goal in the 83rd minute and his Liverpool team-mate Gerrard added a superb second in the 91st minute. England, who welcomed back Wayne Rooney as a second-half substitute, have taken six points from their two Group B matches while Trinidad and Tobago remain on one point.

The match:
2': The unlikely figure of Jamie Carragher, in at right-back for the injured Gary Neville, had the first shot on target for England. He struck it with his less favoured left foot, but it was easily saved by Shaka Hislop.

6': Crouch laid the ball off for Frank Lampard via David Beckham's cute dummy and the Chelsea midfielder fired a shot at Hislop. The goalkeeper failed to hold it but Michael Owen stumbled as he tried to latch onto the rebound and Trinidad and Tobago escaped.

16': Joe Cole's cross reached the long legs of Crouch, stretching to meet it close to the goal-line and Hislop had to palm the ball away for a corner.

23': Trinidad and Tobago skipper Dwight Yorke got to the by-line and pulled a good ball across the box and Paul Robinson had to dive at full stretch to catch it.

28': A painful moment for Yorke as he blocked a thundering shot by Steven Gerrard on the edge of the area with his midriff and had to leave the field briefly for treatment.

36': Robinson came out for a corner by Yorke and missed the cross completely, but Stern John could not quite get on the end of it at the far post.

41': Joe Cole clipped the ball to Lampard in a great position, but his side-footed volley went over the bar.

43': Beckham crossed to an unmarked Crouch eight metres out, but he volleyed well wide of the mark and the England fans started calling for Rooney's introduction.

45': A heart-stopping moment for both sets of fans as Robinson came out and missed another cross and Terry had to hook the ball off the line after John's header looked to be going in.

England struggle
54': England still could not find any rhythm and Chris Birchall almost played in Kenwyne Jones at the other end, but Terry did enough to put him off his stride.

56': A fantastic free-kick by Beckham made its way to an unmarked Owen but he guided his header wide with his last contribution of the match.

58': A double substitution by Eriksson brought the England supporters to their feet. Carragher came off for Aaron Lennon and Owen made way for the man everybody in an England shirt wanted to see in action: Rooney.

61': England noticeably upped the tempo, with Lennon already looking lively and Beckham set up Lampard, though his flying volley attempt did not trouble Hislop.

71': Leo Beenhakker made a bold substitution of his own, throwing another striker on in the form of Cornell Glenn, who replaced Jones.

77': Rooney linked up well with Crouch, who freed Lampard but his shot went straight at Hislop. Lampard had yet another strike 60 seconds later, this one fizzing right across the face of goal and wide.

83': As T&T looked set to be hanging on for another famous draw, Beckham crossed for Crouch who headed in the opener. No robotic celebration from Crouch this time and England’s enormous relief was evident (1-0).

91': Gerrard, on his weaker left foot, blasted an unstoppable drive into the top corner to secure the victory (2-0).

92': John put the ball in the net for Trinidad and Tobago, but the offside flag was raised.

In conclusion:
England took their time to see off Trinidad and Tobago, but two late goals mean that, as against Paraguay, they did what they had to do. As for T&T, they emerged with huge credit, if no points, for giving Eriksson's side such a scare.

ECUADOR-COSTA RICA: Players' Quotes

15 June 2006

Agustin DELGADO (ECU), Budweiser Man of the Match
I’m very happy, and I hope people back home can take heart from this. I imagine there will be a big party going on, but we can’t be part of it as we’ve still got a job to do here. It’s not over yet, and yes, I have a dream that we can be world champions. We all worked hard here but we’ve now got to think about the next game, which will be against a strong team in Germany. We’re going to keep on battling, and against the Germans it won’t be any different. We want to win. They are a good team, historically very good, and they’re playing at home. It will be tough, but we’re going to give everything we’ve got again. I'm happy to have been named Man of the Match twice, but I’m part of a team, and I want to share my award with my team-mates.

Carlos TENORIO (ECU)
This victory is as much for those who did believe in us as for those who didn’t. We weren’t favourites, and that was fine, but now people are going to pay us more attention. I want to enjoy the win and the fact that we’ve qualified. We’re delighted to be top, and to be unbeaten. The key is to trust in our players’ ability. Would I like to be top scorer in the tournament? Of course. That way I could pay back Luis Suarez for the faith he has shown in me.

Ivan HURTADO (ECU)
We’ve taken the first step, which was to put ourselves among the 16 best teams in the world. Now it’s time for the Ecuadorians to enjoy themselves. With regard to Germany, we will have to look at the videos to see what we can do to counter them.

Edison MENDEZ (ECU)
I’m happy to have qualified. Can we beat Germany? Of course. As regards who we’ll play in the second round, let’s see who we get. If it’s England, it would be very exciting as it would give us the chance to knock out one of the favourites.

Neicer REASCO (ECU)
I couldn’t be happier. Now we have to carry on playing as well as we have done up to now if we want to stay in the tournament. I thank God for this joy, which I want to share with everyone back in Ecuador.

Paulo WANCHOPE (CRC)
We tried to capitalise on the chances that we had, but we couldn't. In football, whoever scores the most goals wins, and they were more clinical. We looked anxious in the final third. It’s a difficult time for us, but life carries on. Now we have to carry on training, and start to think about qualification for the next World Cup.

Luis MARIN (CRC)
Ecuador played well and were the better team. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. When we tried to attack them, they scored the second goal. Our generation has done a lot of good things for the country, but if we’re going to improve, it’s not enough to change the players. You have to change the whole mentality of Costa Rican football.

Mauricio SOLIS (CRC)
We didn’t have to be defensive. At times, I think we were the better team, but we didn’t take our chances. Every defeat leaves a sour taste in the mouth, and it’s clear that we haven’t achieved our aims. The most difficult thing is knowing that you are out of the tournament, when you know that you’ve got the ability to go further.

Carlos HERNANDEZ (CRC)
I didn’t think that we would concede a goal so early. I don’t think we controlled possession, and of course, we weren’t effective in attack, because we created some chances but couldn’t turn them into goals. At this level, you pay for that.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Agustin DELGADO (ECU)

15 June 2006

Agustin Delgado, known primarily for his prowess in the air, was named Budweiser Man of the Match for his contributions in all phases of the game during Ecuador's 3-0 win over Costa Rica.

Delgado gave a great all-round display, not just leading his team from the front, but also coming back to win balls and to help maintain possession when his team were in the lead. The highlight of his performance came in the 54th minute, when he burst into the box, controlled the ball on his chest and blasted a shot past goalkeeper Jose Porras at the near post to give Ecuador a 2-0 lead.

FIFA Technical Study Group member Teofilo Cubillas was fulsome in his praise of Delgado and the entire Ecuador team. "In a team where everybody worked for a common goal, the flag bearer of the day was Delgado for his goal, for his role in the team," he said.

"He not only does the work of a forward, but he also drops back to lend a hand. He is a player that places the benefit of the team above all. Recognition of Delgado is also recognition of the entire team, which has now qualified for the next round.”

ECUADOR 3-0 COSTA RICA

15 June 2006

Ecuador made history by beating Costa Rica 3-0 in Hamburg to qualify for the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time on Thursday, 15 June 2006.

Carlos Tenorio, Agustin Delgado and Ivan Kaviedes scored the goals that secured the South Americans' progress from Group A. Their victory means that they and hosts Germany become the first two teams to book their places in the last 16 - and ends Costa Rica and Poland's hopes of advancing.

Luis Suarez's men did not look back after taking an eight-minute lead through Tenorio's header. Delgado doubled the advantage with a fine near-post finish on 54 minutes and Ivan Kaviedes volleyed the third goal two minutes into added time.

The match:
8': After a nervy opening, Ecuador drew first blood with a fine bit of interplay. Some positive approach work up the right from Luis Valencia ended with an inch-perfect cross for Tenorio, who headed his second goal of the finals from close range. (1-0)

26': Some positive running and productive ball work from Korea/Japan 2002 veteran Ronald Gomez nearly set up Paulo Wanchope but the leggy striker was just unable to stretch enough to reach the ball and it trickled out for a goal kick.

29': Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes, keen to jump start an ailing attack, withdrew Danny Fonseca in favour of a third striker, Alvaro Saborio, in an early tactical change.

35': Edison Mendez had a decent chance to increase Ecuador's lead, but his viciously-struck free-kick from distance sailed over the bar without worrying goalkeeper Jose Porras too much.

40': The Central Americans were nearly caught out once more near the end of the half, but a deflected cross-cum-shot was pawed away by the sprawling Porras just before crossing the line.

Ecuador pull away:
50': Costa Rica came out trumpeting their intentions of dragging themselves back into the match. Gomez took a slipped pass from Wanchope and slammed a shot towards goal from about 25 yards. Although it had Cristian Mora scrambling across his goal, the effort went wide.

53': Not to be outdone, the Ecuadorians marched up the other way and nearly got a goal of their own. However, Delgado's acrobatic volley was gathered well by Porras.

54': The second Ecuador goal was not long in coming, however, as they made their class in attack pay off. From a throw-in, Mendez collected the ball near the right-hand corner of the penalty area and slipped a pass in to Delgado, who chested the ball down and hammered it past Porras at the near post from a tough angle. (2-0).

59': Mauricio Solis tried to hit back for the Ticos. Racing through up the right channel, his shot had to be scrambled away by Mora.

70': Ecuador's second-half substitute Kaviedes had the ball in the net after collecting a nice through-ball, but the flag was up for offside.

87': Costa Rica came close to pulling a goal back as Alvaro Saborio's shot rattled the crossbar.

90 +2 Instead, a third goal came at the other end as Mendez crossed brilliantly from the right for Kaviedes, who struck with a superb volley at the back post. He then celebrated by donning a yellow mask stashed in his sock. (3-0)

In conclusion:
The victory sees Ecuador and Germany become the first two teams assured of spots in the second round of these finals. It is a historic moment for the Ecuadorians on only their second appearance on the world stage.

GERMANY-POLAND: Coaches' Quotes

14 June 2006

Jurgen KLINSMANN (GER)
It was a well-deserved win. We had so many chances but the ball just didn’t seem to want to go in. We kept up the tempo throughout the match, but the longer you go without scoring, the more nervous you feel. At the end, when Poland were down to ten men, we really piled on the pressure and it paid off in the end. The substitutions were designed to give us more pace. We always believed that we could win. You can't write us Germans off until the final whistle blows.

Pawel JANAS (POL)
Obviously we're devastated about losing to a moment's loss of concentration in the last minute. We weren't able to put our tactical plan into action. We played a lot better in a number of areas, and it was an improved performance overall, but at the end of the day it wasn't to be.

All my players did well tonight. It really started to work out for us. We were down to ten men at the end and very tired, so we were hardly able to resist the enormous pressure the Germans put us under. We could have conceded a lot earlier. I can't point the finger at any of my players. Every single one of them battled to the end. We'll concentrate all our remaining energy on Costa Rica now, and see if we can turn in a decent display for our amazing fans, who've given us fantastic support right from the start.

GERMANY-POLAND: Players' Quotes

14 June 2006

Philipp LAHM (GER), Budweiser Man of the Match
We put in a really good performance. We made a number of chances, but unfortunately we just couldn’t put them away, which obviously made things that bit tougher. We really had a hard job on our hands tonight. The atmosphere in Dortmund was great. It was clear for all to see that our fitness was what made the difference in the end. We kept the pressure up throughout and managed to get the goal that we fully deserved right at the death. I style myself on Paolo Maldini – he’s an inspiration in every aspect of the game.

Oliver NEUVILLE (GER)
I know I've scored the goal, but I don't feel like the hero of the night. We deserved the victory and could have won by more. The coach told me to get in behind their defence, and I had one decent chance ten minutes before the goal. Then I scored the only goal and obviously it was an important one.

Michael BALLACK (GER)
We were very, very good tonight. We kept our shape and applied a lot of pressure throughout. We were in charge in the first half and we had one or two decent chances. We upped our game after the interval, made the most of our physical strength, and created chance after chance. We thoroughly deserved to win, even if the goal came right at the end. We defended well, and our man-markers won most of their challenges.

Tim BOROWSKI (GER)
This win will really get all the fans together. Watching a match like this from the bench as opposed to being on the pitch really is different.

Lukas PODOLSKI (GER)
I'm not having much luck in front of goal, but I’m sure that’ll change in the next few matches.

Miroslav KLOSE (GER)
The Poles played as we expected they would. They were very positive, but they were clinging on for dear life by the end. Ultimately, we deserved our victory since we made plenty of chances and made sure our luck changed after I had hit the bar. The game against Ecuador will be another tough one, but we want to win all three group matches.

Bernd SCHNEIDER (GER)
The atmosphere in the stadium was absolutely electric. We never gave up and when we finally got the ball in the back of the net, we were over the moon.

David ODONKOR (GER)
We really stuck at it and proved ourselves as a team. It was such a great feeling and we’re all so happy. We never stopped believing that we would win it; we kept ourselves solid at the back and got our reward in the end.

Arne FRIEDRICH (GER)
We looked very good in defence and our forwards always seem to be able to score. The fans were right behind us all the way. It was tough on the nerves, but we got the win in the end, thank goodness.

Ebi SMOLAREK (POL)
This was a game where you had to fight for the whole 90 minutes. I think we did that, but in the end we lost. We gave everything we had in a desperate fight and I think overall we played OK. We don’t have the quality in our team that the Germans have, but we played a tough game and we have nothing to ashamed of. Every man gave everything he had on the pitch today.

Arkadiusz RADOMSKI (POL)
By the time the German goal went in we are all pretty dead and exhausted. It was a real tough fight for us today and we gave everything we had. In the end we lost, but we were not afraid and pushed them all the way.

Mariusz JOP (POL)
All of the players played their hearts out tonight. We gave our all until the very end and when we conceded that late goal it was a real heart-breaker. We have nothing to be ashamed of and we will come out and do it all over again in our last game against Costa Rica.

Maciej ZURAWSKI (POL)
It just wasn't our game today but we gave everything we had and really we have every reason to be proud. Of course we are disappointed, but this is football and sometimes things don’t go your way. Overall, I think we played very well and should be proud.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Philipp LAHM (GER)

14 June 2006

Philipp Lahm produced an impressive all-round performance for Germany in their dramatic 1-0 win against Poland, his steady defending and dangerous runs up the wing earning him the Budweiser Man of the Match honours.

The left-back barely put a foot wrong during his 90 minutes on the pitch, never getting caught out of position defensively despite his repeated forays up the wing to support the attack.

He played a number of quality balls into the area, including one late on that found Miroslav Klose, who was unlucky to hit the bar with his header. Lahm almost scored the winner himself in the 80th minute when he worked his way upfield, dribbling between two defenders as he broke into the box, only to see his powerful shot saved by a fully stretched Artur Boruc.

"It was a very difficult job to choose the Budweiser Man of the Match for this match because there were several good players but no outstanding ones," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Gyorgy Mezey. "For the whole game, Philipp Lahm played to a very high standard both in defence and attack, and he did this for the benefit of the team."

GERMANY 1-0 POLAND

14 June 2006

A last-gasp goal from substitute Oliver Neuville gave Germany their second successive Group A victory against Poland in Dortmund on Wednesday, 14 June 2006.

Germany, who had been frustrated for the vast majority of the match through a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Artur Boruc, were grateful when the Borussia Monchengladbach man side-footed home in the first minute of added time.

The result does not guarantee the hosts qualification for the Round of 16, but it leaves them with one foot in the knockout stages.

The match:
2': Amid incredible noise and a fabulous atmosphere in Dortmund, Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc came under early, but unfair pressure, from Miroslav Klose and referee Luis Medina Cantalejo blew for a free-kick close to the goal-line.

9': Poland striker Maciej Zurawski got a low shot on target, but it lacked power and Jens Lehmann dived on it with ease.

10': Klose broke free in the box and tested Boruc with his left foot, though the Pole dealt with it superbly.

20': The sizeable Polish contingent in the stadium roared with excitement as Ireneusz Jelen appeared to have found space to shoot on the edge of the German penalty area, but last defender Per Mertesacker did just enough to put him off his stride.

21': Philip Lahm’s left-footed cross was met by Klose with a flicked header and the ball passed agonisingly close to Boruc's post, but just wide.

27': Jelen raced down the left flank and cut inside before sending a weak shot into the grateful arms of Lehmann, with disappointed Polish team-mates in good positions in support on the right.

30': Germany skipper Michael Ballack, returning to the side after missing the Opening Match for the hosts, tried a shot at Boruc which deflected wide after skidding all along the turf.

36': Lahm released the Polish-born Lukas Podolski with a chipped pass and he turned past Poland skipper Jacek Bak in a flash but his snapshot was straight at Boruc.

41': Bernd Schneider fed Podolksi inside the penalty area and, with his back to goal, he teed up Bastian Schweinsteiger to shoot, but the Bayern Munich midfielder blazed over the top.

Crowd get restless
57': The home fans began to show their anxiety as the opener just would not come for Germany. They whistled with fury as Boruc took his time with a goal-kick and when the ball eventually made its way to the other end of the field, Jelen struck a firm shot into Lehmann's stomach.

64': Boruc had to be alert after a Torsten Frings free-kick was blocked by the wall and the ball broke to Klose, who blasted it at the Celtic goalkeeper, drawing a smart save.

66': Schweinsteiger's corner reached Mertesacker at the back post but he could not keep his header down and it passed harmlessly over the crossbar.

75': Radaslow Sobolewski brought down Klose near the touchline and he was sent off after being shown his second yellow card, leaving Poland to last the final 15 minutes with only ten men. Schneider's resulting free-kick cross evaded everyone and almost sneaked in.

80': Boruc kept Poland level with two fantastic stops within a minute of each other, first from Lahm and then to deny Germany substitute Neuville, who had seemed destined to break the deadlock from close to the penalty spot.

90': An amazing let-off for Poland as Germany twice hit the woodwork: Klose's header came back off the bar and Ballack blasted the rebound into exactly the same spot.

91': German supersub Neuville breaks Poland's hearts in stoppage time as he slid in to convert Odonkor's killer cross for a late winner to spark relief-charged celebrations in Dortmund and right across the host nation. (1-0)

In conclusion:
Germany left it as late as possible to claim the three points and Poland can count themselves unlucky after holding them at bay for so long as the result matched the score when the teams met in the 1974 FIFA World Cup™ semi-final.

TUNISIA-SAUDI ARABIA: Coaches' Quotes

14 June 2006

Roger LEMERRE (TUN)

It was a point gained for me. I’m reasonably satisfied because if there was one thing I didn’t want, it was to be bottom after the first match day. The first game in a major tournament is always difficult and you have to remember that we could easily have lost.

We controlled the game well despite being a little nervous. The goal gave us a bit more confidence, but it wasn't enough. Then we started to concentrate too much on holding onto the lead. But I'm still happy that my players found the strength to go in search of the equaliser right at the end of the match.

My players are lacking in competitive football. We’re disappointed because we feel as though we've missed an opportunity to put a foot in the second round. It’s a difficult situation but that's the nature of the competition. We will fight right until the last minute in our last game against Ukraine.

Marcos PAQUETA (KSA)
I really feel that we’ve lost two points tonight. We needed to keep more calm to hold onto our advantage. It was all the more frustrating that we played two completely different halves. In the first half, we were very nervous and made lots of mistakes. At half-time, I told my players to express themselves a bit more and to attack down the wings. They realised what they had to do and rectified the situation in the second half.

Our defence played well in my opinion, even though we conceded two goals. I don’t blame them for anything and I won’t be making any changes for our next match against Ukraine. We are mathematically even with Tunisia. Ukraine have lost three points and probably suffered a blow to their morale. I hope we can take advantage of that.

TUNISIA-SAUDI ARABIA: Players' Quotes

14 June 2006

Zied JAZIRI (TUN) Budweiser Man of the Match
It was a really tough game to play in and, at the end of the day, it was perhaps our worst match for two or three years. Saudi Arabia were clearly the better team. We lacked aggression and concentration after half-time, but I’m still satisfied with this point because everything remains possible.

Ali BOUMNIJEL (TUN)
It hasn’t sunk in yet that I just played my first World Cup match, but you have to say the result doesn’t help us. We were far too static in defence and I don’t understand why we stopped playing straight after our first goal. We need to correct our mistakes and, above all, be more aggressive.

David JEMMALI (TUN)
If you look at our first half, you might say we dropped two points. But based on the second half, we can count ourselves lucky to have grabbed a draw. We were under too much pressure and should have defended higher up the pitch to stop losing so many balls. We really lacked concentration but, without wanting to make excuses, we missed Santos a lot. I played at left-back and I haven’t done that a lot before. It’s true I didn’t really feel comfortable there, but if the coach asks me to do it again I will.

Radhi JAIDI (TUN)
I’m disappointed this evening because we could have got more out of the game. Scoring the opener made us far too confident and we foolishly let our concentration slip. The fact that we lost possession so many times in midfield goes some way to explaining the result. My equaliser was important because it means that my team can keep believing that they have a chance.

Hatem TRABELSI (TUN)
It’s a shame we stopped playing after we opened the scoring, and we played too badly to expect anything more from the game. In a match like this, missing someone like Santos hurt us a lot.

Mehdi NAFTI (TUN)
Considering how we played, it’s more a case of a point earned than two lost. I’m having trouble explaining why we played like that, but no doubt our nerves got the better of us under all the pressure. I’m very upset this evening.

Adel CHEDLI (TUN)
That’s one of the most catastrophic matches I’ve ever been involved in for Tunisia. We were so determined to win to get our campaign off to a good start, but without doubt the pressure got to us. And that’s a shame because we probably did the hard part by scoring first. We’ve only got ourselves to blame, although we’re still satisfied to have this point.

Jaouhar MNARI (TUN)
Having opened the scoring, it was up to us to secure the win, but we tried far too hard to cling on to our lead in the second half. As a result, we dropped back and gave our opponents space. It’s a really big disappointment.

Sami AL JABER (KSA) I’m not totally disheartened. Obviously, it’s not the result we were looking for, but that’s football. There were only two minutes to go, but we just couldn’t hold onto the lead. Tunisia played very well throughout the match. I’m proud about scoring with my first touch of the ball. We battled away, and we’ll keep on battling against Spain and Ukraine. We know we have to work harder.

Nawaf AL TEMYAT (KSA) I picked up an injury in the first half, and the coach asked me if I was OK to keep going, but unfortunately I had to go off. Tunisia were the better team, but after we went 2-1 in front we concentrated on defending. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough.

Yasser AL KAHTANI (KSA): We’ve won a point today, but we’ve dropped two points as well.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Zied Jaziri (TUN)

14 June 2006

Zied Jaziri was voted Budweiser Man of the Match after scoring Tunisia's first goal and then providing the cross that led to their dramatic injury-time equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.

Just as Saudi Arabia seemed to be enjoying a nice spell of pressure, Jaziri opened the scoring in acrobatic fashion in the 23rd minute. The Saudi defence failed to clear a free-kick into the area and the Troyes-based striker volleyed the bouncing ball into the net.

His team then fell behind after surrendering two second-half goals, but Jaziri delivered again in injury time as his pinpoint cross found Radhi Jaidi, whose header beat goalkeeper Mabrouk Zaid.

“He scored the first goal and gave the assist for the equaliser in almost the very last minute,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Rodrigo Kenton. “He was courageous and fought a lot during the whole game.”

TUNISIA 2-2 SAUDI ARABIA

14 June 2006

An injury-time header from Radhi Jaidi rescued a point for Tunisia as they drew 2-2 with Group H rivals Saudi Arabia in Munich on Wednesday, 14 June 2006.

Jaidi struck two minutes into added time just as Saudi Arabia were contemplating a fine comeback victory. Trailing to Zied Jaziri's 23rd-minute goal, the Saudis drew level through Yasser Al Kahtani's fine near-post finish in the 57th minute and then thought they had taken all three points with substitute Sami Al Jaber completed a sweeping move with a cool finish six minutes from time.

The match
3': The final game of the first round of matches, Tunisia launched their third consecutive FIFA World Cup™ campaign on the offensive with Jaziri tearing into the box before falling under the challenge of Redha Tukar.

23': After a nervous start, Saudi Arabia appeared to settle, winning a number of corners, but they were caught out following a set-piece at the other end. Tukar headed an innocuous free-kick against the head of a team-mate and Jaziri latched onto the bouncing ball, leaping off the ground to strike an unstoppable volley high into the net. (1-0)

34': Saudi Arabia, who lost 8-0 to Germany in their opening match at Korea/Japan 2002, offered their first hint of a reply when Yasser Al Kahtani almost took advantage of confusion at the back between Jaidi and Hatem Trabelsi. However, he could not quite get enough power on his header from eight yards.

37': Tukar, already heavily involved in the match, clipped a centrally positioned free-kick from 25 yards safely into the hands of Ali Boumnijel.

45': Nawaf Al Temyat tried his luck from even further out after good work from Mohammed Noor but the effort flew well wide of target as the Tunisian defence continued to look comfortable before the break.

Tables turned
47': Karim Haggui's concentration was found wanting at the start of the second half but although the predatory Noor latched onto the defender's mistake, he misjudged his flicked finish and the ball trickled well wide of goal.

57': As the Sons of the Desert continued to press, midfielder Noor turned provider, finding space down the right and drilling a fine centre for Al Kahtani to side-foot home at the near post for a well-worked equaliser. (1-1)

67': Saudi Arabia were now well on top and stroking the ball confidently around. After more fine approach play, skipper Hussein Sulimani tested Boumnijel with a snapshot from outside the box but the Club Africain goalkeeper was equal to it.

84': The Saudis broke swiftly from defence with a series of first-time passes. Malek Al Hawsawi fed Al Jaber and, with virtually his first touch, Saudi Arabia's most famous player drew Boumnijel before slotting the ball home with his left foot.

88': Tunisia threw everything into attack. Kaies Ghodhbane fired inches over from distance but with Saudi fans beginning to celebrate there remained one final twist in this remarkable game.

90+2': Jaidi, now playing as a centre-forward, nodded the ball onto Jaziri, who crossed perfectly for the giant Bolton Wanderers defender to thunder a close-range header under the forlorn body of Mabrouk Zaid to make it 2-2.

In conclusion:
A point a piece for Tunisia and Saudi Arabia after an exciting encounter which both sides will argue they should have won. Spain's 4-0 victory over Ukraine earlier means both teams will fancy their chances of making the second round.

SPAIN-UKRAINE: Coaches' Quotes

14 June 2006

Luis ARAGONES (ESP)

There is a tremendous amount of quality in our midfield and we’re very strong physically too. The fact is we dominated as soon as we got possession, and their heads went down when we scored the second.

That said, we were a little slack at the back once or twice and could have conceded a couple of goals. I wasn’t happy with that because it’s very important to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup. I didn’t expect such a convincing result, and I honestly thought they’d make it tougher for us. I have to say, though, we were a little lucky scoring from a corner and then a free-kick, and that hit them very hard psychologically.

We’ve got some very talented players and we’ve made an excellent start.

Oleg BLOKHIN (UKR)
I’m extremely disappointed. We weren’t disciplined at all and the players failed to follow the instructions the coaching team gave them. We’ll have to analyse our mistakes very closely and lift the players for next game. We’ll also need to rebuild the defence completely. After all, though, this is our very first World Cup finals and we need to pick up some experience.

I’m not so much disappointed about the result as the attitude of the players. It’s embarrassing for all of us and I want to apologise to the Ukraine fans for the performance we put in. We can’t play like that again. We just crumbled.

Spain played a very complete game, they were solid and fully deserved to win. Xabi Alonso also had a terrific game. Sadly, we’ve been the worst European team in the competition so far.

SPAIN-UKRAINE: Players' Quotes

14 June 2006

XAVI (ESP) Budweiser Man of the Match
The game went our way almost immediately, and when you score two early goals like that you're well on the way to winning. The team was fantastic in all areas. We were very compact.

David VILLA (ESP)
We thought it would be much tougher. You never know how good you are before a World Cup and that probably explains why we're a little surprised. This win is only the first step, though. We've got to keep on working hard and just see how we get on from here. Fernando TORRES (ESP)
We played really well, but we’ve got to remember we haven't won anything yet. At least people can see now that we are capable of scoring goals.

Luis Garcia (ESP)
Getting such an early goal helped us settle down. They opened up a little more and when we scored the second their heads went down and even more spaces appeared. All we thought about then was playing our game. Now we can enjoy the win and start thinking about Tunisia. There's still a long way to go in the World Cup.

Carles PUYOL (ESP)
My job's in defence, but when I can I try to get forward and help out in attack. Naturally I'm delighted I helped set up the goal. We had a lot of confidence in ourselves, but we didn't expect our first game to work out so well for us. We really enjoyed it, but things won't always be that easy.

Marcos SENNA (ESP)
Lots of people had their doubts about Spain, and that made the players a bit apprehensive in the build-up to the World Cup. Winning the way we did today, though, will settle us down. I felt very comfortable out there and I'm delighted to be playing in my first World Cup.

Andriy SHEVCHENKO (UKR)
It was a very tough game and the heat made it even harder. The first two goals really affected us mentally and we became very anxious after that. Spain are an extremely strong side, but we'll bounce back for the next game.

Serhiy REBROV (UKR)
It was so hot out there we really suffered, but it was the same for the Spanish so we can't use that as an excuse. We are all very down but we should be able to pick ourselves up and turn things around in the next match. This game's gone and there's no point crying about it now.

Oleksandr SHOVKOVSKYI (UKR)
We've only lost one game. It's not a disaster. There was nothing we could do about it so we've just got to turn our mind to the next two games.

Budweiser Man of the Match: XAVI (ESP)

14 June 2006

In a game in which a number of Spanish players stood out, Xavi was named Budweiser Man of the Match for being the primary creative figure in Spain's 4-0 victory over Ukraine.

David Villa scored twice and Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres one apiece but it was Xavi whose quick feet led the way throughout the match. He seemed to never stop running over 90 minutes and started most of Spain's attacking movements.

"There were five or six players for Spain that could have been named Budweiser Man of the Match,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Andy Roxburgh. “Spain played like a good orchestra, and Xavi was the director of that orchestra. He was the conductor of the game.”

Xavi not only led the way in midfield, but also contributed with his service from set-pieces, delivering virtually every corner-kick with outstanding quality, including the one that Xabi Alonso headed home for Spain's first goal. “He was the key in the midfield, and he was also involved in the first goal with the corner-kick,” said Roxburgh.

SPAIN 4-0 UKRAINE

14 June 2006

Spain made a dream start to their 2006 FIFA World Cup™ campaign with a 4-0 victory over Group H rivals Ukraine in Leipzig on Wednesday, 14 June 2006.

Having waited as long as any team to get their campaign under way, Spain raced out of the starting blocks and were two goals in front inside 17 minutes as Xabi Alonso headed a 13th-minute opener before David Villa doubled the advantage.

If Ukraine thought things could not get any worse they were wrong as they lost Vladyslav Vashchuk to a red card just two minutes into the second half after conceding a penalty for a challenge on Fernando Torres. Villa tucked away the spot-kick and Torres completed the scoring with a spectacular half-volley with nine minutes remaining.

The match:
3': Spain sprang to life with a quick move down their right. Fernando Torres did well to ride one challenge and set up Xavi but the Barcelona midfielder pulled a shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.

4': A half-chance fell the way of Ukraine as Vladimir Yezerskyi stretched to get his head to a cross on the edge of the six-yard box but the ball went over the crossbar.

13': The opening goal arrived and it came from the head of Xabi Alonso. A left-wing corner was perfectly delivered to the edge of the six-yard box and the Liverpool man glanced a fine header through a crowd. Oleksandr Shovkovskyi got a hand to the ball, but could only help it in. (1-0)

17': It got better for Spain just four minutes later after they were awarded a free-kick within shooting distance of the Ukraine goal. David Villa curled a shot over the wall and the ball was deflected off the head of Andriy Rusol and into the back of the net. (2-0)

26': Spain were now looking in complete control and playing some very attractive football as the game continued at a fast pace. Torres and Luis Garcia linked well to set up another chance but Ukraine stood firm.

32': Ukraine forced a rare opportunity when Andriy Gusin was picked out on the edge of the penalty area but he was off balance when shooting and the chance went begging.

43': Spain created a great chance to add a third when Villa was sent through, but his low shot hit the legs of Shovkovskyi.

Ukraine down to ten
46': Ukraine were the first European team to qualify for this FIFA World Cup and they started the second half determined to put on a better show as Andriy Voronin attacked down the right and launched an early shot at goal.

47': After breaking into the penalty area, Torres was brought down by Vashchuk and referee Massimo Busacca pointed to the penalty spot before showing the Dynamo Kiev defender the red card.

48': Shovkovskyi got a hand to the ball but could not stop Villa's strike going into the net. (3-0)

55': Down to ten men and three goals behind, Ukraine could have done without the sight of Spain's all-time leading scorer Raul being introduced in place of Villa.

61': Ukraine broke forward in search of a consolation goal and Voronin volleyed the ball inches wide of Iker Casillas' right-hand post.

72': Another chance to reduce the deficit fell the way of Ukraine when record goalscorer Serhiy Rebrov struck the ball over the bar when well placed in front of goal.

81': Spain showed how it should be done with a goal of rich quality as Carlos Puyol took control midway inside the Ukraine half and worked the ball in to Torres who struck a low first-time shot beyond Shovkovskyi from ten yards. (4-0)

88': There was almost a fifth for Spain in the closing stages as substitute David Albelda struck a low shot from the edge of the penalty area which brought a flying save away to his left from Shovkovskyi.

In conclusion:
For just the second time since 1950, 12-times finalists Spain opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a win. This was a comprehensive and impressive victory against first-timers Ukraine and should fill Luis Aragones's side with confidence. Ukraine's defeat means not one of the teams competing in the FIFA World Cup for the first time has yet managed a win.

BRAZIL-CROATIA: Coaches’ Quotes

13 June 2006

Carlos Alberto PARREIRA (Brazil)

At the World Cup, it’s important to start with a win because it breeds confidence. It’s a case of playing seven games, and tonight we’ve taken the first step. I think it was a tremendous result. Of course we can improve, but that will happen as we get more games under our belt. Croatia are a good team and they are having a good run of form. They play at a decent tempo, and they didn’t give our players any time on the ball.

We found it difficult to get through them because they got tight to our midfielders. But we had plenty of shots, maybe 12 or 13, and we managed to get the goal we were looking for. I didn’t think we would be up to speed yet, and if we want to go further in the tournament we can’t afford to play flat out at this stage. We played at about 60 or 70 per cent, and I was perfectly happy with that.

Ronaldo will start the next game. He’s lacking a little bit of sharpness, and he can only get that if he plays. He’s a key player for us and he will get better.

Zlatko KRANJCAR (Croatia)
It was a great game but we didn’t deserve to lose. For a good part of the game we were the better team. Against a great team like Brazil it just takes one mistake, and it’s all over. That’s exactly what happened, but I have to give credit to my players. We’ve shown tonight that we’re more than capable of going further in the tournament.

I don’t think the Brazilians played in second gear. I wasn’t expecting more from them; we got to grips with them and didn’t let them play. Our good form in the warm-up games was an important factor tonight. We were in good shape, and you need to be if you are going to compete with Brazil.

I’m still not sure of the extent of Niko Kovac’s injury, but we hope that he will be fit to play against Japan. If he doesn’t make it, (Jerko) Leko will play, and I’ve got every confidence in him.

BRAZIL-CROATIA: Players' Quotes

13 June 2006

KAKA (BRA), Budweiser Man of the Match
I'm pleased, of course, but we've got more in our locker. For a first performance, it was good enough. The scoreline shows that it wasn't an easy game, but then there aren't any easy games at this tournament. Maybe it will keep our feet on the ground a little, and make us work even harder to improve. I was delighted to score a goal in my first World Cup match. It's an honour and a privilege just to be here.

CAFU (BRA)
It was a good game, and we got the three points, which was the main thing. We did what we had to do. Some people might be disappointed that we only won 1-0, but that's the way the game went. We had more time and space to play in the first half. After the break, they put us under pressure, and got tighter to us.

ZE ROBERTO (BRA)
Overall, I'm pleased with the result. I just tried to do what I could to help the team get the win. It was always going to be tricky, because everybody was so nervous with it being the first game. It's a vital win, and now we can start preparing for the next match.

EMERSON (BRA)
I think we played better in the first half. In the second half we lost our rhythm. The first game is always hard, and it was important to get the win.

JUAN (BRA)
It wasn't an easy game. We're very happy with the win, but we know that we can play much better. Everybody knew that today would be a real challenge for us. Now it's all about getting ready for Australia.

ROBINHO (BRA)
To start with a win is good. Everybody worked hard. I'm doing everything I can in training to be ready to play, but if I'm on the bench, I'll be behind Adriano and Ronaldo all the way.

JUNINHO PERNAMBUCANO(BRA)
It was a good result and it's always good to start with a win because it gives the team confidence. What we need to do now is train well and get ourselves ready for the Australia game, because it is going to be another tough match.

Niko KOVAC (CRO)
Nothing is lost yet. We have a realistic chance of winning against Japan and Australia. If you don't take the chances you get and you let the opposition take their one chance, you lose. We could be in a better position after this match, but we can still manage it because our team has a lot of quality. Our fans are unbelievable. We're in a strong group and it will go down to the last match.

Ivan KLASNIC (CRO)
We are disappointed, because we could have achieved a better result. Brazil were smart, they had one chance and they took it but that's football.

Niko KRANJCAR (CRO)
Unfortunately we were not attacking enough in the first half.

Robert KOVAC (CRO)
We played well. In the first half we had too much respect for Brazil but it's always like that we you play against the world champions. In the second half we went up the other end and had some chances. Against Japan we have to play from the first minute like we did in the second half of today's match.

Dado PRSO (CRO)
We tried everything but in the end we couldn't get a point.

Budweiser Man of the Match: KAKA (BRA)

13 June 2006

Brazil midfielder Kaka edged out several other worthy candidates for the Budweiser Man of the Match honours as the world champions opened their Germany 2006 campaign with a 1-0 win over Croatia.

Kaka's dangerous dribbling and passing were on display throughout the 90 minutes, but it was his 44th-minute curling strike past Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa that separated him from the other impressive players on the pitch.

"It was really hard to choose the Budweiser Man of the Match because it was an even game," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Jozef Venglos. "Both teams played tactically very well, but Kaka got the decisive touch of the match.

"In the first half, Ronaldinho also played well. The Croatians put up a good fight, pushing the Brazilians in the second half. Igor Tudor also did very well, but the game was decided by Kaka."

Budweiser Man of the Match: Claude MAKELELE (FRA)

13 June 2006

Claude Makelele was a rock in the midfield for France in their scoreless draw with Switzerland, earning him the Budweiser Man of the Match award. While France failed to find the back of the Swiss net, Makelele repeatedly repelled Switzerland's advances toward his own team's goal.

“He was defending well in front of his two central defenders,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Alvin Corneal. “He was winning the ball and making sure that he was giving it to a team-mate and also thinking about the best way to organise the play of his team."

Makelele was particularly impressive for his ability to play in both phases of the game. "He's been an example of fighting and creativity," concluded Corneal.

BRAZIL 1-0 CROATIA

13 June 2006

Brazil defeated European challengers Croatia 1-0 in an enthralling Group F encounter in Berlin on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.

The current holders of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and their legions of colourful fans provided entertainment both on and off the pitch but they were made to work hard for their victory by a well-organised Croatia side.

After both sides enjoyed a series of half-chances, the goal which proved to be decisive was of the highest order. A minute before the interval, AC Milan midfielder Kaka curled a left-footed shot past Stipe Pletikosa and into the top left-hand corner of the net.

The win gave Brazil their eighth consecutive success in FIFA World Cup™ matches, a new record, and how fitting that it was delivered by the wearer of the Seleção's No.8 shirt.

The match:
1' The Olympic Stadium in Berlin has seen some momentous occasions and again the atmosphere crackled as the world champions took centre stage.

3': Ronaldinho danced his way through three challenges and linked up with Adriano, Ze Roberto and Roberto Carlos but a strong Croatian rearguard refused to be dazed and stood firm.

14': The trademark patient, mesmerising ball play from Brazil was not making a mark on the Croatians, until Roberto Carlos unleashed a drive from distance which forced Stipe Pletikosa into his first save, the goalkeeper palming the ball over the bar.

15': Another save from Pletikosa came a minute later as he dived full length to his left to tip away a low shot from Ronaldinho.

21': Croatia were not in the game just to make up the numbers and captain Niko Kovac thought he had found a way through only to be denied by a timely challenge from Lucio. Less than a minute later Niko Kranjcar found space to shoot, but dragged his effort wide from some 20 metres.

27': Back they came and a low strike from Kranjcar was deflected off Lucio for a corner.

38': Some minutes after Ronaldinho had fired a free-kick into the wall, a dead-ball opportunity at the other end almost brought the opening goal, but Igor Tudor was inches short of making contact with Darijo Srna's delivery.

43': The opening goal was worth the wait as Kaka steadied himself just outside the Croatian penalty area and placed an unstoppable shot out of the reach of Pletikosa. (1-0)

Croatia push forward
50': There was an early scare for Brazil in the second half as Dado Prso burst clear on the left-hand side of the penalty area and shot for goal but Dida blocked and Roberto Carlos tidied up.

53': Dida was back in action quickly, going down well to a sharp snapshot from the edge of the box from Ivan Klasnic.

56': Ronaldo was having a quiet night but served a reminder of his threat as he sent a shot narrowly over. That effort was by and large against the run of play as Croatia, despite having lost captain Niko Kovac to injury just before the break, continued to push forward.

62': Brazil displayed their ability to turn a game in a flash as from a Kaka cross Ronaldinho missed a great chance to add a second, Pletikosa producing smart save to parry his close-range header.

68': Twice in as many minutes Croatia almost drew level. With Croatia finding gaps in Brazil's defence, Dida saved from Klasnic soon after Prso had seen a close-range effort turned behind for a corner.

74': In what was becoming a very open game, Kaka whistled a shot low through a crowded box and just wide.

88': With Croatia's supporters providing a cacophony of noise in the closing stages, they nearly had even more to shout about as Prso crossed for Kranjcar, but the Hadjuk Split midfielder seemed to lack conviction as he headed over the crossbar.

In conclusion:
A winning start for the Seleção, but they were made to fight every inch of the way by a spirited Croatian side who ensured that while Brazil functioned smoothly in parts, they were unable to relax until the final whistle.

FRANCE-SWITZERLAND: Coaches' Quotes

13 June 2006

Raymond DOMENECH (FRA)
It's becoming a habit with the Swiss. That's the third time we've played them without scoring, which proves how well they defend. But we didn't concede either so that proves we can defend well too. The match ended in a stalemate, but it wasn't all that stale if you excuse the pun.
Our first half was perfect and all we lacked was the right pass or a good shot to put us in front. On the other hand, it's true Switzerland had an excellent chance which could have changed the course of the game. And I also felt my players were a little bit too impatient. We saw a lot less of the ball in the second half. I can't deny I would have preferred three points, but I'll say it again: I've seen much less open France-Switzerland games. We knew everything would be decided over three matches and now it's two.
As for the refereeing, the referee is part of the game and you shouldn't expect a tirade from me. Perhaps some decisions were questionable, but don't they have the right to make mistakes as well? Let's allow them to do their jobs in peace.

Kobi KUHN (SUI)
We have to be pleased with that. France dominated, especially in the first 45 minutes, and we were far too nervous, losing too many balls. In those circumstances, it was hard to expect anything more from the game.
I'm very content with the overall performance of my team, but there's a few things we need to correct, especially in defence and in terms of keeping possession. Still, we mustn't forget who we played against today. France are a side full of quality players and, all in all, I thought my players dealt well with the likes of (Sylvain) Wiltord, (Thierry) Henry and (Franck) Ribery.

FRANCE-SWITZERLAND: Players' Quotes

13 June 2006

Thierry HENRY (FRA)

It seems every time we play (Switzerland) it's a draw. We are kind of happy with the 0-0. We had quite a lot of chances in the first half and we can be satisfied with that.

Patrick VIEIRA (FRA)
It was difficult for both teams, but we defended well. We were sure that were going to score and it was difficult for the Swiss to play. We still have a lot confidence.

Fabien BARTHEZ (FRA)
It was very, very hot. We will get stronger in the next two matches and today we had two strong teams playing one another.

William GALLAS (FRA)
I am disappointed not to have three points at the end, but we can get better if we play to our strengths.

Eric ABIDAL (FRA)
I loved the great atmosphere in the stadium. In the next match we will concentrate our defence and that’s the starting point to win a game.

Frank RIBERY (FRA)
It was difficult for us to get over the half-way line today. We are in a difficult group and the main thing is to get to the round of 16.

Lillian THURAM (FRA)
We should have played at a higher level, but it was our first match and the result counts very much, so one point is not bad at all.

Tranquillo BARNETTA (SUI)
We’re really happy because 0-0 against France is a great success. We have to win the next two matches. The French players had respect for us and that makes us happy. The atmosphere was just great. The first few minutes were awesome and I had goose bumps.

Ludovic MAGNIN (SUI)
You can't say that the draw was two points lost or one point gained. We could have won, but so could the French. We had big problems with the sun which was shining right in our faces in the first half.

Alexander FREI (SUI)
In the final minutes we could have won. We had quite a few chances and they are hard to get against such a good team.

Johann VOGEL (SUI)
It’s always hard to play against a team like France. They were more aggressive in the first half, but in the second we had quite a few good chances.

Philipp DEGEN (SUI)
I am satisfied - the result was OK. We knew it was going to be hard in the heat and that hindered a fast game, but we tried to play aggressive. Now we have to win both games against Togo and Korea Republic. We had a lot of good opportunities. The French have sensational players and a great defence. My right foot is sore, but I am used to that now.

Pascal ZUBERBUEHLER (SUI)
We are satisfied with the result - it's positive for us because a point was enough. France were more dangerous in the first half, but they were not better and we had our chances. We have to play with more concentration next time. Two or three times we were dangerous in front of goal.

Patrick MUELLER (SUI)
Three quarters of the stadium were red and that was extraordinary to see.

FRANCE 0-0 SWITZERLAND

13 June 2006

There was once again no separating France and Switzerland as they played out a goalless draw in their opening 2006 FIFA World Cup™ match in Stuttgart on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.

The Group G rivals drew both their meetings in the European qualifying round and recent history repeated itself here in a match of few clear-cut scoring opportunities. The closest either side came was when Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta's free-kick bounced back off a post and Alexander Frei failed to convert the rebound.

The Stuttgart stalemate leaves the European neighbours two points beneath the early group leaders Korea Republic, 2-1 winners over Togo earlier in the day. It also leaves France without a FIFA World Cup goal in the four finals matches they have contested since winning the Trophy in 1998.

The match:
5': France made the brighter start and Sylvain Wiltord of Lyon – preferred to Juventus forward David Trezeguet – crossed dangerously from the right for his former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry. However, Henry failed to rise high enough to make a firm connection with his header.

13': Another fine bit of service from the right nearly saw the French prise open the Swiss backdoor, but Patrick Vieira's full volley at the back post lacked the proper direction and bounced harmlessly over the bar.

21': Henry tried his best to turn provider in the next French move of note. Weaving his way into the penalty area, his tantalising low cross was not read by the advancing Wiltord and slipped tamely across Pascal Zuberbuehler's goalmouth.

24': The Swiss nearly scored with their first chance of any consequence as Barnetta's long-range free-kick evaded every head in a packed area and struck Fabien Barthez's far post. Although Frei was on hand for the rebound, he could not make a clean contact with the ball from six yards out.

30': A brilliant bit of approach work from Henry set up Marseille man Franck Ribery, but French debutant could only fire over Zuberbuehler's crossbar from just outside the box.

38': France saw their best chance of the first half go begging as Ribery beat his man down the right and laid the ball across to Henry. However, his shot on goal took a deflection en route to Zuberbuehler, amid French protests for handball.

Goals hard to come by
60': After a slow, cautious start to the second period, the Swiss had the first real chance since the break as the ever-lively Barnetta burst into the box from the left, only to have his progress halted by the hulking figure of Lyon's Eric Abidal.

65': Shortly after, Switzerland nearly opened their account with their best chance of the game. Ludovic Magnin crossed to second-half substitute Daniel Gygax who saw his powerful, close-range header scrambled away by a sprawling Barthez.

69': In an attempt to inject some spark into the French attack on a warm evening, France boss Raymond Domenech withdrew Ribery in favour of in-form Manchester United striker Louis Saha.

73': Zinedine Zidane's looping free-kick picked out Henry at the back post but although William Gallas was just a whisker away from meeting the striker's flick-on, the linesman's flag had already indicated an offside decision.

89': With the clock ticking down, France substitute, Vikash Dhorasoo, nearly struck a late winner with a vicious shot from a tight angle. Unfortunately for Les Bleus his effort slipped agonisingly wide of the back post.

In conclusion:
With a point apiece, both sides will be reasonably pleased even if Korea Republic, for the time being at least, sit top of the group. It is the Koreans who are up next for France on 18 June while Switzerland - who have kept their first clean sheet in 23 FIFA World Cup matches - will tangle with Togo the day after.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Andrea PIRLO (ITA)

12 June 2006

Italy’s midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo was the TSG’s choice for the Budweiser Man of the Match Award due to his energetic display in the Azzurri’s 2-0 victory over Ghana.

Goals win games and when the AC Milan man struck after 40 minutes, it broke the deadlock in an enthralling contest, which had football fans all over the world on the edge of their seats.

A corner from Francesco Totti found the 27-year-old on the edge of the area. He rifled a powerful shot into the box, the ball taking a slight deflection on its way past Richard Kingston and into the net.

However, his performance was about more than just a goal. For 90 minutes, the UEFA Champions League winner worked tirelessly in midfield to help guide Marcello Lippi’s side to the three points on offer.

"He scored the opening goal which was very important in such a game,” said TSG member Ka-Ming Kwok.

“It wasn’t just the goal; he did a lot of good defensive work as well. He did so much work for the team. He was a very important part of this victory."

Budweiser Man of the Match: AHN Jung Hwan (KOR)

13 June 2006

Goals win games and it is therefore no real surprise that Ahn Jung-Hwan was chosen as the Budweiser Man of the Match.

The 30-year-old striker produced a sublime effort in the 72nd minute to evoke memories of his excellent displays in Korea/Japan 2002, when he registered two fine strikes against Italy and the USA.

In the 2-1 win over Togo, Ahn, lifted the spirits of the Red Devils, by hitting a fine strike which looped and swerved over the outstretched Kossi Agassa and into the net with 18 minutes remaining.

The Duisburg striker’s contribution was made all the more impressive considering that he came off the bench at half-time to score the winner. TSG member James Selby said: "The reason why I chose Ahn as the Budweiser Man of the Match is that he made an instant impact after he came on as a substitute.

"He was aggressive in his attacking and he increased the tempo of the match. Also, his movement was good, his passing was quick and he scored a great goal.

"But I also want to mention Park (Ji-Sung). He had a good game too, but Ahn made more of an impact, so he is the Man of the Match."

KOREA REPUBLIC 2-1 TOGO

13 June 2006

Ahn Jung-Hwan turned back the clock four years with a spectacular winning goal as Korea Republic came from behind for a 2-1 victory over ten-man Togo in their opening Group G match in Frankfurt on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.

Surprise semi-finalists in 2002, the South Koreans looked like they might suffer a taste of their own medicine when Togo, on their FIFA World Cup debut, took a 31st-minute lead through Mohamed Kader.

But after Jean-Paul Abalo's 53rd-minute dismissal, Lee Chun-Soo swept home the ensuing free-kick 60 seconds later before Ahn revived memories of his extra-time winner against Italy in 2002 with Korea Republic's second goal 18 minutes from time.

The match
5' With not a single win for Africa or Asia so far in the competition, the game opened with each side tentatively testing the other's defences.

11': Korea Republic emerged as the more eager to throw numbers into attack but it was Togo who had the first chance, Kader running onto a high ball and almost forcing Lee Woon-Jae into action with a rising shot from the corner of the box.

31': The Taeguk Warriors' dogged determination was pushing Otto Pfister's team more and more onto the back foot. But they were made to pay for their inability to create a goalscoring opportunity when Togo conjured a goal out of nothing. The predatory Kader took down a difficult high ball on his thigh and, without thinking twice, fired a low shot across Lee Woon-Jae and in off the post. (0-1)

36': Korea Republic threw everything into attack but found their aim less true. First Park Ji-Sung volleyed high and wide after a dangerous corner fell at his feet. Then, two minutes later, striker Cho Jae-Jin moved the ball onto his more favoured left foot but failed to trouble Kossi Agassa with an angled drive from outside the box.

40': With the Red Devils supporters becoming more excited, Lee Eul-Yong's 25-yarder was easily saved.

42': The Africans were more effective and only a flying tip-over from Lee Woon-Jae prevented Yao Junior Sanaya from doubling the lead with a curling free-kick.

Red card for Abalo
47': Two minutes after the restart, Park bought some space just outside the box but again his final shot rose high over the bar.

48': Needing the merest sight of goal, Kader dropped his shoulder, pushed the ball onto his trusty right foot and called Lee into diving action again with a powerfully struck 20-yard effort.

53': The Sparrowhawks were looking comfortable but the game was turned on its head in a single action. Showing a lightning turn of speed, Park burst through the heart of the Africans' defence before being brought down by Abalo. The Togo skipper was shown his second yellow card and marched off.

54': Lee Chun-Soo stepped up and sent the free-kick over the wall with enough top spin to stay low and find the corner of the net to equalise. (1-1)

63': Quiet up until then, Emmanuel Adebayor, Africa's top scorer in the qualifiers, came briefly into the match just after the hour mark. The Arsenal forward's right-wing cross fell to Senaya who could not keep his well-struck shot down.

65': Senaya, who had skipped past three men on the halfway line, then played a fine one-two with Adebayor before trying an audacious chip that easily cleared the bar.

72': Korea Republic's forays forward always looked the more measured, however, and they grabbed the lead for the first time in the match. Ahn, on as a second-half substitute, was given time and space on the edge of the box to look up and send a dipping shot past Agassa. (1-2)

75': Ahn darted into the box but this time his left-foot strike was blocked by the feet of Agassa.

81': A man down, Togo threw caution to the wind in a desperate search for the equaliser. Kader again tried his luck, this time with a 25-yarder, but he failed to test Lee Woon-Jae as the ball sailed over.

In conclusion: Korea Republic chalk up their first-ever FIFA World Cup win outside of Asia with a spirited second-half fightback. Credit to first-timers Togo, though, for putting their pre-finals problems behind them to push the Koreans all the way.

TALY-GHANA: Coaches' quotes

12 June 2006

Marcello LIPPI (ITA)

It was an entertaining game; we got a good result and played well. I'm particularly happy for the squad, who haven't had things easy recently. We did our homework, and Ghana played just as we expected. They have a lot of strengths - they’re physically powerful, skilful and quick on the break, but we knew we could exploit some of their weaker points. So it proved, and we came away with the victory. The Czech Republic are a very good side, perhaps the strongest in the group, but we have nothing to fear. We’re going to take things one day at a time and go as far as we possibly can.

Ratomir DUJKOVIC (GHA)
I'm happy with the way my players performed, they played well. Congratulations to Italy, who did well today. I still think that had the marking on (Andrea) Pirlo been tighter when he scored the first goal, the match could have gone very differently. The second goal was just a simple defensive error. But football is like that, there are winners and losers. We're not afraid of the Czech Republic, we just need to pick ourselves up and show what we can do in the next game. Anything is possible in football, and I don't see the Czech Republic as invincible by any means.

ITALY-GHANA: Players' Quotes

13 June 2006

Andrea PIRLO (ITA), Budweiser Man of the Match

I'm happy with the way I'm playing. We worked hard this week to get to where we are and will continue to improve over the next five or six days. The goal came at an important time for the whole team; we had been creating a lot of chances. It's a good start.

Francesco TOTTI (ITA)
We played well and deserved the win. The fans were great and gave us a real lift with their support. I went off not as a precautionary measure or because I was afraid of any physical contact with the Ghana players, but because I took a nasty knock.

Vincenzo IAQUINTA (ITA)
I can't express how it felt when I scored, I couldn't believe what was happening. My team-mates' reaction during the celebrations said it all – it was unbelievable. It's been a difficult season for me, and things didn't go according to plan. This goal is for my family.

Gianluigi BUFFON (ITA)
It's a good, positive start, which is important in a competition such as the World Cup. Ghana were physical and skilful, as we knew they would be, but we put in a fine performance. We showed that we're in this together, and that makes me very happy. It even makes me feel like talking again.

Cristian ZACCARDO (ITA)
It's all a bit of a fairytale. I've been finding it hard to get to sleep for a while now, but tonight was like dreaming with my eyes wide open – a dream come true.

Alberto GILARDINO (ITA)
The first game in the FIFA World Cup is a big moment. I'm happy with my performance, I didn't score this time around but I'm sure I'll get my name on the score sheet (later).

Stephen APPIAH (GHA)
We didn't take our chances, Italy were more clinical. We have to learn from our mistakes for the next games. We were naive tonight and gave the ball away too much in dangerous areas. I think we've got the players to do well in the rest of our matches.

Emmanuel PAPPOE (GHA)
The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate football competition and it was great for us to play in such a fantastic game. The loss isn't down to any one player, you win and lose as a team. I must admit that playing in that kind of stadium in front of so many fans sent shivers down my spine.

Otto ADDO (GHA)
Many of us were playing the most important game of our lives. We put in a good performance and showed what we can do. That said, I'm sure we can improve - we need to be more careful in defence, for example. The only really disappointing aspect of the evening was the result. It's going to be tough for us now.

Samuel KUFFOUR (GHA)
Not scoring cost us dearly. We created some clear-cut chances and should have put a few of them away. Now we'll have to give it our best shot against the Czech Republic. We changed our formation after the break but it wasn't enough to turn things around. Tonight is a sad moment for my family, my country and for the whole of Africa. What do I think of the Italian players? Most of them are good friends of mine.

Hans SARPEI (GHA)
Italy are a great side and they showed it tonight. We played well in midfield and had chances to score, but unfortunately the goal never came. We're very pleased that we matched them for the whole game, even if we didn't get the result we wanted.

ITALY 2-0 GHANA

12 June 2006

Italy defeated African first-timers Ghana 2-0 in an exciting Group E fixture in Hanover on Monday, 12 June 2006.

A Ghana team making their FIFA World Cup™ debut contributed richly to the spectacle but Italy's greater know-how told as they won through goals from Andrea Pirlo and substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta.

After both sides had missed a succession of chances, Pirlo broke the deadlock with a shot through a crowded penalty area after 40 minutes. Iaquinta sealed the win after latching onto Samuel Kuffour's underhit back-pass with seven minutes remaining.

The match:
8': Italy rattled Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingston with an early series of crosses and corners, culminating in defender Fabio Cannavaro heading the ball over the crossbar.

11': Ghana captain Stephen Appiah had a free-kick on the edge of the box in a promising position, but he struck it straight into Italy's wall. The Italians immediately launched a counterattack and when Luca Toni missed from point-blank range, the ball broke to Alberto Gilardino. He managed to squirm a shot through Kingston's legs but it trickled towards goal and hit the post before going out for another corner.

16': Francesco Totti, back in the Italy side after recovering from a broken leg, was almost unrecognisable with his new close-cropped haircut and there was an unfamiliar look to his first proper shot as it missed the target by some distance.

18': Italy's Alessandro Nesta had to climb high to flick the ball away from Borussia Dortmund striker Matthew Amoah, who would have had a free header on goal if Michael Essien's cross had managed to reach him.

27': Toni smacked a thundering shot against Ghana's crossbar and John Mensah chested the rebound back to Kingston to relieve the pressure.

30': Essien charged towards the Italy penalty area and launched a powerful strike which just missed Gianluigi Buffon’s right-hand post, matching a similar effort by Asamoah Gyan moments earlier from the opposite flank.

33': Totti found his range from 25 metres with a free-kick that stung Kingston's fingertips before it went over. Not for the first time, the Ghana keeper came out to meet the resulting corner and missed it, but Cannavaro's header landed on the top of the net.

40': Italy's tenth corner was played short to Pirlo who sent a scorching shot through a crowd of bodies to finally beat Kingston right in the corner (1-0).

45': Kingston did well to block a goalbound effort by Fabio Grosso.

Kingston clearance
53': Kingston had to rush out of his area to deny Toni and the Ankaraspor goalkeeper lifted the ball over his head and allowed John Pantsil to bring it to safety.

54': Ghana’s Essien brought the best out of Buffon, who had to dive at full stretch to his right to beat away a forceful drive from 20 metres out by the Chelsea midfielder.

64': With Italy less dominant than in the first half and the passionate Ghanaian contingent in full voice, Essien threatened again but this time he dragged his effort well wide after bursting forward.

67': As play flowed freely from end to end, Simone Perrotta tested Kingston with a shot from inside the area. Kingston will have gained great confidence from a strong save which denied the Roma midfielder, who appeared set to extend Italy’s lead.

79': Gyan had the Italian defence in knots with a twisting, turning run just outside the area. As he tried to move into the box, the Modena striker tumbled over the legs of two defenders but Brazilian referee Carlos Simon waved play on.

Enlarge Photo
Photo Gallery

83': A mistake by the last defender Kuffour gifted Italy their second goal as he sold his goalkeeper short with a back-pass and substitute Iaquinta was only too grateful to latch onto it and round Kingston before sliding the ball into an empty net (2-0).

In conclusion:
Italy got the better of Ghana in another entertaining, free-flowing contest, but the Africans acquitted themselves extremely well in their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup and a second-half equaliser always looked possible until Iaquinta finished them off.

USA-CZECH REPUBLIC: Coaches' Quotes

12 June 2006

Bruce ARENA (USA)

It was certainly a very poor start to the game, down a goal in the first five minutes of the game against a team like the Czech Republic, which actually defends very well and at that point were very comfortable in sitting back and absorbing any kind of pressure and countering us.
I'm very disappointed in our start. I'm very disappointed in the performance of a number of our players over 90 minutes. The better team won today. Give them credit. They punished us for every mistake we made. At 1-0 we had a chance, Claudio (Reyna) hits the post, they come back and get an absolutely great goal by (Tomas) Rosicky.
In the first half I though we played OK, but we go down two goals and we're chasing the game and to chase the game against a team of that quality is very difficult. Karel BRUCKNER (CZE)
(The injury to Jan Koller) was the only negative thing from this match, and unfortunately his injury is quite serious. He had to be replaced. He did a great job today, and we also lost (Vladimir) Smicer and (Milan) Baros, so we have to deal with these issues.
I'm very proud of all my players and I would like to thank them very much. They were very disciplined, they were quite good in the defensive phase and especially in these, let’s say, not very easy climatic conditions.
(The injury to Koller) makes me really sad because the injury is really serious. As I’m sure you know, Koller was eager to get back in the start list and this was really tough luck. Football today is about solving situations that are extraordinary and these situations are solved by extraordinary players.
It's a nice feeling to have won the first match, however we're can't feel too satisfied because there are two tough matches ahead of us.

USA–CZECH REPUBLIC: Players' Quotes

12 June 2006

Tomas ROSICKY (CZE) (Budweiser Man of the Match)

I am used to playing on this field against Schalke and I normally play well on this pitch. Today was no exception, I guess.

Tomas UJFALUSI (CZE)
It's a good start, but we really can't go and get ahead of ourselves just yet. This is still a very difficult group and there are very tough teams still to play against like Italy and Ghana. (Tomas) Rosicky was tremendous for us today and really he made it easier for the rest of us. It's good to start with a win, but we have more work to do.

Pavel NEDVED (CZE)
We played a good game and the result really is just what we needed, but it was a shame that Jan (Koller) had to leave the game with an injury.

Petr CECH (CZE)
I think we played a pretty good game today and though the result may have made it look like an easy game, it was very difficult. The US were very well organised and made things difficult for us. (Claudio) Reyna could have equalised but the shot came off the post and luckily it didn't hit me in the back and go in. Really, in the end, we scored three great goals and did enough to earn the win.

Jan KOLLER (CZE)
There was a lot of pain in my hamstring when I took that last stride, but since then it has been feeling a little better. I am sure it's not a tear, but only a strain and for this I am grateful. I will have four days' rest now and I am confident I will be back for our third group game. This game was a good start but now we have to focus and keep up the pressure on our group rivals.

Steve CHERUNDOLO (USA)
It was not a good day for us. We need to get better now and keep our shape better in the next game with Italy. We didn't win enough of the second balls, but we absolutely still have a chance. We will overcome this loss and present ourselves in a better manner next time against Italy.

Josh WOLFF (USA)
To concede such an early goal is always going to put you in a tough spot. We did OK at points in the game, Reyna hit the post and we had our moments, but we will really need to improve ahead of our next game (against Italy).

Eddie LEWIS (USA)
That early goal really killed us. We had a game plan and an idea in our heads about how we should play, but after that goal it all went out the window. We had to push forward and that left us susceptible to the counterattack. Their shot-to-goal ratio was good, but they are world-class players and that’s what world-class players do: they take their chances.

Brian MCBRIDE (USA)
We just didn’t play well enough tonight and we came up against a really good team. We have to learn to play more composed at speed and have a little more confidence. Now we need to build on the few things we did right and get back on track.

John O'BRIEN (USA)
The early goal made things pretty hard on us. But I think we have positives we can build on. Captain Claudio played very well tonight. I'm just happy to be here after all my injury troubles and do whatever I can do to help the team.

Bobby CONVEY (USA)
We need to forget about this game as quickly as is humanly possible. If we come out and play like this against Italy we're going to lose again. We really need to learn from the mistakes we made tonight.

Landon DONOVAN (USA)
We played OK in the first half and we are still alive if we get a result in our next game. All is not lost and we will keep on fighting.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Tomas ROSICKY (CZE)

12 June 2006

Tomas Rosicky scored twice for the Czech Republic in their 3-0 win over the USA and also collected the Budweiser Man of the Match Award in the process.

The midfielder, who has just signed for Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund, scored two goals of the highest quality, but his all-round contribution to the game should not be underestimated.

Rosicky left the field in the 86th minute to a warm ovation from both sets of supporters in Gelsenkirchen, as his talent made this game one to remember.

The 25-year-old’s first goal of the evening came in the 36th minute when his curling right-footed drive beat Kasey Keller at full stretch. His second was equally as good. Breaking from the centre of midfield, he outpaced the US defence before coolly slotting the ball into the net.

TSG Member Gyorgy Mezey said: “Rosicky was the Budweiser Man of the Match because he did an outstanding job both in defence and in attack. He scored two brilliant goals and he led the team. It was an outstanding achievement.”

USA 0-3 CZECH REPUBLIC

12 June 2006

The Czech Republic started their Germany 2006 campaign in style with a 3-0 win over the USA in Gelsenkirchen on Monday, 12 June 2006.

Jan Koller gave the Czechs a dream start in the opening match in Group E by heading them in front after five minutes and Tomas Rosicky doubled their advantage with a superb swerving strike nine minutes before the break.

Despite the setback of losing Koller to a hamstring injury, Karel Bruckner's men retained their grip on the game and Rosicky sealed the three points with his second goal on 76 minutes.

The match:
5': The Czechs got off to the best possible start when a right-wing cross from Zdenek Grygera found Koller, who slammed a powerful header past goalkeeper Kasey Keller to give his team an early lead. 0-1

11': After a shaky start, the US produced their first period of pressure, beginning with a header from Eddie Pope which went wide.

28': Some fine possession finally produced a dangerous opportunity for the US when Bobby Convey squared a ball for Claudio Reyna. He shot from just outside the penalty area and his low drive hit the left post.

36':With the Americans threatening an equaliser, the Czechs found another moment of brilliance, as a headed clearance fell to Rosicky, whose wonder strike from 25 metres flew past Kasey Keller in the US goal. Two shots, two goals for the Czechs. 0-2

42':Just minutes later and a serious blow for the Czechs as Koller went down in obvious pain with an apparent hamstring injury and had to be replaced.

Rosicky seals it
46':The US started the second half with a double switch, Pablo Mastroeni and Steve Cherundolo coming off in favour of John O'Brien and Eddie Johnson.

51':Despite the changes, the Czechs were the ones who fired the opening salvo of the half, with Tomas Ujfalusi's glancing header missing at the far post.

62':Eleven minutes later, the Czech Republic gave another notice that more goals might be in the offing when Karel Poborsky's powerful volley from a left-wing cross flew wide of the near post.

68': Rosicky almost had his second with another shot from 25 metres, this one hitting the crossbar.

70':Minutes later at the other end, Johnson tried to answer with an attempt from a similar distance, but his bending shot went wide of the left post.

76': Shortly after Johnson had narrowly failed to connect in front of Petr Cech's goal, Rosicky sealed the Americans' fate when he broke free down the centre and beat Keller again. 0-3

81': Johnson continued to look dangerous for the US, firing in one shot that went just over the bar, but overall the Americans failed to force the Czech goalkeeper into a single difficult save.

In conclusion
The US team displayed several nice combinations in midfield throughout the match, but they struggled to translate them into clear scoring opportunities. Czech Republic, meanwhile, did not create a host of chances but they had the quality to capatilise on the ones they did make for themselves. Things will not get easier for the States, as they will face Italy next in another difficult Group E clash, while the Czechs will play Ghana.

AUSTRALIA-JAPAN: Coaches' Quotes

12 June 2006

Guus HIDDINK (AUS)

In the end justice was done in this game. I'm not saying this out of arrogance, but we were sure that we were capable of (coming back). This team is nice to work with because they never give up, and this team tried to play good football. ZICO (JPN)
We did not do anything after taking the lead, but we had two clear scoring chances on the counterattack. However, if you do not put the ball in at one end, you sometimes concede a goal at the other. The way Australia turned the game on its head is hard to take.
Australia switched their formation to three up front and we could not win any second balls. I put (Shinji) Ono on in the second half thinking the trio of (Hidetoshi) Nakata, (Shunsuke) Nakamura and Ono could be effective but it did not work out.
We wasted a great opportunity. We had our chances but it was so hot today, which didn't help. It was 38 degrees but we lost concentration at a critical point and it cost us.

AUSTRALIA–JAPAN: Players' Quotes

12 June 2006

Tim CAHILL (AUS), Budweiser Man of the Match

After the two goals, I felt fantastic. It's an unforgettable experience to come on as a substitute in a World Cup and score two goals. The equaliser was very important and turned the game in our favour. The first thing I did was to go and thank the rest of the team, since we're all like one big family. This is a great start to our campaign and we're ready for the next step on our World Cup mission.

John ALOISI (AUS)
The boys were great. We're over the moon that we won, because we were behind for a long time and couldn't find a way to get back into it. That was probably the most exciting match that Australia has ever had, even better than last November against Uruguay. It was just great, it was Australia's first ever win at a World Cup and I was part of it.

Lucas NEILL (AUS)
It was a dramatic match. We always knew we had the ability but time was running out. I think mentally and physically Japan were very drained and we had a bit left. One thing the other team doesn't have is Aussie spirit.

Mark SCHWARZER (AUS)
We were always confident and put them under a lot of pressure. Tim turned the match in our favour. We'll have a quick celebration then start preparing for the Brazil match.

Yoshikatsu KAWAGUCHI (JPN)
I'm still in shock after what happened during this match. We played great, we led for so long and yet we ended up being beaten. I'm lost for words. The mood of the team is at rock bottom after this defeat. It was very hot today, but that just meant that both teams had to work hard. I have to congratulate Tim Cahill as well, as he was brilliant and turned the match on its head. Now we absolutely have to win against Croatia.

Tsuneyasu MIYAMOTO (JPN)
It's unbelievable. I'm in shock. When they equalised, the whole team got together and said that we had to make sure that we at least got a point out of the match. And then we let two goals in and came away empty-handed. I'm really disappointed.

Alessandro SANTOS (JPN)
Until they equalised, we were completely focused, and then for some reason we just collapsed. I really don’t know what happened.

Shunsuke NAKAMURA (JPN)
After (Keisuke) Tsuboi went off, I got the impression that the Australians had a lot more chances. We really missed him out on the pitch. It was a real pity that we lost. I don't know what to say.

Naohiro TAKAHARA (JPN)
I'm really disappointed. We really shouldn’t have lost. Words fail me.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Luis Figo (POR)

11 June 2006

Luis Figo earned the Budweiser Man of the Match honours after Portugal's 1-0 victory over Angola in their first match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. Portugal ran their attack through Figo throughout the match and he was the one who created the game’s only goal, leaving Pauleta with an easy finish into an open goal in the fourth minute.

“Figo’s vision of football is great,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Kalusha Bwalya. “He looks in a very good physical condition and the armband makes him a symbol of Portuguese football. He enjoyed himself tonight and capitalised on a loose ball in the only goal of the match – he ran past one opponent and assisted Pauleta.

“Overall, it was a wonderful all-round performance by the Portuguese captain. As well as taking the lead in the creative department, he proved his fitness by helping out with defensive duties. Even after the more defensive-minded Costinha came on for Cristiano Ronaldo, Figo, who played more on the left from then on, was always the commanding figure in the side.”

Budweiser Man of the Match: Omar Bravo (MEX)

11 June 2006

Omar Bravo was named Budweiser Man of the Match after leading Mexico to a soaring start to the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, scoring two goals in his team's 3-1 defeat of Iran.

Bravo's first goal came in the 28th minute when Pavel Pardo delivered an outswinging free-kick that Guillermo Franco headed down for Bravo to finish at the far post. With the score tied at 1-1 in the 76th minute, Bravo was once again on target after Iran lost possession just outside their own penalty area. Zinha provided the through-ball and Bravo finished from close range.

"He scored two goals and played all 90 minutes," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Francisco Maturana. "In an even match, he solved the problems for Mexico. There is no doubt that a worker like him would be the Budweiser Man of the Match. There weren't any exquisitive performances on the pitch but Bravo added the quality and the goals that Mexico needed to take the win and the three points."

Budweiser Man of the Match: Tim CAHILL (AUS)

12 June 2006

Tim Cahill did not only score Australia’s first goal at a FIFA World Cup™ finals, he added a second which helped them to a 3-1 win over Japan. An added bonus for the 26-year-old was that he picked up the Budweiser Man of the Match Award in the process.

The midfielder, who plays his club football for Everton in the English Premiership, entered the fray in the 53th minute and took 31 minutes to make a significant impact for his team, netting the equaliser following a goalmouth scramble.

Prior to the game, no team had come from behind to win a game at this year’s FIFA World Cup, but Cahill had other ideas. He struck a spectacular second goal for Guus Hiddink’s side, rifling home a shot from the edge of the box, which cannoned off the inside of the post and into the opposite corner of the net.

TSG member Alvin Corneal said: "The match was tough for Australia, especially after going a goal behind and Tim Cahill showed great determination to turn the game around.

"He played very well in midfield after coming on as a substitute and together with Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell, they posed a tremendous threat to the Japanese defence. Australia really needed to win this game to have a chance of qualifying for the next round and the have done that."

AUSTRALIA 3-1 JAPAN

12 June 2006

Substitute Tim Cahill was the hero for Australia as the Socceroos scored three times in eight minutes to beat Japan 3-1 in Kaiserslautern and record both their first goals and their first ever win in FIFA World Cup™ finals history on Monday, 12 June 2006.

Trailing at half-time to Shunsuke Nakamura's 26th-minute goal, the opening Group F match turned on its head with the arrival of Cahill. He equalised with a close-range strike in the 84th minute and then fired a spectacular second in the 89th before striker John Aloisi put the icing on the cake two minutes into added time.

The match
6': Under a blazing sun, it was Australia captain Mark Viduka who had the first attempt on goal. Latching onto a lobbed pass, the striker shot first with his left foot and then followed up with his right but both efforts were parried by Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.

14': As expected, Japan looked to build play more slowly with Guus Hiddink's side playing a more direct, energetic pressing game. After Takashi Fukunishi had hit a 30-yarder well over, the Socceroos proceeded to launch a barrage of crosses into the area testing Japan's defence to the full. From one, Marco Bresciano blasted over.

22': Japan were taking their time to settle but midway through the first half they almost took the lead. Turning past his marker on the edge of the box, Naohiro Takahara did not strike the ball as cleanly as he would have wished, however, and watched the effort trickle wide.

25': It was end-to-end stuff and Viduka produced a delightful back-heel into the path of Bresciano but the Brescia midfielder's side-footed finish from just inside the box lacked sufficient power and Kawaguchi got down well to save.

26': A minute later and Japan were in front with the softest of goals. Finding himself on the right wing, Nakamura chipped in a cross with his left foot that sailed over the advancing Mark Schwarzer and rolled into the empty net to the screams of the thousands of blue-clad fans in the arena. (0-1)

27': Almost from the restart, Harry Kewell, who had previously been kept fairly quiet, beat his man, tore goalwards and fired inches over with his left foot.

41': Australia were finding the going tough as the half wore on. Bresciano, who was finding more space than most, bent a low 30-yard free-kick into the side-netting.

Shutting up shop:
53' Hiddink sent on his leading scorer in qualifying as Cahill, who had been an injury doubt prior to the finals, took the field in the place of Bresciano.

55': Despite the Socceroos' efforts, Japan's defence continued to look safe as the Australians searched for an equaliser in the early stages of the second half. Conserving their energy better in the unrelenting heat, the Samurais were looking dangerous on the break with Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata finding plenty of space to weave their magic.

69': Kawaguchi, who had been well protected, pulled off a terrific save to keep his side ahead. After substitute Joshua Kennedy had been brought down on the edge of the box, Viduka threw his whole weight behind the resulting free-kick but the Japanese goalkeeper dived to his right to turn away the powerful effort.

76': With the game opening up, Takahara won possession just inside the Australian half and bore down on goal. The Hamburg striker delayed his pass to the unmarked Atushi Yanagisawa, however, and the final shot fell tamely into the hands of Schwarzer.

78': Two minutes later and Yuichi Komano found himself in acres of space on the right but again his cross failed to pick out any one of the three players in the box.

84': Substitute Aloisi forced another fine save out of Kawaguchi with a scorching 30-yard free-kick.

85': From the resulting corner, the goalkeeper was left punching thin air as he ventured outside his six-yard box and in the ensuing scramble Cahill bundled in the equaliser. (1-1)

87': With huge gaps opening up all over the park, Fukunishi fired just wide from 20 yards.

89': Cahill, from a similar position at the other end, made no mistake, crashing his 20-yarder off one post and into the opposite corner of the net to give Australia the lead with his second goal. (2-1)

90 +2':In the dying seconds, another substitute Aloisi left victory in no doubt, driving through the heart of Japan's defence and, with his favoured left foot, firing in the third. (3-1)

In conclusion: Australia showed all their fighting qualities to come back in a game in which they looked dead and buried with substitutes Cahill and Aloisi the heroes. Japan, who controlled the match for long periods, will be disappointed not to have added a second after squandering a number of presentable opportunities.

Budweiser Man of the Match: Arjen Robben (NED)

11 June 2006

Netherlands winger Arjen Robben scored the game's only goal and was a constant threat in his team's 1-0 Dutch victory over Serbia and Montenegro, earning him recognition as the Budweiser Man of the Match.

Though most of Robben's impressive creative work came on the left wing, it was a run straight down the middle that allowed him to connect with a lovely ball from Robin van Persie, which Robben calmly slipped past goalkeeper Dragoslav Jevric.

"He was elected Man of the Match not only because of his goal but because he made the difference," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Andy Roxburgh. "He was always a threat on the ball in terms of his shooting. With his quick dribbling on the left wing, he always caused problems for the Serbo-Montenegrin defence. He has the ability to make the game simple."

Budweiser Man of the Match: Javier Saviola (ARG)

Forward Javier Saviola helped to kick-start Argentina to a fine victory in their opening match of Germany 2006. His 38th minute goal in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Côte d'Ivoire, also helped him to earn the Budweiser Man of the Match award.

Saviola was dangerous throughout his 75 minutes on the pitch, never more so than seven minutes before half-time. The Sevilla forward got on the receiving end of a Juan Riquelme pass and he made no mistake by slotting the ball past Ivorian goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie.

"He was an influential player for the Argentina team. He did everything perfectly and moved throughout the attacking zone," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Teofilo Cubillas.

El Conejo also earned praise from Cubillas for inspiring his team-mates with his hard work. “He had a spirit that he infected his team-mates. He attacked when he had to and won balls when that’s what his team needed.”

Budweiser Man of the Match: Dwight Yorke (TRI)

Dwight Yorke was quite simply inspirational with his tireless display in Trinidad and Tobago’s 0-0 draw against Sweden in their opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, earning him recognition as the Budweiser Man of the Match.

Known for his goalscoring prowess during his years in the English Premiership with Aston Villa and Manchester United, Yorke seemed to be everywhere on the pitch as he helped T&T, who played almost the entire second half with ten men, nullify Sweden’s attacking trio of Henrik Larsson, Freddie Ljungberg, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“He was every bit the leader of the team on the pitch today,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Roy Hodgson. “His vision and leadership in attack and defence was absolutely first-class and his fighting spirit all match long truly personified his team's performance.”

Budweiser Man of the Match: Frank Lampard (ENG)

Frank Lampard was named Budweiser Man of the Match for his excellent all-round game in England’s 1-0 win over Paraguay in their opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.

As FIFA Technical Study Group member Jim Selby declared, Lampard, along with fellow central midfielder Steven Gerrard, contributed in every area of the pitch: "Lampard and Gerrard would be the engine room and the link between the attack and the defence.

“Lampard received the Man of the Match Award because he was able to get forward more. He worked on both sides of the pitch and got forward. He also made a couple of good attempts on goal,” said Shelby.

“It was a typical first game where England did enough to get the result.”

Budweiser Man of the Match: Agustin Delgado (ECU)

Agustin Delgado was named Budweiser Man of the Match for leading Ecuador to a 2-0 victory over Poland in the second game of the opening day of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.

Known for his aerial prowess, El Tín was true to form in the 24th minute when he jumped to meet a high ball in the penalty area and flick it on to strike partner Carlos Tenorio, who finished past Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Delgado was then on the receiving end of Ivan Kaviedes's unselfish pass in the 80th minute and the centre-forward turned the ball in from close range, killing off Polish hopes of a late equaliser.

FIFA Technical Study Group member Gyorgy Mezey said: “Delgado was involved in the two goals of the team, one goal and one assist. Even if the whole team played very well, he is the one who had the biggest weight on the Polish defence.”

Budweiser Man of the Match: Miroslav Klose (GER)

Miroslav Klose's two goals in the opening fixture of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ earned him the Budweiser Man of the Match honours.

The centre-forward celebrated his 28th birthday in style, standing out amid a clutch of strong performances from a Germany side that got off to a sterling start to their campaign as hosts.

The birthday boy’s first goal, in the 17th minute, broke an early deadlock after Paulo Wanchope had equalised Philipp Lahm’s early opener. Klose then made it 3-1 from close range in the 61st minute when he connected with a cross from Lahm. It would prove to be a vitally important goal, as Wanchope completed his own brace 12 minutes later.

“He got two goals and that made the difference,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Francisco Maturana. “It's not easy to play in a World Cup, and a player who scores two goals to help win the game deserves to be Man of the Match.”

SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO- NETHERLANDS: Coaches' Quotes

11 June 2006

Ilija PETKOVIC (SCG)
It's a real shame that we lost the way we did. Congratulations to the Dutch, even though we were the ones who had the better chances. The goal we let in was predictable, but there was nothing we could do about it. We played really cautiously, we didn't want our defence to be opened up, but unfortunately our attack didn't work well today. We can definitely do better than this. We have a good team and we will do our best to finish second in the group.

Marco VAN BASTEN (NED)
We are really happy with our opening match, it was very important to get this win. We played a very tough team and we’re pleased that we won. It was by no means an easy match, and we gave them a few decent chances. We started off well, particularly given the heat, but we got a bit tired later. Our fans were really great and they provided a fantastic atmosphere.

SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO 0-1 NETHERLANDS

11 June 2006

A first-half goal from Arjen Robben was enough to earn the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro in their opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Leipzig on Sunday, 11 June 2006.

Robben struck the only goal of an absorbing contest in the 18th minute, finishing confidently after his speed carried him clear of the Serbia and Montenegro back line. The victory puts Marco van Basten's Dutch team level on three points with Argentina at the top of Group C.

The game:
2': A lively opening from the Netherlands and a half-chance for Arjen Robben, but his looping back-header was grabbed from under the crossbar by Dragoslav Jevric.

6': With the backing of terrific support from the Oranje fans on a warm afternoon in Leipzig the Netherlands did the early pressing, albeit without making any real inroads against the famously tight Plavi defence.

10': A foul ten yards from the right-hand edge of the Netherlands penalty area brought a free-kick for Serbia and Montenegro. But a curling effort from Savo Milosevic was saved comfortably by Edwin van der Sar.

13': A chance for Serbia and Montenegro but Milosevic and Dejan Stankovic got in each other's way.

17': The opening goal. Serbia and Montenegro attempted to play a high offside line but it did not work as Robin van Persie sent Arjen Robben clear ten yards inside the Serbia and Montenegro half. After bursting into the box, he struck a low shot past Jevric. (0-1)

21': Another chance for the lively Robben, this time a left-footed drive from some 20 yards which was palmed away by Jevric.

29': After being rocked by the goal, Serbia and Montenegro settled and Mateja Kezman went close with a header from the edge of the six-yard box.

36': Robben, a constant threat, cut in from the left and shot just wide of Jevric's left-hand post with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.

45': Serbia and Montenegro showed they were still in the game as Van der Sar stretched to catch a dangerous left-wing cross, and Ognjen Koroman was then inches wide with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area with Van der Sar well beaten.

Second half under way
46': Early pressure from Serbia and Montenegro brought a left-wing corner but the Netherlands scrambled the ball clear.

54': The first real chance of the second period came at the other end from a well-worked free-kick. Wesley Sneijder put the ball into the box but Robben missed with an attempted overhead kick when unmarked ten yards out.

60': Sneijder's shot from 17 yards was blocked close to goal and Jevric just got to the loose ball ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooij.

71': Serbia and Montenegro enjoyed a spell of possession and nearly drew level with a low shot from Koroman, which Van der Sar saves with his knees.

74': The Dutch were struggled to break Serbia and Montenegro's stranglehold on the game. Substitute Nikola Zigic was not far away when stretching for a left-wing cross inside the Netherlands penalty area.

81': Some respite for the Netherlands defence as the Dutch win a free-kick by the left-hand edge of the Serbia and Montenegro penalty area. A low drive from Van Persie whistled through the box untouched and went just wide.

88': A chance for a second goal for Robben but his low left-footed shot from 16 yards missed by a whisker.

In conclusion:
Serbia and Montenegro fought all the way but the Dutch did enough to secure a narrow and important win in this keenly contested game. Van Basten can celebrate his first victory in a FIFA World Cup game, either as a player or coach. The Oranje can look ahead with confidence to facing Côte d'Ivoire on Friday while Serbia and Montenegro next face another daunting assigment against Argentina.