Print this articleThis is the last post on here - I'm concentrating on my blog at Talk Soccer frfom now on - to see what I'm rambling about, click the link below...
Talk Soccer blog
Talk Soccer blog
32 games down - and now the World Cup really begins - all the teams now working out their tactics for the final games, who to rest, etc, how to prepare for the second round (if already thrpugh) or how to salvage some pride (if they are already out) Biggest disappointments so far - England and Brazil, even though both have won their matches and not conceded any goals, they don't look like competiton winners. Most impressive so far, Argentina, Spain and - despite that fact that they have lost both games - Ivory Coast. Pity the Ivory Coast boys are going home...
Don't get too hyped about Argentina yet - the history of the tournament is littered with teams who were spectacular and yet went home empty-handed...
Anyway keep following the World cup with your World Cup wallchart. Get your copy here.
Don't get too hyped about Argentina yet - the history of the tournament is littered with teams who were spectacular and yet went home empty-handed...
Anyway keep following the World cup with your World Cup wallchart. Get your copy here.
Friend of mine sent this today...fascinating!
Only problem is that when you draw attention to these patterns, they always go wrong!
Let's see if it works this time, but even if it doesn't its fascinating all the same...
What I am talking about? Here goes...
Brazil won the world cup in 1994. Before that, they had won this title for the last time in 1970.
If you add up: 1970 + 1994 = 3964
Argentina won the world cup for the last time in 1986. Before that
only in 1978.
And 1978 + 1986 = 3964
Germany won the world cup in 1990. Before that, Germany won
in 1974.
Look: 1990 + 1974 = 3964
This could lead us to guess the winner of the World Cup in 2002, since it should be the winner of the 1962 World Cup.
(In fact 3964 - 2002 = 1962).
And Brazil won the world cup in 1962! (And, in fact, Brazil won the 2002 WC)
This numerology seems to work...
And now, who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup?
Let's see, 3964 - 2006 = 1958
And who won in 1958?....
Oh, Brazil did!!!
Follow the World Cup - and see if the pattern continues, with your World Cup Wallchart.
Download your copy here
Only problem is that when you draw attention to these patterns, they always go wrong!
Let's see if it works this time, but even if it doesn't its fascinating all the same...
What I am talking about? Here goes...
Brazil won the world cup in 1994. Before that, they had won this title for the last time in 1970.
If you add up: 1970 + 1994 = 3964
Argentina won the world cup for the last time in 1986. Before that
only in 1978.
And 1978 + 1986 = 3964
Germany won the world cup in 1990. Before that, Germany won
in 1974.
Look: 1990 + 1974 = 3964
This could lead us to guess the winner of the World Cup in 2002, since it should be the winner of the 1962 World Cup.
(In fact 3964 - 2002 = 1962).
And Brazil won the world cup in 1962! (And, in fact, Brazil won the 2002 WC)
This numerology seems to work...
And now, who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup?
Let's see, 3964 - 2006 = 1958
And who won in 1958?....
Oh, Brazil did!!!
Follow the World Cup - and see if the pattern continues, with your World Cup Wallchart.
Download your copy here
The Germans won their second game today and almost guaranteed qualification to the second round. A hard-fought battle with the Poland team. The Poles probably thought they had done enough for a draw as the clock ticked over into injury time. But I just knew the Germans would score – they are famous for these last-minute goals!
Anyway, as the Germans celebrate and the English prepare for today’s game against the Soca Warriors, here is a great joke which perfectly captures the age-old football rivalry between the 2 nations.
A German family head out one Saturday to do some shopping. While in the sports shop the son picks up an England football shirt and says to his sister, "I've decided to be an England supporter and I would like this for my birthday."
His big sister is outraged by this and promptly whacks him round the
head and says, "Go talk to your mother." So off goes the little lad with the white and red football shirt in hand and finds his mother.
"Mum?"
"Yes son?"
"I've decided I'm going to be an England supporter and I would like this shirt for my birthday".
The mother is outraged at this, promptly whacks him around the head
twice and says, "Go talk to your father." Off he goes with the football shirt in hand and finds his father.
"Dad?"
"Yes son?"
"I've decided I'm going to be an England supporter and I would like this shirt for my birthday."
The father is outraged and promptly whacks his son around the head 4
times and says: "No son of mine is ever going to be seen in THAT!"
About half an hour later they're all back in the car and heading towards home. The father turns to his son and says;
“Son, I hope you've learned something today?"
The son says, "Yes dad I have."
“Good son, what is it?"
The son replies, “I've only been an England supporter for an hour and already I hate you German B@stards!"
Anyway, as the Germans celebrate and the English prepare for today’s game against the Soca Warriors, here is a great joke which perfectly captures the age-old football rivalry between the 2 nations.
A German family head out one Saturday to do some shopping. While in the sports shop the son picks up an England football shirt and says to his sister, "I've decided to be an England supporter and I would like this for my birthday."
His big sister is outraged by this and promptly whacks him round the
head and says, "Go talk to your mother." So off goes the little lad with the white and red football shirt in hand and finds his mother.
"Mum?"
"Yes son?"
"I've decided I'm going to be an England supporter and I would like this shirt for my birthday".
The mother is outraged at this, promptly whacks him around the head
twice and says, "Go talk to your father." Off he goes with the football shirt in hand and finds his father.
"Dad?"
"Yes son?"
"I've decided I'm going to be an England supporter and I would like this shirt for my birthday."
The father is outraged and promptly whacks his son around the head 4
times and says: "No son of mine is ever going to be seen in THAT!"
About half an hour later they're all back in the car and heading towards home. The father turns to his son and says;
“Son, I hope you've learned something today?"
The son says, "Yes dad I have."
“Good son, what is it?"
The son replies, “I've only been an England supporter for an hour and already I hate you German B@stards!"
Wow! What a blazing start to the competition! From a 6 goal thriller opening match, the World Cup has delighted and entertained so far with every game. 8 games completed already – that 1/8 of the competition over and if the rest of the games are as good, the next few weeks will be a real feast of football.
A big feature of the opening games is that the so-called “underdogs” are not going to be whipping boys. They are taking the game to the big teams and really giving them a fight – as evidenced by the incredible 0-0 draw achieved by the “Soca Warriors” Trinidad and Tobago against Sweden, despite playing half the game with 10 men. Most disappointing team so far – England! Despite all the hype and the fact that they actually won their game, they looked poor and their inability to keep the ball by playing short simple passes will make them come unstuck against the better teams later on.
I’m off now to load up all the results in my World Cup 2006 interactive wall chart. Remember you can download you copy now using the link below.
World Cup 2006 interactive wall chart.
A big feature of the opening games is that the so-called “underdogs” are not going to be whipping boys. They are taking the game to the big teams and really giving them a fight – as evidenced by the incredible 0-0 draw achieved by the “Soca Warriors” Trinidad and Tobago against Sweden, despite playing half the game with 10 men. Most disappointing team so far – England! Despite all the hype and the fact that they actually won their game, they looked poor and their inability to keep the ball by playing short simple passes will make them come unstuck against the better teams later on.
I’m off now to load up all the results in my World Cup 2006 interactive wall chart. Remember you can download you copy now using the link below.
World Cup 2006 interactive wall chart.
Just a few hours to go until the big kick-off to World Cup 2006 in Germany! The first game is Germany vs Costa Rica. This marks a big change in tradition – usually the first game involves the cup holders. FIFA are constantly trying to change the format – for example, this is the first tournament where the holders now have to qualify again. Up until now the holders have had an automatic entry into the finals.
Be interesting to see how Germany perform. German football is in the doldrums at the moment, but they always do well in tournaments (they have reached the final more than any other team) and home advantage is usually good for at least a ¼ final place…
Anyway, the anticipation is building! Got my World Cup 2006 Interactive Wallchart safely installed on my pc and I’ve been playing around with it. It’s amazing! I’ve been using the “what If” feature to develop a strategy for Trinidad and Tobago to win the cup – well, we can always dream…J
Anyway, I’m gonna be tracking the progress of the tournament using the Wallchart. Remember you can grab yourself a copy as well. Just use the link below.
Download your World Cup 2006 Interactive Wallchart here.
World Cup 2006
Be interesting to see how Germany perform. German football is in the doldrums at the moment, but they always do well in tournaments (they have reached the final more than any other team) and home advantage is usually good for at least a ¼ final place…
Anyway, the anticipation is building! Got my World Cup 2006 Interactive Wallchart safely installed on my pc and I’ve been playing around with it. It’s amazing! I’ve been using the “what If” feature to develop a strategy for Trinidad and Tobago to win the cup – well, we can always dream…J
Anyway, I’m gonna be tracking the progress of the tournament using the Wallchart. Remember you can grab yourself a copy as well. Just use the link below.
Download your World Cup 2006 Interactive Wallchart here.
World Cup 2006
World Cup 2006
7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the half-time score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game; hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".
8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.
9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that require my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.
10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.
11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??" the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".
12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards, Men of the World
See Part 1 below!
World Cup 2006
7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the half-time score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game; hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".
8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.
9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that require my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.
10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.
11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch??" the reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".
12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards, Men of the World
See Part 1 below!
World Cup 2006
World Cup 2006
With the World Cup fast approaching and the excitement building, lots of people will be preparing to start tracking the games and the performance of their national – or favorite teams, via wallcharts.
However, if you are planning to use an online wallchart, BEWARE! The experts over at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have warned users about a “Trojan horse” virus that poses as a free wallchart for the soccer World Cup tournament.
To quote from the Sophos site:
“The Troj/Haxdoor-IN Trojan horse has been spammed out to computer users via a link in a message offering a free wallchart for fans who wish to follow their favorite teams in the international football tournament. If PC users are tempted into running the malicious program they risk allowing hackers to gain access to their computer for criminal ends. “
So BEWARE if someone is offering you a free World Cup wallchart, by email. If you want a wallchart, download one from a respected source such as the Fibonacci World Cup 2006 Wallchart, which you can download HERE.
World Cup 2006
With the World Cup fast approaching and the excitement building, lots of people will be preparing to start tracking the games and the performance of their national – or favorite teams, via wallcharts.
However, if you are planning to use an online wallchart, BEWARE! The experts over at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have warned users about a “Trojan horse” virus that poses as a free wallchart for the soccer World Cup tournament.
To quote from the Sophos site:
“The Troj/Haxdoor-IN Trojan horse has been spammed out to computer users via a link in a message offering a free wallchart for fans who wish to follow their favorite teams in the international football tournament. If PC users are tempted into running the malicious program they risk allowing hackers to gain access to their computer for criminal ends. “
So BEWARE if someone is offering you a free World Cup wallchart, by email. If you want a wallchart, download one from a respected source such as the Fibonacci World Cup 2006 Wallchart, which you can download HERE.
World Cup 2006
World Cup 2006
Extremely important advice and recommendations to be passed on to wives, girlfriends, fiancées, mothers, sisters, daughters, etc. (to all women of this world).
These rules are to be communicated prior to the World Cup in June/July this year...
List of Rules:
1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.
2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).
3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won't have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.
4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.
5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.
6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a
break up or divorce.
Be here tomorrow for rules 7 -12!
Download your World Cup 2006 Online Wallchart
Extremely important advice and recommendations to be passed on to wives, girlfriends, fiancées, mothers, sisters, daughters, etc. (to all women of this world).
These rules are to be communicated prior to the World Cup in June/July this year...
List of Rules:
1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.
2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).
3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won't have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.
4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.
5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.
6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a
break up or divorce.
Be here tomorrow for rules 7 -12!
Download your World Cup 2006 Online Wallchart
World Cup 2006
So far, The World Cup Soccer tournament has been played 17 times, but seven nations have ever won the World Cup Finals. Brazil is the current holder, as well as the most successful World Cup team, having won the tournament five times, while Germany and Italy follow with three titles each.
Uruguay and Argentina have won twice each and France and England have won once.
Strangely, despite having won so many times, Brazil are the only winners who have never won it at home. In the 1950 World Cup, hosted by Brazil, they went into their final match against Uruguay needing only a draw to win the cup (the tournament had a league format at the time). Despite leading the game with 20 minutes left, they let in 2 soft goals and lost the game and the cup to Uruguay. It was this traumatic loss which led to a massive shake up in Brazilian soccer which has led to them becoming a dominant force in the world game. As holders, they also go into World Cup 2006 once again as favourites..
Brazil are also the only team to have appeared in all 17 tournaments. Their 1970 winning team is regarded as the finest national team ever seen and their 1982 team is known as "The greatest team never to win the World Cup."
Track the fortunes of Brazil and the other 31 teams using the fantastic World Cup 2006 Online Wallchart.
World Cup 2006
So far, The World Cup Soccer tournament has been played 17 times, but seven nations have ever won the World Cup Finals. Brazil is the current holder, as well as the most successful World Cup team, having won the tournament five times, while Germany and Italy follow with three titles each.
Uruguay and Argentina have won twice each and France and England have won once.
Strangely, despite having won so many times, Brazil are the only winners who have never won it at home. In the 1950 World Cup, hosted by Brazil, they went into their final match against Uruguay needing only a draw to win the cup (the tournament had a league format at the time). Despite leading the game with 20 minutes left, they let in 2 soft goals and lost the game and the cup to Uruguay. It was this traumatic loss which led to a massive shake up in Brazilian soccer which has led to them becoming a dominant force in the world game. As holders, they also go into World Cup 2006 once again as favourites..
Brazil are also the only team to have appeared in all 17 tournaments. Their 1970 winning team is regarded as the finest national team ever seen and their 1982 team is known as "The greatest team never to win the World Cup."
Track the fortunes of Brazil and the other 31 teams using the fantastic World Cup 2006 Online Wallchart.
World Cup 2006
World Cup 2006
“The finest online wallchart.” FHM.com
“A marvellous invention," FourFourTwo
"This team drags ancient tradition into the 21st century..." Web User
Well, that's what they say - but, despite the very positive reviews from these publications, I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t expecting much from this Wallchart, except just an onscreen version of the usual newspaper or magazine wallchart. But I have to say, I LOVE IT!
The Fibonacci World Cup 2006 Wall Chart was invented by a small software house in time for the 2002 World Cup. They had an amazing 25,000 downloads – pre-broadband!
So what’s the 2006 version like? New, improved and brilliantly updated. The World Cup Wall Chart is basically an interactive, electronic version of traditional paper wallcharts that have been so popular for decades. But to call it a wallchart is really doing it a disservice – its soooo much more. It’s actually a brilliant piece of interactive software, with which you can:
· Keep track of all the scores, or just click to download them.
· Record all the goals scored and penalties taken.
· Get the groups automatically updated
· Get the winners automatically progressed to the next stage
· Set up your own “What if” scenarios
· Get ALL the info on the teams and venues, including web links.
· Check out an overwhelming amount of stats, which you can customize to suit yourself
· Even play a built-in game that is cleverly hidden in the chart!
· Organise your office or club sweepstakes. The chart will keep track of who has paid and who hasn’t!
And much, much more…
I’ve got to say that this compares to the usual newspaper wallcharts, like a Ferrari F360 compares to a horse and cart. As we get closer to the start of the World Cup, all the newspapers will be releasing their gimmicky World Cup wallcharts, and usually, I would be one of the first to pin one up on my work desk, use it to organize the office sweepstake and then painstakingly fill it out after every game. But to be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to take them seriously again!!
The Guardian newspaper – not exactly the most excitable publication - sums up this great little piece of software brilliantly when it said about the original version; "It's not quite as thrilling as shouting yourself hoarse on the terraces, or as moving as feeling the blazing oriental sun drying the inevitable tears of disappointment as they cascade down your face, but its the next best thing."
Download your copy of the Fibonacci Online World Cup 2006 Wall Chart HERE.
World Cup 2006
“The finest online wallchart.” FHM.com
“A marvellous invention," FourFourTwo
"This team drags ancient tradition into the 21st century..." Web User
Well, that's what they say - but, despite the very positive reviews from these publications, I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t expecting much from this Wallchart, except just an onscreen version of the usual newspaper or magazine wallchart. But I have to say, I LOVE IT!
The Fibonacci World Cup 2006 Wall Chart was invented by a small software house in time for the 2002 World Cup. They had an amazing 25,000 downloads – pre-broadband!
So what’s the 2006 version like? New, improved and brilliantly updated. The World Cup Wall Chart is basically an interactive, electronic version of traditional paper wallcharts that have been so popular for decades. But to call it a wallchart is really doing it a disservice – its soooo much more. It’s actually a brilliant piece of interactive software, with which you can:
· Keep track of all the scores, or just click to download them.
· Record all the goals scored and penalties taken.
· Get the groups automatically updated
· Get the winners automatically progressed to the next stage
· Set up your own “What if” scenarios
· Get ALL the info on the teams and venues, including web links.
· Check out an overwhelming amount of stats, which you can customize to suit yourself
· Even play a built-in game that is cleverly hidden in the chart!
· Organise your office or club sweepstakes. The chart will keep track of who has paid and who hasn’t!
And much, much more…
I’ve got to say that this compares to the usual newspaper wallcharts, like a Ferrari F360 compares to a horse and cart. As we get closer to the start of the World Cup, all the newspapers will be releasing their gimmicky World Cup wallcharts, and usually, I would be one of the first to pin one up on my work desk, use it to organize the office sweepstake and then painstakingly fill it out after every game. But to be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to take them seriously again!!
The Guardian newspaper – not exactly the most excitable publication - sums up this great little piece of software brilliantly when it said about the original version; "It's not quite as thrilling as shouting yourself hoarse on the terraces, or as moving as feeling the blazing oriental sun drying the inevitable tears of disappointment as they cascade down your face, but its the next best thing."
Download your copy of the Fibonacci Online World Cup 2006 Wall Chart HERE.
World Cup 2006
World Cup 2006
The World Cup 2006 Soccer tournament starts on 9 June 2006 in Munich, Germany. The first game will be between the host nation and Costa Rica.
The tournament will end with the 64th game – the final – on 9th July in Berlin.
This truly is a global tournament, with 14 teams from Europe, 4 teams from North/Central America and the Caribbean, 4 teams from South America, 5 teams from Africa, 4 teams from Asia and 1 team from Oceania. All teams have had to qualify for the tournament, except the hosts Germany. This is the first time in the long history of the World Cup that the holders have also had to qualify.
The holders are, of course, Brazil, who have appeared in the last 3 World Cup Finals, winning 2 of them. They also are – by far – the strongest soccer nation in the World, having won 5 tournaments in all, 2 more than the nation with the second-best record, Germany. Brazil are the acknowledged masters of the game, playing the most beautiful soccer in the world. They enter this tournament as one of the favorites, although the law of averages suggest that they will struggle to win the World Cup 2006 competition for the 3rd time in the 4 attempts.
The full list of the 32 teams taking part in the Word Cup 2006 Soccer tournament is as follows:
World Cup 2006 Group A
Germany, Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador
World Cup 2006 Group B
England, Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden
World Cup 2006 Group C
Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro, Holland
World Cup 2006 Group D
Mexico, Iran, Angola, Portugal
World Cup 2006 Group E
Italy, Ghana, United States, Czech Republic
World Cup 2006 Group F
Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan
World Cup 2006 Group G
France, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Togo
World Cup 2006 Group H
Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Stage 1 of the tournament takes place between 9th and 23rd June, during which each team plays the other group members once.
The top 2 teams then qualify for the knock-out stage 2, in which the Winners of Group A, play the Runners-up in Group B and vice-versa. Similarly;
Group C is paired with Group D,
Group E is paired with Group F and
Group G is paired with Group H.
These 8 matches take place (2 per day) between 24th and 27th June. The winners then go into the Quarter Finals, which pairs up the winners of the games involving;
Groups A – D in 2 games and
Groups E – H in 2 games.
The four Quarter Final games take place on 30th June and 1st July. The winners go through to the Semi-Finals which take place on 4th and 5th July.
The unfortunate losers of the Semi-Finals (probably the worst game to lose) then play in a third-place play-off (probably the worst game to play in!) on 8th July, whilst the winners go through to the big one - the final – on 9th July.
32 Teams, 64 games, 1 trophy – the greatest tournament in the world!
World Cup 2006
The World Cup 2006 Soccer tournament starts on 9 June 2006 in Munich, Germany. The first game will be between the host nation and Costa Rica.
The tournament will end with the 64th game – the final – on 9th July in Berlin.
This truly is a global tournament, with 14 teams from Europe, 4 teams from North/Central America and the Caribbean, 4 teams from South America, 5 teams from Africa, 4 teams from Asia and 1 team from Oceania. All teams have had to qualify for the tournament, except the hosts Germany. This is the first time in the long history of the World Cup that the holders have also had to qualify.
The holders are, of course, Brazil, who have appeared in the last 3 World Cup Finals, winning 2 of them. They also are – by far – the strongest soccer nation in the World, having won 5 tournaments in all, 2 more than the nation with the second-best record, Germany. Brazil are the acknowledged masters of the game, playing the most beautiful soccer in the world. They enter this tournament as one of the favorites, although the law of averages suggest that they will struggle to win the World Cup 2006 competition for the 3rd time in the 4 attempts.
The full list of the 32 teams taking part in the Word Cup 2006 Soccer tournament is as follows:
World Cup 2006 Group A
Germany, Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador
World Cup 2006 Group B
England, Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, Sweden
World Cup 2006 Group C
Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro, Holland
World Cup 2006 Group D
Mexico, Iran, Angola, Portugal
World Cup 2006 Group E
Italy, Ghana, United States, Czech Republic
World Cup 2006 Group F
Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan
World Cup 2006 Group G
France, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Togo
World Cup 2006 Group H
Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Stage 1 of the tournament takes place between 9th and 23rd June, during which each team plays the other group members once.
The top 2 teams then qualify for the knock-out stage 2, in which the Winners of Group A, play the Runners-up in Group B and vice-versa. Similarly;
Group C is paired with Group D,
Group E is paired with Group F and
Group G is paired with Group H.
These 8 matches take place (2 per day) between 24th and 27th June. The winners then go into the Quarter Finals, which pairs up the winners of the games involving;
Groups A – D in 2 games and
Groups E – H in 2 games.
The four Quarter Final games take place on 30th June and 1st July. The winners go through to the Semi-Finals which take place on 4th and 5th July.
The unfortunate losers of the Semi-Finals (probably the worst game to lose) then play in a third-place play-off (probably the worst game to play in!) on 8th July, whilst the winners go through to the big one - the final – on 9th July.
32 Teams, 64 games, 1 trophy – the greatest tournament in the world!
World Cup 2006
World Cup 2006
This is a new blog – all about the World Cup 2006. Also check out my other blogs at:
http://bbc-football.blogspot.com/
http://fifa-world-cup-news.blogspot.com
http://fifa-world-cup2006.blogspot.com
http://talk-soccer.blogspot.com/
http://world-cup-news.blogspot.com
http://world-cup-soccer-news.blogspot.com
World Cup 2006
This is a new blog – all about the World Cup 2006. Also check out my other blogs at:
http://bbc-football.blogspot.com/
http://fifa-world-cup-news.blogspot.com
http://fifa-world-cup2006.blogspot.com
http://talk-soccer.blogspot.com/
http://world-cup-news.blogspot.com
http://world-cup-soccer-news.blogspot.com
World Cup 2006
Welcome to my World Cup 2006 blog. Not long to go now! Book mark this page and come back for recular updates on the World Cup 2006.