WORLD CUP 2002 AND 2006 REVIEWS!

JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA 2002

The first World Cup of the new millenium took us into unchartered waters in terms of World Cup location - for the first time, the greatest show on earth pitched up in Asia, in Japan and South Korea to be more precise. And what we witnessed was a truly wonderful spectacle, brilliant supported by the fanatical Asians. It did hope that one of the hosts came within touching distance of the final (helped by some generous refereeing of course.) There was the ultimate redemption for Ronaldo, the star of the tournament, and to some extent, David Beckham. As a football fan growing up, and in the middle of taking his GCSEs, it was certainly strange having all the action finished by 2.30 in the afternoon, due to the time difference. For the slightly older supporters, this just gave them longer to drink their town dry, either celebrating and commiserating. As always, there were some surprise omissions from the final 32 teams - none more so than Holland, who were beaten by a strong Republic of Ireland side in qualifying. England topped their group ahead of Germany, thanks to a slightly famous 5-1 win in Munich, and a hat-trick from Michael Owen. China, Ecuador, Senegal and Slovenia were newcomers to the big event, and one of those teams ensured the proceedings were to start with a bang. France kicked off the World Cup against Senegal, surprisingingly early on 31st May due to the rainy season in the Far East. The World Champions started with a swagger. This was to last just half an hour before Papa Bouba 'The Wardrobe' Diop converted El Hadji Diouf's cross from the left. France's ageing squad had no reply. All of the starting 11 had been winners four years previously. Maybe there can be too much 'experience' sometimes. Denmark topped the group thanks to the goals of impressive Newcastle flop Jon Dahl Tomasson, while Liverpool fans saw what they could look forward to when new signing Salif Diao scored a brilliant goal before being sent-off in their draw with Denmark. France exited in embarassment, not scoring a goal and only gaining one point. Senegal scraped through to join Denmark in the last 16, but only just. Three first half goals in their final game against Uruguay, looked like giving them their passage through to the next round, maybe even as group winners. But the South American stormed back in the second half, partly thanks to a brilliant volley from Manchester United's Diego Forlan, and an Alvaro Recoba penalty made it 3-3. With the game heading into stoppage time, Senegal's keeper spilled another Forlan long-range effort, and as the ball dropped for Richard Morales, Forlan's fellow sub could only head wide of a gaping goal, and Senegal held on. In group B, Spain lay some of their personal demons to rest by dominating, scoring three goals in each of their games. Raul and Fernando Morientes were among the goals. The second spot was a close run battle between Paraguay and South Africa. The former just pipped the latter, courtesy of having scored one more goal. It was that close. Until Nelson Cuevas put Paraguay 3-1 up in their final game against Slovenia, South Africa were qualifying for the knock-out stages for the first time. The next group was dominated by Brazil, but only after Rivaldo had won and scored a hugely contentious penalty to help his team come from behind to beat Turkey. Everyone beat China, and when Turkey drew with Costa Rica, it became clear it would come down to goal difference between the two. Thankfully for the Turks, there was no let up from the awesome Brazilians, as they thrashed Costa Rica 5-2, including a distinctly un-defender like goal from Edmilson, which was something to behold. Brazil and Turkey would meet again very soon. Ronaldo also scored four goals in the group games, showing he was back to his best following an injury plagued four years starting with the World Cup final in 1998. Group D sprung a major surprise - Euro 2000 semi-finalists Portugal were eliminating in what looked like a reasonable group. They weren't helped by being 3-0 down against the USA after 36 minutes of their first game, a deficit they couldn't recover. The co-hosts South Korea also won their opening game, 2-0 against Poland, ensuring there was a real festival atmosphere surrounding the tournament. A Pauleta hat-trick eliminated Poland, while Korea and USA shared the spoils, meaning it would all hinge on a decisive final day. The Poles regained some pride, surprisingly beat USA. But the US were done a massive favour from the Koreans, who would have qualified regardless of their result thanks to Poland's win. They beat Portugal 1-0, with Park ji-Sung getting the decisive goal, meaning the highly fancied Portuguese were sent packing. Germany qualified comfortably from the next group, helped in part by an 8-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a hat-trick from Miroslav Klose. They were held by the Irish, though, with an injury-time equaliser from Robbie Keane. The Irish had drawn with Cameroon thanks to a splendid strike from 'Irishman' Matt Holland, meaning a win over the Saudi's would probably send them through, who had only been beaten 1-0 by Cameroon. Goald from Keane, Gary Breen and Damien Duff meant they obliged. After the tournament started so shambolically with an argument between Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane, the Irish could now look forward to a second round meeting with Spain. Group F was the proverbial 'Group of Death' - and it featured England. They got off to a shaky start in their opening game, taking the lead against Sweden with a Sol Campbell header before wilting in the heat, allowing Nicklas Alexandersson to equalise for the Swedes. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0, so England needed something from their encounter with the old enemy. And boy, did they get it. A dour match was settled by a David Beckham penalty just before half-time, after a Pochettino foul on Owen. It was the ultimate redemption for Beckham, after what happened in France four years earlier. England drew 0-0 with Nigeria to progress, while Argentina followed Portugal and France in crashing out, a Hernan Crespo rebound from a saved penalty not enough for them to avoid their fate. Mexico were one of the surprises of the group phase, beating the 1998 bronze medalists Croatia thanks to a Blanco penalty, and earning a credible draw with Italy, with a marvellous back-headed goal from striker Jared Borgetti. Italy qualified despite losing to Croatia, who came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to some questionable refereeing from England's Graham Poll, as Croatia then proceeded to lose to already eliminated Ecaudor. Japan joined their co-hosts in the last 16, with Junichi Inamoto their star player in topping group H. Belgium joined them in advancing, thanks to late goals against Russia from Marc Wilmots and Wesley Sonck. The knock-out stages got off to a dour start, with Germany beating Paraguay in a desperately poor game via an 88th minute Oliver Neuville winner. England benefitted from some generous defending (and goalkeeping) to beat Denmark 3-0 with goals from Rio Ferdinand, Owen and Emile Heskey. Senegal continued their fairytale run, overcoming an early Henrik Larsson goal for Sweden to triumph 2-1 on the golden goal. Henri Camara was their hero with both goals, showing form none of his seven British clubs has seen in the intervening period. Ireland fell desperately short in their battle with Spain, losing on penalties having equalised through a 90th minute penalty from Robbie Keane to take the match to extra-time (and this after Ian Harte had missed another penalty in normal time!) Holland, David Connelly and Kevin Kilbane were the villains of the piece, leaving Gaizka Mendieta to win it for Spain. USA sprung another surprise in the all-Central American clash, with goals from star players Brian McBride and Landon Donavon securing a 2-0 win against Mexico. Brazil won by the same scoreline against Belgium, with Ronaldo and Rivaldo again on the scoresheet. But this was only after Marc Wilmots had a goal controversially ruled out for Belgium with the score at 0-0. This continued the theme of what can be politely be termed 'questionable' officiating at this World Cup. Turkey ended Japan's fairytale run with a narrow 1-0 win, but the biggest upset of the round came in the final game. South Korea knocked out the highly fancied Italians, 2-1 with a golden goal in extra-time. Christian Vieri's early header looked like being enough for Italy to progress, but some favourable decisions for the hosts, and some poor finishing from Vieri, allowed Seol ki-Hyeon to equalise with two minutes to go. Ahn Jung-Hwnag won it for the Koreans in the 117th minute, after Francesco Totti had been controversially sent-off. Ahn was informed by his club president at Perugia that he'd never play for the club again, a threat that was quickly retracted. But the favourable refereeing was not over for the hosts. In the quarters, it was the turn of Germany to have their share of good luck. A string of fine saves from Oliver Kahn kept the Americans at bay, and when they did beat him, there was a clear handball from Torsten Frings on the line, but no penalty, or a subsequent red card, were given. No matter, Michael Ballack scored the only goal and the Germans were into another semi-final. England's run came to an end at the hands of Brazil. It had seemed so promising when Michael Owen pounced on a mistake by Lucio, but they were undone either side of half-time. Going into first-half stoppage time, David Beckham jumped out of a tackle, probabl worrying about the dreaded metartarsal, and thinking the ball would go out of play. He lost the ball, Brazil swept upfield and within seconds Rivaldo curled a sumptuous finish into the corner of the net. Five minutes into the second-half, it was game over. Ronaldinho had a free-kick out on the touchline, about 45 yards from goal. He claims he meant to shoot, but that's a hard claim to believe. No matter, David Seamen got lost under the flight of the ball, and England couldn't find a way back, despite Ronaldinho receiving his marching orders just five minutes later. South Korea's good fortune continued as they did for Spain, the biggest example being in extra-time, when Joaquin crossed from the by-line and Ruben Baraja headed in for what would have been the golden goal. The flag was up though, as the linesman suggested the ball had gone out before Joaquin crossed it. It hadn't, and wasn't even close. In a twist of fate, Joaquin missed the decisive penalty, and even then the Korean keeper Lee woon-Jae was almost on his six yard line when he made the save. In the last quarter-final, it was a battle of two unfancied teams in uncharted waters. Turkey won with a 94th minute golden goal from sub Ilhan Mansiz, and made their unlikely progress into the semis. As well as being in Asia for the first time, this tournament truly was a 'World' Cup. And there reason for this is because teams from all the major continents - Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe and South America - were represented in the quarter-finals. The semi-finals went to form. Michael Ballack's goal defeated the plucky hosts - despite Germany's talisman being booked five minutes previously meaning he'd miss the final. Paul Gascoigne should take notes on how a talisman should react. Brazil beat Turkey 1-0 in a repeat of their group game, with another special goal from Ronaldo. So to the final, and there was really only going to be one winner. This World Cup had Ronaldo's name written all over it. Oliver Kahn had been by far the best keeper in the tournament, but he faltered when it mattered most. After 67 minutes, Rivaldo's tame long-range effort was spilled right into the path of Ronaldo, who made no mistake. His second with ten minutes to go was altogether more aesthetically pleasing, side-footing in from the edge of the area following a sparkling passing move. It could have all been very different had Oliver Neuville's free-kick not hit the post with the score at 0-0. But Brazil were worthy champions, and for Ronaldo, it was the ultimate personal redemption.

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - RONALDO

After the controversy surrounding his inclusion in the 1998 World Cup final, and his injury problems which followed. He scored eight goals in finishing as top scorer, with some brilliant efforts including the semi-final winner against Turkey and his second goal in the final. Only England prevented him from scoring. This was far from a one man effort - Rivaldo and Ronaldinho more than contributed, while Brazil were surprisingly strong at the back, thanks to Lucio and Edmilson, conceding just four goals in the seven games. But Ronaldo was the undoubted star, and rightly so.

GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - EDMILSON

There was nothing riding on the game (for Brazil at least) and it was by no means the most important goal of the tournament. But it is goal of the tournament in my eyes, for its technical brilliance and the fact it was scored by a defender. Edmilson started the move, bringing the ball out of defence, and just kept going. When the ball came to him in the penalty area, he swivelled and scored with a gorgeous scissor-kick, the ball sailing into the top corner. The funny thing is, it could easily have been his fellow centre-back Lucio, who was also adept at getting forward.

CONTROVERSY OF THE TOURNAMENT - SOUTH KOREA'S FAVOURABLE REFEREEING

The success of one of the Asian hosts, with the tournament on their continent for the first time, was a remarkable story. But it would not have been possible without some seriously dodgy refereeing on their behalf. They gained some fortune in the group stages, but they really lucked out when it got to the second round. To say they knocked out Italy and Spain in consecutive matches tells only half the story. There were disallowed goals, strange sendings-off, and fortuitous penalty saves. Guus Hiddink had built a team based on work-rate, spirit and a never-say-die-attitude, which gave their opponents hell. But the 12th man was not the crowd - it was the referees.

A TOURNAMENT OF UPSETS

As mentioned earlier, this was the first tournament where countries from all five of the main confederations reached the quarter-finals. If you had said before the tournament that Senegal, USA, South Korea and Turkey would have made the last eight, you would have been sectioned. But maybe this was not a surprise given the growing nature of the world game, and the influx of players from other continents into the big European league. And for those playing on other continents or in smaller leagues in Europe, the World Cup is the best possible shop window.

CELEBRATION OF THE TOURNAMENT - JULIUS AGHAHOWA

He scored the only goal of Nigeria's tournament, in defeat to Sweden. But he deserves an honourary mention for his extraordinary celebration. What followed his back-header was a series of back-flips that certainly made me dizzy while I was watching at home. What a shame his footballing ability has never reached it's full potential like his gymnastics skills have.

PADDY OF THE TOURNAMENT - ROY KEANE

The Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain ruined his last chance to play on the world's biggest stage, as he threw his toys out of the pram when stating his disappointment at the supposedly poor training facilities. This led to an extraordinary spat with manager Mick McCarthy, and Keane was soon on the plan home from the training base in Saipan. But the Irish impressed regardless, only going out to Spain on penalties, and Keane'e replacement Matt Holland was one of the surprises of the tournament.

MASCOT - ATO, KAZ AND NIK (THE SPHERICS)

Orange, purple and blue (respectively) futuristic, computer-generated creatures. Collectively members of a team of "Atmoball" (a fictional football-like sport), Ato is the coach while Kaz and Nik are players. The three individual names were selected from shortlists by users on the Internet and at McDonald's outlets in the host countries. Only the Japanese could have come up with the footballing version of Pokemon!


GERMANY 2006

The last World Cup saw us return to more traditional surroundings, heading to three times winners Germany. And there was certainly some spectacular football played, as well as the odd surprise here and there. While there was not the shock fest we saw in Japan and South Korea, the likes of Australia, Ecuador, Ghana and especially Ukraine can be more than pleased with their work. A record eight nations qualified for the first time, although technically, three of these were created by the upheaval in Europe in the late 1980s/early 1990s - Czech Republic, Serbia and Montenegro and Ukraine. The others were four of the African qualifiers - Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo, meaning established participants such as Cameroon, Nigeria and Tunisia missed out. The other was Trinidad and Tobago. Notable absentees were Denmark, Russia, Turkey and twice winners Uruguay. For the first time ever the holders were forced to qualify, meaning the hosts (Germany) kicked off the tournament instead. The 2006 tournament was also notable for the golden goal being scraped for the first international tournament since 1994. There was some controversy surrounding the balls, as there often seems to be in the modern game, and this was evident at the tournament got under way in thrilling style. Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2, with Philip Lahm scoring an early contender for goal of the tournament in the sixth minute with a thumping long-range effort from the full-back. Two goals from former Derby, West Ham and Man City striker Paulo Wanchope were in vain, as Torsten Frings scored another screamer to clinch the win. The Germans qualified comfortably, despite a shaky build-up, and were joined by Ecuador, who beat Costa Rica and Poland to finish second. England won group B in unconvincing fashion. An early own goal was enough to beat Paraguay, before late goals from Liverpool's Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard helped England avoid embarassment against Trinidad and Tobago. A draw in their final game against Sweden, lit up by a sparkling volley from Joe Cole, ensured England topped the group, and they were joined in the last 16 by the Swedes. Group C was termed the 'Group of Death', as there seems to be every tournament. But it was not to be, as the favourites Argentina and Holland qualified comfortably, while the underdogs Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro never really challenged. The Africans lost narrowly to the Argentines and the Dutch despite a plucky effort in both games, Didier Drogba not quite being able to galvinise his troops. The Serbs were dumped out unceremoniously by Argentina, being thumped 6-0 with five different scorers - two from Maxi Rodriguez, and one apiece from Esteban Cambiasso, Hernan Crespo, Carlos Tevez and an incredibly young Lionel Messi. The goal from Cambiasso, in particular, was one to behold, featuring almost every outfield player before being well finished by the midfielder. The top two then played out a 0-0 draw, meaning the South Americans obviously topped the group on goal difference. And the Ivory Coast won their first ever World Cup match, coming from 2-0 to beat Serbia and Montenegro 3-2, with two goals from Aruna Dindane and one from Bonaventure Kalou. It was the latter's final international before the break up of the country. Portugal laid to rest their ghosts of 2002 by cruising through group D, winning all three matches, while Mexico joined them in the knock out stages, for the fourth tournament in a row, finishing slightly ahead of Angola by virtue of the Africans inability to beat Iran, which Mexico did in their opening match. Italy looked in good form, coming out of a potentially difficult group with two wins and a draw, only conceding the one goal, an own goal from Cristian Zaccardo in the draw with USA. This despite the Americans finishing with nine men, although the Italians themselves didn't finish with their full complement, Daniele de Rossi being sent off for a ghastly headbutt on USA striker Brian McBride. The tournament had started well for Euro 2004 semi-finalists Czech Republic, beating USA 3-0 with a goal from Jan Koller and two brilliant strikes from Tomas Rosicky. But their lack of strength in depth was highlighted when Koller was injured at half-time in that game, and defeats to Ghana and Italy sealed their fate. Ghana were especially impressive, despite their opening loss to Italy. They were strong going forward with players like Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari, and this helped them to wins over Czech Republic and USA which helped them progress. Italy's last game saw the introduction of Marco Matterazi for the injured Alessandro Nesta - he would prove himself the ultimate pantomine anti-hero. Champions Brazil likewise qualified comfortably, winning three out of three, but they were showing signs of ageing - the brilliant Kaka aside. Australia came behind to win their opening game against Japan, courtesy of two late goals from their super-sub, Everton's Tim Cahill. When Croatia were held by the Asians, this left Australia needing just a point to progress. They twice came from behind to achieve their aim, Liverpool's injury prone winger Harry Kewell scoring the decisive goal ten minutes from time. This success was extra-special for a number of the Australian players, as many had Croatian roots - these included keeper Zeljko Kalac, Mile Sterjovski and Mark Viduka. The match was notable for Graham Poll bringing a premature end to his career as an international referee, as he gave Croatian defender Josip Simunic not one, not two, but three yellow cards before producing a red! And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Swtizerland and France qualified from a dour group G, where goals were hard to come by. When France drew 0-0 with the Swiss and were held by South Korea thanks to a late equaliser from Park ji-Sung, there was the horrifying prospect of a repeat of 2002. But France beat minnows Togo with second-half goals from legends Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, while the Swiss held up their end of the bargain by beating the Koreans by the same scoreline. In the final group, Spain looked in ominous form, mainly thanks to the form of striker partnership David Villa and Fernando Torres, who were among the goals. Veteran Raul also got in on the act. Ukraine qualified for the second round in their first World Cup, taking advantage of the weaker opponents in their group Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, depsite losing 4-0 to Spain. As the knock-out stages got underway, the hosts appeared to be clicking into geat, with coach Jurgen Klinsmann's brand of attacking football. Two early goals from Lukas Podolski did for Sweden. The next game saw one of the matches of the tournament - South vs Central America, Argentina vs Mexico. The unheralded Mexicans gave their opponents an almighty scare, captain Rafael Marquez heading them into a sixth minute lead, before Crespo equalised four minutes later. There were plenty of chances for either side, until Maxi scored with a stunning volley in the ninth minute of extra-time. A fitting end to a marvellous game. England booked their place in the quarter-finals with another dodgy performance, a David Beckham free-kick enough to see off the unfancied Ecuador. Their opponents would be recent rivals Portugal, and Sven Goran Eriksson would have another chance to pit his wits against Luis Felipe Scolari. Portugal beat Holland, with Maniche scoring the only goal. In a game which could have been great, with talent like Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo on show, it could have been remembered for all the right reasons. It was not. The match descended into farce, with both teams reduced to nine men - Costinha, Deco, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Khalid Boulahrouz all enjoyed an early bath. Australia almost upset one of the favourites Italy, and with a little more luck, they just may have. Materazzi was sent off for the Italians, but Australia could not take advantage, despite Tim Cahill missing some good chances. And in the fifth minute of injury-time, Lucas Neill was alleged to have brought down Italy's left-back Fabio Grosso by the Spanish referee, for a controversial penalty. Francesco Totti kept his cool to dash the Socceroos hopes. Switzerland gained the unwanted record of being the first team to be knocked out of the World Cup without conceding a goal, their 0-0 draw with Ukraine being followed by a 3-0 penalty shoot-out defeat. No-one was too disapponted though, as their lack of invention and cutting edge made them dour to watch, and this apparently even extended to penalties! Brazil showed that nous and experience were still important, as they defeated a spirited Ghana side, who let their inexperience show. When Ronaldo scored in the fifth minute, he claimed the record of most goals in World Cup's ever, with his fifteenth goal spanning three World Cup's. The last second round match was probably the best of the lot. Spain were favourites, having been excellent in the group phase, while France had struggle through. A penalty from David Villa seemed to cement this status, but Franck Ribery, the young wildcard in an ageing French squad, scored with a finely timed run and finish, to equalise before half-time. The sucker punch came in the 82nd minute, when Vieira crept behind the back of the previously unflappable Spanish defence to head the winner. The veteran Zinedine Zidane scored in stoppage time to clinch the win. The first quarter-final was another quality game. Argentina scored just after half-time through a Roberto Ayala header, but they proved they had peaked too early when Miroslav Klose continued his excellent World Cup record with a late header. And so to extra-time and penalties, where Ayala and Cambiasso fluffed their lines, and the Germans never miss penalties! Italy easily beat an average Ukraine 3-0, for whom Andriy Shevchenko was past his best, with goals from Gianluca Zambrotta and two from Luca Toni. England agains showed their penalty shoot-out frailties. And against Portugal again! The match was overshadowed by the sending-off of Wayne Rooney, for stomping on the groin of old Chelsea adversary Ricardo Carvalho. The role fo his Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, the great winker, was also key in this. And so England had another boo-boy for when the new season started. This meant the best England could hope for was penalties. And when they got there, Frank Lampard, Gerrard and Jamie Carragher joined the names of Stuart Pearce, Chris Waddle, Gareth Southgate, Paul Ince, David Batty, David Beckham and Darius Vassell in missing penalties in England major championships penalty shoot out defeats. France beat an ageing Brazil in the last quarter-final, a repeat of the 1998 World Cup final, thanks to a second-half goal Henry goal. The first semi-final was one of the greatest matches in World Cup history. And for much of it, despite it being end-to-end, chance after chance. With two minutes left of extra-time, Italy made the breakthrough to break home hearts. With the game seemingly destined for penalties, Andrea Pirlo picked up the ball just outside a crowded penalty area. He played a gorgeous reverse pass for left-back Fabio Grosso, popping up on the right side of the area. He proceeded to curl a brilliant effort around the faultless Oliver Kahn. His celebration, showing pure emotion as he rushed to the bench in tears, brought back memories of the last time Italy won the World Cup, with a flashback to a similar look on Marco Tardelli's face when he scored in the final. Alessandro del Piero sealed their passage into the final in injury-time. France defied everyone's expectaions of them by reaching the final, a Zidane penalty enough to beat Portugal in a game which failed to live up to the first semi. In the final, then, it was an all European affair for the first time since 1982. This was not surprising, as all the semi-finalists had been European, also for the first time since 1982. The final saw Italy win their fourth title, and first since 1982. But the final was really about two players - Zinedine Zidane and Marco Materazzi. Zidane gave France the lead with a penalty atfer seven minutes, before Materazzi equalised with a headed 12 minutes later. Chances were few and far between, with Luca Toni hitting the crossbar and having a goal disallowed, and France having a second possible penalty appeal denied for a foul by Zambrotta on Florent Malouda. So the match went to extra-time, where the game would hinge on two key moments. Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon made a brilliant safe from a Zidane header, who, moments later, was sent off for an incredibly stupid headbutt on Materazzi. This was his final action on a football pitch before he retired, and what a sour end it was. So the match went to penalties, the second World Cup final to do so after Italy lost to Brazil in 1994. But this time, Italy would come out on the right side. In another twist of fate, the only penalty was missed by David Trezeguet, the player who scored the extra-time, golden goal win against Italy in the Euro 2000 final, leaving Fabio Grosso to win the World Cup, ending his brilliant World Cup in glorious fashion. He wasn't going to miss. In a World Cup where there wasn't much between the best teams, and only one of the games from the quart-finals onwards was settled by more than a goal, it is perhaps no surprise. Italy were worthy winners. They were the best collective group of players, despite not having a prolific striker, and showed great resolve to overcome the match-fixing scandal engulfing the domestic game back in Italy. And they had a brilliant leader in Fabio Cannavaro.

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - FABIO CANNAVARO

In a tournament where there were no outstanding attackings or strikers when it really mattered, the choice of Fabio Cannavaro is hardly surprising. He held Italy together, where his central defensive partner changed from Nesta to Materazzi to Andrea Barzagli and back to Materazzi, and Cannavaro was never flustered. The only two goals Italy conceded in the tournament were an own goal and a penalty, and Cannavaro was imperious, a rock at the back, with great positioning and decision making. He would be named World PLayer of the Year for 2006 at the end of the year. And all this despite the Calciopoli scandal which had rocked Italian football. A great leader.

GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT - ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO

Probably one of the best team goals of all time. Every Argentine outfield player touched the ball in a 24 pass move - except for Roberto Ayala - before Cambiasso smashed the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the area. Argentina definitely peaked too soon in Germany - but when they were on form, boy they were on form.

CONTROVERSY OF THE TOURNAMENT - CRISTIANO RONALDO'S WINK

The Manchester United winger ensured himself a frosty reception when the new season started when he was involved in Wayne Rooney's sending-off. His wink was unnecessary, and Rooney may have been sent-off anyway for the stamp on Carvalho. But Ronaldo hardly helped matters, or his reputation as employing underhand tactics in England. And guess who scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out before celebrating wildly? As if you needed to!

GAFFE OF THE TOURNAMENT - ZIDANE'S HEADBUTT

For a glorious career, where he won every team, national, and personal honour going, this really was an inglorious end to a fabulous career. As the last act on a football pitch, it was a heartbreaking sight. When Zinedine Zidane had given France the lead with a seventh minute penalty, it looked like it might be a fitting ending. But, during extra-time, the great man launched a headbutt into Materazzi (yes, him again), who fell to the turf. The referee had no choice, and it's really irrelevant what the Italian defender did or didn't say about his mother - it was an incredible act of folly, might have cost his country the World Cup and ended his chances of being named amongst the very greatest player in football history. Materazzi admitted a year later, that he'd replied to Zidane's statement that he could have his shirt after the game if he wanted it that badly, with the retort that 'I'd prefer your whore of a sister.' So perhaps Zidane can be excused slightly!

MASCOT - GOLEO XI. SIDEKICK - PILLE

A lion wearing a Germany shirt with the number 06 and a talking football named Pille. Goleo is a portmanteau of the words "goal" and "leo", the Latin word for lion. In Germany, "Pille" is a colloquial term for a football. Classically German!