| Sittingbourne | 3 - 2 | W |
| Burgess Hill Town | 5 - 0 | W |
| Chesham United | 2 - 3 | L |
| Croydon FC | Tue 08 Dec | H |
| Staines Town FC | Tue 15 Dec | H |
| Sevenoaks Town | Sat 19 Dec | A |
| Pos | Pl | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | VCD Athletic | 8 | +11 | 16 |
| 3 | East Grinstead Town | 6 | +10 | 14 |
| 4 | Whyteleafe | 6 | +8 | 13 |
| 5 | Sevenoaks Town | 8 | +4 | 13 |
| 6 | Faversham Town | 6 | +5 | 12 |
7.45pm, Tuesday, 8 December
Who Won The 2006 World Cup? Match-By-Match Review
You might think the 2006 FIFA World Cup was just another chapter in football history, but this tournament offered far more than a typical showdown. From controversial host selections to unexpected group stage exits, every match shaped a narrative nobody could predict. The final itself remains one of football’s most talked-about moments. If you want to understand how Italy fought through triumphs and trials to lift their fourth trophy, there’s plenty you might not expect.
Host Selection Controversy and Tournament Overview
The 2006 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Germany from 9 June to 9 July, presented a significant event in the realm of international football, despite being marked by controversy regarding its selection process. Allegations of bribery and corruption have been associated with the FIFA executive committee's decision to award Germany hosting rights.
Germany, as the host nation, secured an automatic qualification for the tournament. A total of 198 teams participated in the qualification phase, which demonstrated the competitive nature of the event. Matches took place in twelve cities across Germany, contributing to the tournament's logistical complexity and overall organization.
Italy emerged as the champion, securing victory over France in a final match that ended in a penalty shootout. This decisive moment was a noteworthy aspect of the tournament, as it highlighted both teams' performances throughout the competition.
The World Cup garnered a substantial global audience, with over 715 million viewers, underscoring its importance in the sporting calendar and its impact on international football culture.
Qualification Process and Debut Teams
Nearly 200 national teams participated in the qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, contesting for 31 slots in addition to the automatically qualified host nation, Germany.
This qualification stage saw teams like France successfully return to the tournament after a hiatus since 1986. A significant highlight was the debut of both Ghana and Ivory Coast, which marked an important moment for African football and the representation of emerging talent from the continent.
Conversely, notable teams such as Turkey, who'd performed well in the 2002 World Cup, and Greece, the champions of Euro 2004, didn't secure qualification.
This cycle also represented the final opportunity for nations such as Togo, Angola, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the World Cup, as these teams hadn't qualified for subsequent tournaments.
Group Stage Results and Surprises
The group stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup featured 32 teams competing in eight groups for advancement to the knockout rounds. Notable performances included Germany, which secured a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in their opening match, establishing a strong position in the tournament.
A significant upset occurred when Ghana defeated the Czech Republic, which enabled them to move on to the knockout stage. Australia also made their mark by winning a vital match against Croatia, allowing them to progress after not qualifying for decades.
Switzerland exhibited a solid defensive strategy throughout the group stage, managing to draw all three of their matches and not conceding any goals. However, their inability to secure a victory resulted in an early exit from the tournament.
Memorable Knockout Round Matches
The knockout rounds of the 2006 World Cup featured several notable matches that played a significant role in shaping the tournament's character. Germany demonstrated their strong historical performance in World Cups by decisively defeating Sweden, showcasing effective game management and tactical execution.
England advanced to the quarter-finals with a narrow victory over Ecuador, where David Beckham's free-kick was instrumental in securing the win.
The quarter-final match between Portugal and the Netherlands was marked by controversy, as it saw the issuance of four red cards, highlighting the intense physicality and the high stakes of the encounter. This match is often referenced in discussions about disciplinary control in football.
France's elimination of Brazil was a pivotal moment in the tournament, as Zinedine Zidane converted a penalty, propelling France into the semi-finals and underscoring Zidane's significant impact on the game.
Italy's semi-final match against Ukraine ended in a convincing 3-0 victory, with key performances from players such as Fabio Grosso and Gianluca Zambrotta, which advanced Italy to the final.
The Dramatic Final: Italy vs. France
On July 9, 2006, the FIFA World Cup final took place at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, featuring Italy and France. The match was characterized by a series of significant events that impacted the final outcome.
France took an early lead when Zinedine Zidane converted a penalty kick in the 7th minute. Shortly thereafter, Marco Materazzi equalized for Italy with a header in the 19th minute.
A critical moment in the match occurred during extra time when Zidane received a red card for headbutting Materazzi, which led to his expulsion from the game. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, necessitating a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
In the shootout, Italy successfully converted all five of their penalties, while France scored just three of five, resulting in a 5-3 victory for Italy.
This victory marked Italy's fourth World Cup title, solidifying their status in international football. The match is often analyzed not only for its competitive nature but also for its implications regarding player behavior and the pressures inherent in high-stakes tournaments.
Standout Performances and Tournament Legacy
The 2006 World Cup was marked by significant achievements that shaped its historical significance. Italy emerged victorious, winning the tournament in a European final against France, which concluded with a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. This outcome was particularly noteworthy due to the context of the Serie A scandal that affected Italian football prior to the tournament.
Key individual performances also left an imprint on the event. Zinedine Zidane, for instance, not only received the Golden Ball award for being the tournament's best player but also became infamous for his headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final, an incident that overshadowed his previous contributions. Miroslav Klose stood out as the leading scorer, securing the Golden Boot with five goals through the course of the tournament.
The legacy of the 2006 World Cup persists beyond just statistics, as it encapsulated various moments of drama and controversy that are emblematic of football's unique ability to captivate global audiences.
This tournament exemplified the sport's capacity to unify fans while also sparking discussions about behavior and sportsmanship in competitive environments.
Conclusion
You’ve just followed Italy’s unforgettable journey to World Cup glory in 2006. With each match, you witnessed drama, skill, and resilience, culminating in their epic win over France on penalties. Controversies, standout performances, and emotional moments defined the tournament, but Italy’s determination set them apart. As you look back, it’s clear why this World Cup still sparks conversation. Italy didn’t just win—they left an indelible mark on football history, inspiring fans everywhere.