The World Cup in Pictures

Mexico's fans flocked to Nuremburg to give cheer on their team in its match against Iran in Group D of the 2006 World Cup.

Fans from semi-finalists Germany and Italy mingle in the sweltering temperatures ahead of the game in Dortmund on Tuesday. (July 4, 2006)

Oliver Neuville and David Odonkor, the two late substitutes in Germany's 1-0 victory over Poland in Dortmund, savor their moment in the sun after Wednesday's dramatic win. Odonkor provided the cross from which Neuville scored the winner in the 93rd minute. (June 15, 2006)

Trinidad and Tobago fans party in the Frankenstadion in Nuremberg ahead of the Group B clash between the Carribean nation and England. (June 15, 2006)

German soccer fans celebrate their team's third place during a farewell ceremony for the national soccer team at the "Fan mile" in Berlin on Sunday, July 9. Germany won bronze in Stuttgart on Saturday after beating Portugal 3-1. In an outpouring of emotion and patriotism, not often seen here, German fans issued a resounding "thank you" for the great games and the spirit the team brought to the country during the last month.

A fan of Team USA covers his head with his country's flag as the Czech Republic romp to a 3-0 win in Gelsenkirchen. The USA, who had high hopes of progressing from Group E, are now facing an uphill struggle to qualify for the knock-out rounds.

France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez can hold the during a training session, and fans are hoping he'll be able to do the same when France face Portugal in the semi-final. (July 5, 2006)

French playmaker Zinedine Zidane showed why an entire nation practically begged him to come out of retirement for the 2006 World Cup. He was involved in two of France's goals in their 3-1 win over Spain in the round of 16. France meet Brazil in the quarter-finals. (June 26, 2006)

A couple of heroes wouldn't hurt the Czech Republic's chances at getting through the final 16. Mathematicians calculated a number of scenarios for all of the group's teams, but a win would be the Czechs' easiest way through. (June 22, 2006)

Four o'clock in the afternoon and nothing doing on the streets of Berlin. <br><br>German strikers Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski gave the 72,000 soccer fans in Olympic Stadium -- as well as some 700,000 supporters watching at the Brandenburg Gate and millions more in front of televisions at home -- plenty to watch in Germany's 3-0 win over Ecuador in World Cup Group A. (June 20, 2006)

This young Spain supporter seemed ready to take on the Ukrainians as she stood next to her cart in Dortmund on Sunday. Spain and Ukraine played in Leipzig Wednesday afternoon, with Spain in the lead by two goals after less than 20 minutes. (June 14, 2006)

The effect of Brazil's last 16 game against Ghana is clear for all to see from this picture of a main highway into the city of Sao Paulo on Tuesday. Brazil's major city streets were deserted during the 3-0 win as soccer fans stayed glued to the action in Germany. (June 29, 2006)

Germany fans chant their intention that they will be traveling to Berlin for the World Cup final on July 9 after knocking out Argentina in the quarter-final. The nationwide party continues.

...Or does he? A fan in a Ronaldhino costume braves the heat of the German capital to show his skills on the steps of the Bundestag Saturday. The real Ronaldinho struts his stuff for the first time on Tuesday against Croatia in Berlin.

Soccer fans in Italy didn't seem to care that it took the Azzuri until a questionable penalty kick in the final seconds of stoppage time to overcome the underdog Socceroos with a narrow 1-0 victory. (June 26, 2006)

Italian fans in the heart of Milan celebrate their country's 3-0 win over Ukraine in Hamburg to set up a semi-final clash with World Cup hosts Germany in Dortmund on Tuesday. (June 30, 2006)

An undecided fan decides to cover all the bases and splits her face between the flags from the United States and Ghana before the teams met for their final group match. (June 22, 2006)

England's 1-0 defeat of Ecuador was played out in 40 degree Celcius heat. But somehow, despite the heat and the less than comprehensive display by the English, this polar bear kept his cool.

Hernan Crespo celebrates opening the scoring for Argentina against the Ivory Coast on Saturday evening in Hamburg.

Saudi Arabia didn't have a difficult time qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, but they were sent home with one point after the group stage. They couldn't claw back from a 1-0 deficit in their final game against Spain. (June 23, 2006)

Switzerland's supporters cheer before the start of the match between Togo and Switzerland in Dortmund on Monday. (June 19, 2006)

England fans party in Stuttgart before the last 16 match against Ecuador. Nearly 200 England fans were arrested in the southern German city in the two days leading up to the game after clashing with rival supporters. A police presence and a concerted effort from real fans to enjoy the occassion turned match day into a carnival. (June 25, 2006)

Again, the Berlin fan mile was filled with hundreds of thousands of fans to watch the Germany vs. Argentina quarter-final. Germans fans went crazy when Miroslav Klose equalized in the 80th minute to send the game into extra-time. (June 30, 2006)

Poland's goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who kept Germany at bay for 93 minutes, finds defeat too hard to take as the final whistle sounds on the host nation's dramatic 1-0 win in Dortmund. Poland, without a win or goal so far, will pack their bags and head home after next Tuesday's final Group A match against Costa Rica in Hanover. (June 14, 2006)

Switzerland's Alexander Frei (left) controls the ball as Togo's Thomas Dossevi looks on during Monday's match between Switzerland and Togo in Dortmund. Switzerland won 2-0, sealing Togo's early departure from the tournament.

England's captain and goal scorer David Beckham celebrates with team mate Ashley Cole at the end of the last 16 match against Ecuador. Beckham's free-kick sealed England's progress to the quarter-finals. (June 25, 2006)

Despite the sweltering heat, this Australian fan donned a fuzzy kangaroo suit to help get the crowds in the stands in the right spirit for Australia's World Cup Group F match against Japan in Kaiserslautern on Monday, June 12.

This young Ecuador fan may have watched his team lose out in the last 16 of his first World Cup but it is unlikely to be the last time his country takes to the world stage. He will be proud to look back and say he was there when his team almost got the better of England -- even if he doesn't remember it too clearly! (June 25, 2006)

A group of Angolan fans raise their voices in support of the African team. Unfortunately for them enthusiasm alone isn't enough to put soccer balls in the net. Portugal won the Group D match 1-0 on Sunday.

These Germany fans represent many millions who believe that coach Jürgen Klinsmann has done a great job with the national team. Various campaigns in Germany have been set up to persuade "Klinsi" to stay on in his position. (July 8, 2006)

The Ivory Coast were hoping the Dutch wouldn't be cruel but ended all shook up as their World Cup dreams came to an end in Stuttgart. The Dutch were stuck on goals and won the match, and a place in the round of 16, 2-1 to these two fans' delight. (June 16, 2006)

After being in Germany for about three weeks, the Brazilian team's soccer magic finally arrived when Brazil met Japan in Dortmund. <br><br>After giving up a goal to the Japanese, Brazil came back with the fancy footwork fans have been hoping for with a 4-1 win. (June 22, 2006)

With Germany's goalkeeper debate put to an end, whether Michael Ballack would start for the host team in the opening match was the question that gripped the German psyche ever since he was injured in a friendly match last week. <br><br>German coach Jürgen Klinsmann answered that question in the negative just 90 minutes before kickoff. Klinsmann said putting Ballack would be too much of a risk and replaced him with Tim Borowski.

This Brazilian fan makes sure that his team gets a big round of applause as they take to the pitch in Munich for the game against Australia. (June 18, 2006)

Zinedine Zidane of France walks off the field after receiving a red card during extra time in the final of the soccer World Cup. Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo issued the card after a linesman caught the Frenchman slamming his head into Marco Materazzi's chest in the 109th minute.

USA captain Claudio Reyna needed to be carried off the field after injuring his knee in the US match against Ghana. <br><br>Reyna will have plenty of time to keep his leg iced and elevated in front of the TV -- Ghana's 2-1 win eliminated the US from the 2006 Cup finals. (June 22, 2006)

A little extra Japanese adrenaline wouldn't be amiss in the lead-up to Japan's match against World Cup favorites Brazil. Japan scored a 2-2 tie when the teams met during the 2005 Confederations Cup. They'll be looking to improve on that and advance to the final 16 in Dortmund. (June 22, 2006)

A fan from Ghana gives his vocal chords a good workout ahead of the World Cup clash between the African nation and the Czech Republic in Cologne. (June 17, 2006)

Germany has gone so soccer crazy that players needed to put a pitch on the Spree River in Berlin to find a place to kick around.

England's Ashley Cole, center, can't stop the ball from hitting the back of the net in a 2-2 draw against Sweden in the Group B final.<br><br> Both teams advanced into the round of 16. Sweden play their next match against hosts Germany, while England face Ecuador. (June 20, 2006)

Two Australia fans urge their team on to get at least a draw against Croatia in the final Group F match. Australia are playing in their first World Cup finals in 32 years and need just one point to reach the next round. (June 22, 2006)

Mathematically eliminated from moving on in the tournament, Togo played for their honor against France in the last match of their World Cup premier. (June 23, 2006)

These two Swiss fans were able the leave the Stuttgart stadium looking almost just as happy as going in to it. Switzerland tied the France, earning an important point that could be the difference between playing in the round of 16 and watching it on TV from home.

After getting around Costa Rica's Danny Fonseca, German defender Philip Lahm curled a shot from just outside the penalty box into just the goal, chalking up the first goal of the Cup.

A United States fan gets behind his team before the Group E match between Ghana and the USA in Gelsenkirchen. Both teams need a win to advance to the round of 16. (June 22, 2006)

France supporters celebrate their team's, opening goal in the match against South Korea. (June 18, 2006)

Thousands of French fans flood onto the Champs-Elysées to celebrate their team's 1-0 quarter-final defeat on Brazil in Frankfurt. (July 2, 2006)

A Dutch fan growls during the bad tempered match between Portugal and the Netherlands in Nuremberg Sunday. The referee sent off four players and booked eight others, brandishing a total of 20 cards altoghether. It was enough to make even the most placid big cat growl. (June 25, 2006)

Italy fans wait for the start of the World Cup game between Italy and Ghana in Hanover on Monday. In the day's other Group E game, the Czechs beat USA 3-0.

A fan for France does his best to motivate his team after Spain's David Villa fired home a penalty kick in the 27th minute of the round of 16 match in Hanover. (June 26, 2006)

A Germany fan and an Argentina fan strip down to their countries' national colors before the two teams meet in the quarter-finals in Berlin. (June 30, 2006)

Italy's Gianluca Zambrotta, center, celebrates after scoring the first goal with team mates Francesco Totti, right, and Andrea Pirlo. Italy went on to qualify for the semi-final with a 3-0 win over Ukraine. (June 30, 2006)

French fans hope to get a look at their heroes outside the Schlosshotel where the France team is based in Aerzen, Northern Germany. Preparations for the World Cup final are taking place behind closed doors ahead of training at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on the eve of the game. (July 7, 2006)

Exactly one week into the 2006 World Cup and some teams, including hosts Germany, Ecuador, Holland and Argentina, are floating on air with secure spots in the round of 16. <br><br> Others, such as Poland, Costa Rica and the Ivory Coast, have seen their World Cup aspirations dashed, knowing third place -- and the early ticket home it brings -- is the best they can hope for in their final group round matches.

The chemistry on the field may not have always been what French star striker Thierry Henry may have hoped for, but he and team mate Patrick Vieira scored France's first two goals of the 2006 World Cup in a 2-0 victory over Togo to win their country's first finals match since beating Brazil in the 1998 finals. France face Spain in the round of 16. (June 23, 2006)

Two German soccer fans in Kaiserslautern in southwestern Germany cheer during the game between Germany and Poland in Dortmund. (June 14, 2006)

Park Ji-Sung is mobbed after he scored the equalizer against France with just nine minutes left to play. The 1-1 draw means that France are staring elimination in the face and haven't won a game at the World Cup finals since 1998.

A Ukrainian fan celebrates after her team scored the deciding goal in a penalty shoot-out against Switzerland. It took the teams over two hours before either put a ball in the net. <br><br>The scoring was, however, one-sided as the Swiss failed to convert on their first three chances. Ukraine won the match 3-0. (June 26, 2006)

Who is ready to take the role of the young D'Artagnan when France take the pitch in their round of 16 match against Spain? (June 26, 2006)

These USA and Italian fans get a full body paint job ahead of the World Cup game between the two nations in Kaiserslautern. With the Rammstein US military base not far away, the USA team can expect a huge following to cheer them on against the much-fancied Azzurri.

Is that Zorro in the stands at the Mexico-Iran game? The Mexicans didn't need his famed sabre to cut the Iranian defense into slices in their 3-1 win.

Edwin van der Sar may look surprised, but the Dutch goalkeeper knows just how to block Bakary Kone's shot. Thanks in part to van der Sar's work between the posts, the Netherlands won the Group C match against the Ivory Coast 2-1. <br><br> The loss meant the end of the African team's World Cup dream and guaranteed the Netherlands a spot in the round of 16.

A carrion crow wearing a Japan national soccer jersey dribbles a miniature ball toward a goal at Tokuyama Zoo in Shunan, Japan before the human Japanese squad faces Australia in the opening game of Group F at the World Cup in Germany. The four crows at the zoo use their beaks to dribble toward the goal, sometimes tackling each other for possession before scoring, according to a head zookeeper.

German players react after goalie Jens Lehmann made a save to win the game in the penalty shoot-out in their quarter-final against Argentina. The hosts fought back from 1-0 down to win 5-3 on penalties. (June 30, 2006)

Ukraine's Andriy Nesmachnyi, right, may be down after being fouled by Saudi Arabia's Ahmed Dokhi, but he's far form being out. <br><br>Ukraine won their first World Cup match Monday, shutting out Saudi Arabia 4-0 and taking an important step to qualifying for the round of 16. (June 19, 2006)

An Italian fan cheers ahead of the Australia vs Italy knockout clash in Kaiserslautern on Monday. Australia, who have made it so far into the tournament for the first time, say they have nothing to fear from any of their remaining opponents -- including three-times World Cup winners Italy.

Croatia's Darijo Srna covers his face after having his penalty saved in the match against Japan in Nuremberg. Croatia had few chances to win the game; Srna's penalty being the best. The Croatians, without a win, face an early exit. (June 18, 2006)

Despite their loss to Italy in the semi finals, Germany's soccer team still is riding on a wave of public support. Fans gathering at the team's hotel in Stuttgart, where Germany will play Portugal in the game for third place on Saturday, held up a sign reading "Sieger der Herzen, or Winner of the Hearts. (July 7, 2006)

Like much of the match between Brazil and Croatia, Croatia's Niko Kranjcar keeps close to Brazilian Kaka during the Group F match in Berlin. <br><br> Kaka scored the only goal of the night as Brazil scraped out it's eighth consecutive World Cup win in an unmemorable match the Selecao will be happy to see relegated to the history books.

After giving up a quick goal to Tunisia in the first half, Spain rebounded in the second 45 minutes with three goals of their own´, beating Tunisia 3-1 and claiming a spot in the round of 16.

A young German fan, wearing a spiky wig in his country's national colors, waits for the start of the game against Poland in Dortmund on Wednesday. (June 14, 2006)

Germany's long-time captain and starter in goal Oliver Kahn announced his retirement to an appreciative crowd in Berlin. <br><br>In his first World Cup appearance after losing the starting spot to Jens Lehmann in April, Kahn captained the German team to third place with an excellent performance between the posts. (July 9, 2006)

After weeks of rain and gloomy skies, Germany finally gets the summer it was hoping for as the World Cup arrives. Things were definitely hot in Frankfurt as England took on Paraguay in the opening game of Group B on Saturday.

Two Portugal supporters hide their identities but not their allegiances as they prepare for the game against Iran in Frankfurt. Portugal won 2-0 and sent Iran out of the cup. (June 17, 2006)

United States striker Brian McBride took an elbow to the nose in the Group E game against Italy. The Azzuri's Daniele De Rossi saw a red card for the foul, and was the first player ejected from the match in Kaiserslautern. (June 17, 2006)

National team coach Jürgen Klinsmann enjoys victory over Poland with his squad and the supporters at the FIFA World Cup Stadium Dortmund. Not the most animated of men away from his beloved game, Klinsmann once again showed the passion and enthusiasm he has for his job and the task of leading Germany to World Cup glory. (June 14, 2006)

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingston watches the ball fly past him and, luckily for his team, past the post during the game against the Czech Republic in Cologne. (June 17, 2006)

Few expected either Switzerland or Ukraine to make it out of the 2006 World Cup group stage -- maybe that's why the stands are so empty? <br><br> No, the teams' fans are more dedicated than seen here. The Cologne stadium's seats filled up quickly with a nearly number of fans dress in Swiss red and Ukraine yellow for the round of 16 match that would see one underdog sent home. (June 26, 2006)

Italian national soccer team Captain Fabio Cannavaro holds up the World Cup at Rome's Circus Maximus during a welcome home rally, Monday, July 10, 2006.

Underdogs Australia held Italy to a scoreless draw for 90 minutes of their round of 16 match in Kaiserslautern. Up one man in much of the second half, Australia weren't able to convert during regular time and paid the price by giving up a penalty with just seconds left before the end of stoppage time. Totti converted to give Italy a spot in the quarter-finals. (June 26, 2006)

Czech Republic's Tomas Rosicky (right) outran team captain Tomas Galase (left) and teammate David Rozehnal as he celebrated after scoring for the second time during the World Cup, Group E soccer match between the United States and the Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen. The Czechs won 3-0.

Brazilian players from left Ze Roberto, Kaka, Juan, Ronaldinho, Gilberto Silva and Roberto Carlos joke around at an official practice session before their match against Japan. <br><br>Things will probably get more serious when Brazil enter the knock-out rounds. (June 22, 2006)

A young Japanese soccer fan holds a flag and a doll prior the Japanese team's World Cup Group F soccer match against Australia in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Monday, June 12.

Sweden fans arrived in Cologne early to support their team in its final Group B match against England. While the English have already qualified for the next round, Sweden need at least a draw to reach the round of 16. <br><br>Both sides go into the match with a bit of extra motivation: The 2nd Group B team will have the unenviable task of facing off against hosts Germany in the first knock-out round match. (June 20, 2006)

Portugal's goalkeeper Ricardo guessed the right corner but couldn't get a hand on Zinedine Zidane's game winning penalty shot in the first half of Portugal's semi-final match against France. (July 5, 2006)

A Spanish fan shouts his team on to the hoped for victory in the round of 16 match against France. (June 26, 2006)

Germany's team captain Michael Ballack is consoled by suspended player Torsten Frings after the semi-final defeat to Italy in Dortmund. (July 5, 2006)

Polish soccer fans held their breath as Ecuador's Carlos Tenorio's shot flew past Poland goalkeeper Artur Boruc. Then they hoped in vain for their team to take over the lead in the second game of the 2006 World Cup. <br><br> Ecuador won the game 2-0 and will face Costa Rica in their next Group A game, while Poland take on hosts Germany.

Ecuador's Ivan Kaviedes puts a mask on after he scores the third goal in his team's 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Hamburg. (June 15, 2006)

World Cup mascot Goleo has a chat with a Socceroo in Kaiserslautern before the Australia-Italy round of 16 match. <br><br>Maybe someone can recommend a good place for both of them to buy some shorts? (June 26, 2006)

The German team celebrated their third-place finish with thousands of fans in Berlin and millions watching on television across the country. Coach Jürgen Klinsmann and his team have been credited with bringing a new sense of pride and patriotism to Germany. (July 9, 2006)

A fan holds a sign that says, "Hi Boss, in case you are looking for me" during the Ecuador v Germany in Berlin. (June 20, 2006)

The reality sinks in that Brazil's World Cup is over as fans in Sao Paulo watch the final moments of the quarter-final between the Selecao and France. Brazil, the pre-tournament favorites, were beaten 1-0 in Frankfurt. (July 2, 2006)

Fans of the national soccer team of Spain wave flags and cheer before the start of the Spain - Tunisia match in Stuttgart on Monday.

Only 72,000 lucky spectators will have seats in the stadium, the next best option for most fans was to go to one of the fan areas to watch the match on a big screen. More than 11 million people have gone to the zones across Germany, the biggest of which has been the so-called Fan Mile that leads up to the Brandenburg Gate. <br><br>Fans were advised to be in place in the capital five hours before the match to be sure of getting a place before the security cordon is closed. (June 30, 2006)

This fan waiting for the Spain-Ukraine game in Leipzig on Wednesday seems to have been a little confused. Instead of bringing along the flag of either team, he hung out the one from East Germany that includes an emblem with a hammer and a compass. (June 14, 2006)

A Dutch supporter's face paint starts to melt in the sun before the start of the Netherlands match against the Ivory Coast in Group C, the "Group of Death." Temperatures in Stuttgart's Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion reached 28 degrees Celsius (82 F). (June 16, 2006)

Ghana keeper Richard Armstrong is the latest to have trouble getting to grips with the erratic Teamgeist ball. Spectacular goals have been flying past goalies thanks to the new techology of the "roundest ball in the world".

This Japan fan may be a little red in the face but his team had very little to feel embarrassed by as they survived a tough clash against Croatia in Nuremberg. Unfortunately, the 0-0 draw leaves Japan needing a small miracle to progress to the next round. (June 18, 2006)

Don't be fooled by the mismatched colors -- these two are both for Serbia & Montenegro -- but only the fan with the whistle got his colors in the right order. <br><br> Not to worry if the face paint caught you. Many of the natives in Leipzig had a hard time knowing if they were looking at Serbia & Montenegro fans or Dutch supporters (red, white and blue stripes, from the top down).

Watching the game between Ukraine and Spain in the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Wednesday, fans saw more than the paint in their faces fade as their team took a beating from the Spanish, who won the game 4-0. (June 14, 2006)

Assistant coach Joachim Löw, goalkeeper coach Andreas Koeppke and head coach Jürgen Klinsmann celebrate securing third place at the 2006 World Cup. Germany beat Portugal 3-1 in Stuttgart. (June 8, 2006)

This Italian fan has his pre-match nerves attended to by two female Germany fans ahead of the semi-final between the two nations in Dortmund. (July 4, 2006)

Life is sweet for Italian fans after their team took home the World Cup. Here, supporters celebrate with a collective bath in the Trevi Fountain in downtown Rome.

Tunisian fans cheer prior to the start of the Tunisia - Saudi Arabia match in Munich on Wednesday. (June 14, 2006)

Some six years after being awarded the honor of hosting the 2006 World Cup, the globe's biggest soccer spectacle was kicked off Friday with a speech from German President Horst Köhler. The month-long event began in Munich with a match between Germany and Costa Rica and will end in Berlin on July 9.

A Brazil supporter holds a replica of the World Cup trophy prior to the quarter-final soccer match between Brazil and France at the World Cup stadium in Frankfurt. The winner faces Portugal in the semi-finals. (July 1, 2006)

British police officers patrol in front of the cathedral in Cologne on Monday. England plays Sweden in the western German city on Tuesday.

Brazil's soccer legend Pele (left) and German model Claudia Schiffer presented the World Cup trophy during the opening ceremony.

Some 40,000 England fans filled Frankfurt before their team's opening Group B game against Paraguay. There were no signs of trouble before the game as supporters, many wearing white England shirts, packed the German city's bars and streets before kick-off.

England's Frank Lampard has a shot saved by Portugal's goalkeeper Ricardo in the tight quarter-final match in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday. The winner of the game faces Brazil or France in the semi-finals. (July 1, 2006)

Portugal's 21-year-old striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who faced the crowd's boos nearly every time he touched the ball, can only look on in horror after he and the rest of his team were eliminated by France in the World Cup semi-final Wednesday night. <br><br>France also beat Portugal in the EURO 2000 on a Zidane Zidane penalty kick. (July 5, 2006)

Australia came back to equalize twice and secure a 2-2 draw against Croatia in the final Group F game. The puts the Socceroos among the world's 16 best teams. Australia's next match will be against Italy. (June 22, 2006)

Germany got off to a solid start in front of an affectionate crowd in Munich with a 4-2 win over Costa Rica. Germany's Miroslav Klose netted two goals for the hosts on his 28th birthday with Philip Lahm and Torsten Frings rounding out the scoring for Germany. <br><br> Paulo Wanchope was responsible for keeping stretches of the game close by claiming both of the Costa Rican goals.

These fans make it abundantly clear who they are supporting by being paited head to foot in the colors of their beloved Germany. The national team's good run of form has helped break down a number of barriers concerning displays of patriotism in the country.

A fan in Berlin gets ready for kick-off of the Germany-Ecuador match in Berlin. Both teams already qualified for the round of 16 before taking the pitch in their final Group A match. (June 20, 2006)

Ukraine players celebrate the penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland in Cologne. Ukraine, World Cup debutants this year, face Italy in the quarter-finals. (June 26, 2006)

It's Italy's first appearance in the German capital and the country's fans want to make it a visit to remember with a win over France in the 2006 World Cup final. (July 9, 2006)

While most of Germany was concentrating on how the hosts were doing in their match against Ecuador, Polish fans focused their attention on their team's match in against Costa Rica <br><br>The Polish fans can be excused for slight lack of enthusiasm can be excused. Regardless of the result in Hanover, neither of the teams would be able to advance out of Group A.

Two masked Ukranian fans pose prior to the start of the Ukraine vs Tunisia Group H game at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Saturday.

A dubious penalty won awarded to the Ukraine was enough to end Tunisia's chances at advancing through to the next round of the World Cup in their fourth finals. Tunisians will be analyzing the instant replay at least until qualification for South Africa begins. (June 23, 2006)

Cryptic gestures from the sidelines didn't seem to help the Mexican offense get off its feet in the team's match against Group D underdog Angola. A convincing win was expected for coach Ricardo La Volpe's side, but a compact Angolan defense held the technically and tatically better Mexicans to a scoreless draw.

German soccer fans carry national flags and placards forming the word "World Champion" prior to the opening ceremony for the Germany vs. Costa Rica soccer match at the World Cup stadium in Munich, Germany on June 9, 2006. Numbers on their hats refer to the years 1954, 1974 and 1990, in which Germany won the World Cup.

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman inspects his stretching players during a training session before the team's match against Serbia and Montenegro. After claiming three points against a scrappy Ivory Coast in their first Group C match, Argentina have a good chance of finishing on top of the "Group of Death." (June 16, 2006)

Brazilian striker Ronaldo may not have put an end to the discussion of whether he's carrying around a few extra pounds, but he did clearly put himself atop the list of World Cup scoring giants. <br><br>He topped Germany's Gerd "The Bomber" Müller's record of 15 finals goals by putting a ball into goal in the fifth minute of Brazil's quarter-final match against Ghana. Brazil won the game in Dortmund 3-0. (June 27, 2006)

Portuguese fans were in fine voice ahead of their team's quarter-final against England despite being vastly outnumbered in Gelsenkirchen. An estimated 85,000 England fans were in town, with 35,000 making it into the stadium. (July 1, 2006)

Dutch Crown Princess Maxima (pictured with her husband Willem Alexander) was not to be envied during Wednesday's World Cup game between the Netherlands and Argentina in Frankfurt. After all, the future Dutch queen was born in Argentina and probably faced some serious questions of allegiance. While she seems to have chosen a neutral beige outfit, her orange-colored purse certainly seemed to indicate that she's supporting the boys from her adopted country -- at least officially, that is.

This young Germany fan joins in with the multitudes celebrating the host nation's 2-0 win over Sweden in the first knock-out round. Berlin's fan mile was again filled with almost 500,000 people while bulging fan parks around the country pushed the total into millions as temperatures soared and Germany progressed. (June 24, 2006)

After crashing out of the 2002 World Cup without a win, French fans are hoping for more from Les Bleus in the Group G match against Switzerland in Stuttgart. <br><br> France are favored to win the group while the contrasting styles of South Korea and Switzerland fight for second place and the right to advance to the round of 16.

Dozens of Bavarians, dressed in traditional lederhosen, appeared at the opening ceremony in Munich and performed the "Schuhplattler," which involves a lot of shoe-hitting and thigh-slapping. Others danced with giant cow bells juggling in front of their private parts.

Switzerland and the Ukraine delivered a physical and closly matched round of 16 game in Cologne. <br><br>Both teams were seen as Cup underdogs going into the game and gave all they had to convince neutral observers of anything different in a game where both sides concentrated more on not letting a goal in than actually trying to score. (June 26, 2006)

Germany's Miroslav Klose flips after scoring his first of two goals in the first half during the Ecuador-Germany World Cup match. Germany won the match 3-0 and finished at the top of Group A. (June 20, 2006)

Italy's players rush the field after wining the World Cup in a penalty shootout, beating France 5-3, after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes in the final of the soccer World Cup between in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Sunday, July 9, 2006.

Spanish fans had plenty to be happy about. They qualified for the round of 16 even before their team's 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but the victory also gave them the top spot in Group H. (June 23, 2006)

Italy's Marco Materazzi, in blue, raises his hand in mock astonishment for his well-deserved red card in the Italians round of 16 match against Australia's Socceroos. (June 26, 2006)

A fan of Brazil's national team dances before the start of Brazil's match against Ghana round of 16 World Cup soccer match in Dortmund. Brazil were missing the flair they showed in their last match against Japan, but took a 2-0 lead at half-time. (June 27, 2006)

Two Sweden fans kiss solemnly before Thursday's game between Sweden and Paraguay. The clash gave Swedish fans a real scare after stars Larsson and Ibrahimovic delivered a lackluster performance and struggled to break through the Paraguayan defense. Ljungberg finally scored a header at the last minute, triggering audible relief among the thousands of Sweden supporters in Berlin's Olympia Stadium.

More than 15,000 Dutch fans were estimated to have made the trip over the border to see their team's opening match in Leipzig.

Surrounded by Sweden fans, a lone England supporter raises up his flag in a position not even St. Georges himself would envy during the Group B match in Cologne. (June 20, 2006)

Switzerland's Philippe Senderos got an elbow to the face in the team's final Group G match against South Korea but still managed to score the goal that put the Swiss up 2-0 and out of South Korea's reach. <br><br>While Senderos may have been happier about the goal during the match, odds are this cut will hurt more in the morning. Though team officials said they are more concerned he may have also dislocated his shoulder. (June 23, 2006)

Italian fans raise the excitement levels outside Berlin's Olympic Stadium before the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France ends a month-long soccer extravaganza. (July 9, 2006)

A South Korean fan lets everyone in the stands know exactly which team she's supporting in South Korea's game against Switzerland. (June 23, 2006)

This Portugal fan relaxes ahead of the semi-final clash with France in Munich. Her mood reflects that of her countrymen who go into the game as underdogs with the pressure on opponents France. (July 5, 2006)

French soccer star Zinedine Zidane, right, shakes hands with French President Jacques Chirac as he arrives at the Elysee Palace for a lunch, Monday July 10, 2006 in Paris. For many French citizens, the hardest part of France's World Cup final loss to Italy wasn't the defeat itself but the moment when national hero Zidane ended his career with an act of fury and a red card.

This Costa Rican fan did get to celebrate his team's two goals, but had to leave the stadium knowing that Germany had eventually won the game.

Germany's coaching team of trainer Jürgen Klinsmann and assistant Joachim Löw watch their team go through their paces as the German national side continue their preparation for the quarter-final match against Argentina on Friday. (June 28, 2006)

Sweden's Viking hoardes descended on Dortmund for their team's opening Group B game against Trinidad & Tobago.

German soccer fans Jörg Himmler and Lars Krause don Arabic headresses outside the World Cup stadium before start of the Saudi Arabia v. Ukraine game in Hamburg on Monday (June 19, 2006)

Germany's Torsten Frings takes a break outside the team hotel in Berlin. Coach Jürgen Klinsmann give his team the day off from training. The World Cup host nation won their opening game against Costa Rica 4-2 and play Poland in their next Group A match.

Ukraine's Andriy Rusol celebrates after scoring the first goal against Saudi Arabia. It was the first Ukraine goal of the Cup -- two more followed as Ukraine shut the Saudi Arabians out 4-0. (June 19, 2006)

Having been implicated then investigated for his role in the free-for-all brawl at the end of the Germany vs Argentina quarter-final, Torsten Frings discovers that FIFA have handed out a two-match ban which rules him out of the semi-final against Italy. The second match is suspended, allowing Frings to play in the final should Germany reach it. (July 4, 2006)

Argentinean fans -- and one somewhat out of place Croatian -- file into Berlin's Olympia Stadium for the quarter-final match against the tournament hosts. (June 28, 2006)

Fans wave flags in front of a giant jersey of the French team which hangs on the front of the Hotel Crillon in Paris, Monday July 10, 2006. France was stricken and shamed by Zinedine Zidane's brutal exit from soccer's biggest stage, yet the nation's president proudly embraced the favorite son, and masses of fans appeared to forgive the national hero who carried his team to the World Cup final, even if they didn't bring home the trophy.

A Germany supporter raises a placard reading: "Hallo Italians! Stuttgart is much better than Berlin!" prior to the start of the third place play-off between Germany and Portugal at the Gottlieb-Daimler stadium in Stuttgart. (July 8, 2006)

Italian Captain Fabio Cannavaro holds aloft the coveted World Cup trophy as the triumphant Azzurri alight from the aircraft on arrival in Rome Monday. Hundreds of thousands of Italians gathered in Circus Maximus, one of ancient Rome's most famous stadiums, to fete their own conqering heroes after the national soccer team's World Cup victory in Germany.

Perhaps not wanting to offend any of the millions of soccer-crazed fans hoping for a kiss, Brazilian ball magician Ronaldo decides to give a smooch to Teamgeist, the 2006 World Cup ball.

Saudi Arabia's Sami al-Jaber jubilates after scoring the second goal for his team during the Tunisia - Saudi Arabia game in Munich. The game ended 2-2. (June 14, 2006)

French soccer fans crowd on Paris' most famous avenue before their team play Italy in the World Cup final. The Champs Elysses erupted into mass festivity when France last won the World Cup title in 1998, at the tournament they hosted. (July 9, 2006)

A stunned Czech fans has trouble coming to grips with the fact that his team was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup finals after losing 2-0 to Italy. (June 22, 2006)

Argentina players and officials congratulate their German counterparts after the penalty drama in Berlin on Friday. A serious outbreak of violence? Sour grapes? Handbags at dawn? Whatever the cause of the fracas, the result remains the same: Germany go through, Argentina go home. (July 1, 2006)

Usually World Cup trainers don't leave their teams until they are eliminated from the tournament. Not one to follow custom, Otto Pfister walked away from Togo four days before their first-ever World Cup game in a pay dispute. <br><br> Pfister, however, changed his mind and returned to coach Togo in their Group G match against South Korea. <br><br> Togo gave the 2002 quarter-finalists a shock by taking a goal lead going into the break, but even coach Pfister reassuring presence on the bench wasn't enough for the Togolese to hold on. South Korea won the match 2-1.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, foreground, and Ricardo Carvalho, run through their drills before the facing the real thing against France in the World Cup semi-final. The winner will play Italy in the final. (July 5, 2006)

Germany's newspapers were dominated by reports of the previous night's defeat of the national team by Italy in the World Cup semi-final in Dortmund. While the immediate aftermath was one filled with tears, Germany held its head up proudly the next day and celebrated its team as heroes. (July 5, 2006)

Argentina underlined their World Cup threat with a 6-0 drubbing of Serbia-Montenegro, propelling them to near certain qualification from the "Group of Death." The win also gave the South Americans the highest margin of victory yet at the 2006 World Cup.

Iraqi men watch the Iran v Mexico World Cup soccer match at an open-air cafe in the Karradah district of Baghdad.

Supporters of South Korea cheer before kickoff of the Group G match between their side and Togo at the World Cup Stadium in Frankfurt on Tuesday, June 13, 2006.

France's Zinedine Zidane celebrates his team's spot in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. The French captain converted the only goal of the night on a penalty kick in a game without many scoring chances for either side. (July 5, 2006)

Arne Friedrich congratulates Lukas Podolski after the Germany striker's two goals sealed victory over Sweden in Germany's second round game. The 2-0 win put Germany into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Argentina made a World Cup victory look like a training match. Argentina attacked the Serbia and Montenegro goal from the very start and took a three goal lead into the break. <br><br>The South Americans cranked the score up to 6-0 at full time, putting an end to their opponents' hopes of seeing the World Cup's second round while securing their own spot there. (June 16, 2006)

These Italian fans prepare for their team's quarter-final clash with Ukraine in Hamburg. (June 30, 2006)

Brazilian soccer fans laugh while hanging out at the "Fan Mile" before the Group F match Brazil against Croatia.

Cheryl Tweedy and Victoria Beckham react to England's elimination on penalties to Portugal in Gelsenkirchen Saturday. The girlfriend of left-back Ashley Cole and the wife of the England captain will be heading home with the other partners as the team packs its bags and bids auf wiedersehen to Baden-Baden. (July 1, 2006)

With Australia's goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (right) on the ground and his team mates up in arms, Japanese players celebrated Shunsuke Nakamura's (not seen) goal during their World Cup Group F soccer match in Kaiserslautern, Germany on Monday. But Australians got to laugh longer in the end as they came back to beat Japan 3-1.

A lone Iranian fan, who arrived way too early, waves a flag prior to the start of the Angola Iran Group D game in Leipzig on Wednesday. Angola, needing a big win to stand a chance of going through to the knockout stage, led 1-0 against Iran in with a Flavio goal in the 60th minute, but the Iranians came back to clinch a 1-1 draw with a header from defender Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh.

Trinidad and Tobago went into the Group B match with Paraguay fighting for their own win and hoping Sweden would not succumb to England, leaving the islanders with a spot in the round of 16. (June 20, 2006)

Spain had finally thought they'd be able to lose the underachiever label in the 2006 World Cup, but France had other plans in the round of 16 match. Two late goals sent the French through to the next round and Spanish fans into despair. (June 27, 2006)

An Italian fan celebrates his team's first goal in their match in Hamburg against the Czech Republic. Atop of Group E going into the last set of matches, the goals helped Italy's chances at reaching the final 16. (June 22, 2006)

The FIFA World Cup Stadion München plays host to a festival of colors as Australia take on Brazil. Both teams brought a sea of yellow to the stands but this fan cheers on the Socceroos with an Australian flag on his face. (June 18, 2006)

Portugal and Germany supporters trade predictions before kick-off of the game for the third place in Stuttgart. (July 8, 2006)

Supporters of the Australian national soccer team, left, and of the Croatian team cheer for their teams in Stuttgart's Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium. A draw and the Socceroos advance with Brazil into the second round.

The picture is the same at all 12 World Cup stadiums: Fans arrive with cardboard, a marker and desperate hopes for buying a last-minute place in the stands. <br><br>Most don't end up with even a spot in the upper decks but are welcomed by other ticketless fans in public viewing areas. (June 19, 2006)

Italy's team captain Fabio Cannavaro holds aloft the World Cup trophy after the final of the soccer World Cup between Italy and France in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Sunday, July 9, 2006. Italy defeated France 5-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw following 120 minutes of intense play.

Croatia coach's Zlatko Kranjcar said his team would be sharing points with Brazil in their opening Group G match, but this fan at a public viewing site near the Brandenburg Gate looks like he's expecting more than a draw when the two teams meet in Berlin.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Odonkor, Lukas Podolski and Jens Lehmann seem taken aback by the reception they receive from Germany fans on their arrival at the team hotel in Stuttgart ahead of the third place play-off against Portugal. Germany's semi-final defeat to Italy initially brought tears but now it's all cheers as Germany continues to celebrate its heroes. (July 8, 2006)

The fact that both Ecuador and Germany qualified for the next round didn't keep Germans from going to great lengths to show their support for the nation team -- even the country's cows got involved. (June 20, 2006)

France's Franck Ribery (left) and Switzerland's Tranquillo Barnetta (right) challenge for the ball during the France vs Switzerland Group G match in Stuttgart. Neither team managed, to score any goals.

England's David Beckham stops an advance by Trinidad & Tobago's Cyd Gray during their Group B match in Nuremberg. England eventually won 2-0. (June 15, 2006)

A pair of Portuguese fans with their faces painted in their national colors smile before the World Cup semi-final between Portugal and France in Munich. (July 5, 2006)

World Cup mascots Goleo and Pille wear a plastic cover against rain which poured down prior to the start of the Ivory Coast vs Serbia & Montenegro Group C game in Munich on Wednesday. (June 21, 2006)

Ukraine goalie Oleksandr Shovkovskyi makes a save against Tunisia at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. It was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dull game between two teams in desperate need of a motivating win. Ukraine claimed a 1-0 victory and advance to the round of 16. (June 23, 2006)