There are three major awards to be handed out in this World Cup - the Golden Shoe (for most goals), the Best Young Player and The Golden Ball (best player of the tournament).
Source: nytimes.com
FRANKFURT, July 1 — At age 34, Zinédine Zidane has prematurely lost much of his hair but little of his magnificent soccer skill, which was on stirring display Saturday night as France ousted the five-time champion Brazil from the World Cup.
Source: www.geekzone.co.nz/juha
Zizou bids adieu to Brazil in his own, inimicable style.
Source: marble2.com
World Cup commentary, for the incredible France upset of the dominate Brazilian team.
My first reaction after the Holland-Portugal game was one of relief and joy - "England are going to the semi final!".
Source: Fifaworldcup.com
Ukraine won through to a FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final against Italy after beating Switzerland on penalties after a goalless draw in Cologne on Monday, 26 June 2006.
Does anyone actually believe that Harry Kewell won't participate in what has been dubbed Australia's "do or die" match against Italy.
Not every soccer match scales those emotional heights, but Australia v Croatia in yesterday's World Cup Group F match was a perfect illustration of why millions around the world are passionate about the game. The tension had me on the edge of my seat.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
Alright, they've only played two matches, but they've taken a fair few people by surprise. Tomorrow they get the chance to shock the Germans and top Group A. It's more than possible.
Source: soccerlens.com
Did you know that Arsenal and Chelsea have the most players at Germany 2006 (15 each)? Naturally, these teams also have the most goals scored so far (5 and 4 respectively). In total, 65 goals have been scored so far at the World Cup.
Fewer Brazilian performances will be as derided as today's 2-0 win over Australia. And if Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos thought 1998 was bad, they haven't seen anything yet.
Source: Soccerlens
A short guide on beating Brazil. Highlights include: - a star-studded squad to take on the South Americans - match strategies (including the need to keep possession, boss the midfield AND attack down the flanks) - prediction of the final result What do you guys think?
If Ecuador draw with or beat Germany in the final World Cup Group A match on Tuesday June 20th they will win the group and Germany will come second.
Source: Soccerlens
10 reasons why the 2006 World Cup is not all that it is cracked up to be.
Source: BBC Football
Independant medical experts have cleared Rooney fit to play in the World Cup, saying that he is at no more risk to injury than any other player recovering and coming back into action (hint to Totti, who came back after breaking a leg in February).
Source: Soccerlens
England have been ripped a new one by the media after their 1-0 win over Paraguay. This article discusses England's squad selection, match tactics and actual problems and reaches the inevitable conclusion - if England want to win, they have to play like champions.
Source: soccerlens.com
Brazil start the defense of their title with an easy, won't-break-a-sweat 1-0 win over Croatia. Pictures from the match plus analysis.
Source: Guardian Unlimited
It's a damn shame that this had to happen - why is it always beered-up Sun and Mirror-reading idiots (the two most notorious tabloids here in the UK for all Americans) who end up kicking off and instigating this kind of trouble? I'm in Birmingham myself, where you have to pay …
Source: youtube.com
This is a futbol version of Nike's famous Tiger Woods juggling ad. Ronaldinho juggles the ball like you'd expect a world-class star to be able to, but also bounces it off the crossbar of the goal several times in perfect succession from about 25 yards out.
Source: livescience.com
Similar to how a billiards player puts English on a ball, a soccer player can influence a ball's spin by striking it in various spots.
Source: livescience.com
In the opening match of soccer's World Cup Friday, German midfielder Torsten Frings scored an amazing goal from 40 yards out. The ball started off straight and then tailed sharply to the right in the last 10 yards or so.
I emailed in a suggestion to the Newsvine staff the other day about creating special chat rooms for the World Cup. This would hopefully help kick off a small spur for using the chat rooms.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
You can grab the printable world cup wallchart here.
Germany vs Costa Rica Match Stats (Group A) Germany 4, Costa Rica 2 Germany Goals: Lahm 6, Klose 17, 61, Frings 87 Costa Rica Goals: Wanchope 12,73 Germany vs Costa Rica Match Report
Source: soccernet.espn.go.com
Beating a top-class keeper can be hard enough but England have given the ultimate soccer duel an extra twist by telling Paul Robinson where they will place the spot kick.