World Cup history: Italy make case for defence with triumph in Germany 2006
The Azzurri's watertight rearguard set up victory in Berlin as French legend Zinedine Zidane exited the world stage in disgrace. We look back at the highlights of a memorable tournament
Monday 12 March 2018 12:04, UK
Italy, with their watertight defence, lifted their fourth World Cup during an incident-packed tournament.
The Azzurri carved their way to glory while the hosts also enjoyed a fine run under then-manager Jurgen Klinsmann.
France legend Zinedine Zidane, though, stole the headlines as his final professional match was concluded with a red card for a moment of madness.
Hosts Germany, who qualified automatically, were drawn alongside Ecuador, Poland and Costa Rica in Group A.
They got their campaign off to a flying start with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Costa Rica with Philipp Lahm's opening goal a stunning way to get the tournament under way.
Ecuador then edged out Poland before a goal from Oliver Neuville saw Germany also defeat their European neighbours.
The Ecuadorians continued their fine start with a 3-0 triumph against Costa Rica but they came undone against Germany, whose win secured them top spot.
Poland then earned their first victory versus Costa Rica as Ecuador finished runners-up in Group A.
Sven Goran Eriksson's England faced Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago in Group B.
The Three Lions ground out a 1-0 win over Paraguay in their opening clash as Carlos Gamarra diverted home David Beckham's free-kick.
Sweden were held to a 0-0 stalemate in their opening game with Trinidad before England downed the Caribbean nation thanks to late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.
The Swedes recorded their first win over Paraguay before a 2-2 draw with England ensured the Three Lions topped the group and their Scandinavian counterparts finished second.
England then locked horns with Sweden in a game that finished 2-2 but was marred by a serious knee injury to key striker Michael Owen, whose tournament came to an end.
Group C was considered the so-called 'group of death' as Argentina, Holland Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro battled for qualification to the last 16.
Two-time winners Argentina were made to fight for a 2-1 success over Ivory Coast before Holland recorded a 1-0 victory against Serbia.
Argentina then put on an almighty show as they smashed Serbia for six to seal their passage from Group C, while Holland's win against Ivory Coast also clinched their qualification.
Ivory Coast at least ended their campaign on a positive note courtesy of a 3-2 win over Serbia whilst Holland and Argentina played out a goalless draw to ensure the latter finished top of the group on goal difference.
Portugal topped Group D on maximum points after seeing off Angola, Iran and Mexico.
The Mexicans landed second spot after downing Iran 3-1 in their first game before earning a point against Angola.
Italy and Ghana also progressed to the first knockout round after the pair finished first and second in Group E respectively.
The Czech Republic started promisingly as they brushed aside the United States 3-0 while Italy saw off Ghana 2-0.
But the Czechs were to be undone by the Ghanaians in their second game while Italy played out a 1-1 draw with USA.
In the final round of games in Group E, Italy ended the Czech Republic's participation while Ghana's 2-1 win over the United States sealed the runners-up berth.
Brazil, who for the first time as holders did not automatically qualify to defend their trophy, were placed against Australia, Croatia and Japan in Group F.
Australia, playing in their first World Cup for 32 years, began with a victory as they overcame Japan 3-1 while Brazil e
