Part 84 - So Far, Soviet
2006 FIFA World Cup - Group Stage
At long last, the powerhouse Soviet Union staged a major tournament. Anything except a repeat of their 1998 title would be deemed a major failure. Things started expectedly, with the hosts beating Costa Rica 3-1. Germany were later edged out by a single Andriy Shevchenko goal, while Ecuador were brushed aside 3-0. So far, so good for the Soviets. Germany advanced in second by beating Ecuador 2-0 and Costa Rica 3-2 in a flashy matchday three encounter. Ecuador's impressive 3-0 victory over Costa Rica was not enough.
Group A of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
England defeated Paraguay 1-0 before easing past Japan 2-0. Despite a dominant display by Sweden, they could only manage a 1-1 draw with the Japanese. Sweden showed more discipline in the second round, edging out Paraguay with a single late goal. An even later equalizer in the 2-2 draw with England ensured the two European sides advanced, as Paraguay's 2-1 triumph over Japan only yielded three points.
Group B of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Debutants Lithuania started their campaign with a respectable 1-1 draw versus a quite dominant Dutch team. However, things came crumbling down when Argentina emphatically demolished Lithuania 6-0. The Argentines previously won 2-1 over the Ivory Coast - a scoreline replicated by the Dutch. In the final round, Argentina and the Netherlands featured in a mutually beneficial goalless draw, while Lithuania recorded a historic win over the Ivorians. Bizarelly, despite playing quite well, the Ivory Coast lost all matches 2-1.
Group C of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal swept the group, though narrowly: 1-0 against their former colony Angola, and 2-1 versus Iran and Mexico. Angola were solid defensively but lacked goalscoring prowess, as they drew 0-0 with Mexico and lost 2-1 against Iran. However, it was Mexico who advanced thanks to their opening 3-2 victory over Iran.
Group D of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil brushed aside debutants Ghana 3-0 in the opener, while Bohemia replicated that scoreline versus the United States. But the group took a twist on matchday two when Ghana sensationally defeated Bohemia 2-0. Brazil's 2-0 victory over the Americans was not nearly as shocking. Bohemia's flop was cemented when Brazil defeated them 3-1 in the final round. Meanwhile, Ghana edged out the U.S. by two goals to one.
Group E of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Group F could very claim the title of 'group of death'. In the opening game, Australia surprisingly defeated Uruguay 2-1. Title holders Italy edged out Croatia by the same margin. Each respective echelon of the group then drew with each other. Uruguay and Croatia failed to produce any goals, whereas Italy and Australia managed one each. Uruguay were brushed aside 2-0 by Italy with unexpected ease, while Australia held Croatia to a 2-2 draw despite a Croat player being shown three (!) yellow cards before being sent off.
Group F of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Despite sensationally scoring the opener versus Korea, debutants Togo lost 3-1. The other matches also ended in failure. Switzerland found two goals against them. Serbia also won 3-1. Switzerland's goalless draw with Serbia didn't show any promises of success, but a 2-1 upset win over the Koreans ensured the Swiss topped Group G. Korea's 2-1 victory against Serbia was enough for advancement.
Group G of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Group H was extremely top heavy - and swept by France who edged out Denmark 1-0 and Tunisia 2-1 before brushing aside Saudi Arabia 2-0. Denmark bounced back after their opening loss by hammering the Saudis 4-0. A single goal against Tunisia ensured the Danes returned to the knockout stage a seventh consecutive World Cup [1]. The only minor cause for celebration for the Saudis and Tunisians was their entertaining 2-2 stalemate.
Group H of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
I'd love to know your round of 16 predictions:
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[1] Didn't even realize Denmark were on such an impressive streak ITTL. Interesting.
Thanks to @jycee and @Mildtryth for helping me figure out the venues (and credit to the latter of the two for getting the most group stage predictions right).
