World Cup Germany 2006 - Wednesday June 07
On the pitch
Cisse's Cup dream hangs by thread, Ballack in doubt for opener, Aussie newboy overshadows Kewell, Limping Italy lose general, Michel says pressure is on Argies, Spain edge Croatia, Van der Vaart gives Dutch boost, Zico fury at Schweinsteiger, Gerrard sits out England training, Hiddink in confident mood, France to give away secrets, Ballack misses training again, Czech striker Baros doubtful for US, D-day for Rooney, Don't write off Figo, warns Simao, Fears ease for injured Italy pair, Argentina see Ivory Coast tie as key, Germany predict winning start . . . more . . .
The Word on the Street
500 million reasons for Korea to win Cup, Ecuador half-day joy, Gulf punter joins England betting surge, Iranian vice-president to attend Cup, Miss Universe steals the show, Ronaldinho wants tough refs, Three English hooligans turned away, Tony Blair feeling Cup fever, Police attempt to stop hooligans, Child's play for Portugal's Paulo, Church attract Cup believers, Police seize Maradona watches, UN, FIFA to promote peace, US group wants ban on Iran leader, Jordan to set up screen for the poor . . . more . . .
Pic of the Day
World Cup face off
A German worker grabs a snack at a supporters park in front of the parlimentary building in Berlin. The host nation kick-off against Costa Rica on Friday.
A German labourer eats a snack while he takes a break during preparations for the construction of a supporters football park in front of The Bundestag, Germany's parliamentary building in Berlin, 07 June 2006., ahead of The FIFA World Cup 2006. Germany will face Costa Rica 09 June in the opening match of the tournament in Munich. AFP PHOTO/SERGEI SUPINSKY
Quote of the Day
"After all, you don't find many atheists during penalty shoot-outs."
A spokesman for the Church of England talks about increased popularity for their World Cup prayer.