World Cup 2006
An Irish Times supplement
(published June 7th, 2006)
 It may be the World Cup where the trains run on time and the matches start on schedule but, says Tom Humphries, a moment, a fragment, an instant can change all that and make it all seem worthwhile » Read more
 The last tournament on German soil witnessed the birth of ‘Total Football’ and brought Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer face to face in the final. The careers of two great players were to mirror each other in the years that followed, but only one of them lifted the World Cup. Emmet Malone looks back » Read more
 World Player of the Year twice in a row, Ronaldinho is poised to join the list of football immortals who have defined World Cup tournaments through skill and personality alone, writes Keith Duggan » Read more
 In a country where soccer has relied on ethnic support, Padraig Collins finds that Australia’s qualification has unexpected complications » Read more
 Gary Lineker did his best work in the box. Now he does it on the box. Tom Humphries visits the ‘Match of the Day’ studio to which former England striker has transferred so seamlessly » Read more
 Richard Gillis on the windfall for Fifa as companies jostle to be associated with soccer's showcase tournament » Read more
 Corruption, chaotic organisation and civil strife look set to undermine Africa's challenge, writes Matt Spiro » Read more
 As England survey a post-Rooney landscape, Andrew Fifield says that the coach will have to rid himself of his tactical straitjacket » Read more
Mary Hannigan watches the ‘Aprés Match’ team limber up ahead of the finals, and assesses our viewing options over the next month » Read more
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