2006worldcup

2006 Germany World Cup

The 2006 World Cup was played on enemy territory in Germany and once again, the nation's hopes were high as the England squad  looked as strong as it had ever been ahead of any previous World Cup. The bookmakers betting on England suggested that Sven Goran Erikkson could deliver World Cup success at his second attempt and on the 40th anniversary of England's most famous footballing moment - the 1966 World Cup win.

England were drawn in Group B alongside Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago. Wins against Paraguay and Trinidad and a draw agaisnt Sweden was enough to see England safely progress to the last 16 knock stage as Group winners.

The knock out game saw England come up agaisnt Ecuador, where despite a less than convincing performance from the team, a David Beckham free kick was enough to see England through to the Quarter Finals where they woudl face Portugal.

The game against Portugal was a cagey affair with neither team giving anything away. Eventually finishing 0-0, this game looked to be going to yet another penalty shootout involving England from a very early stage in the game. England especially looked happy to settle for the game to be decided on spot kicks following the sending off of Wayne Rooney on 62 minutes.

The game went to penalties. England fans everywhere must have been thinking that our luck from 12 yards out was about to change! Sadly not, with Portugal eventually going through and England fans once again left to cry in to their pint glasses think what may have been.