Italy advances on late Totti penalty kick

The Socceroos were tough on Italy. The referee was tougher on Australia. Another questionable call in this World Cup showed Italy the way to the quarterfinal Monday, giving the Italians a penalty kick that Francesco Totti converted for the 1-0 win as time expired.

Versace cheers for show-stopping Cup

The World Cup stopped the show for Versace on Monday as fashionistas watched Italy and Australia on a screen at the end of the catwalk and Donatella Versace herself only reluctantly broke away from the game.

Ukraine advances to soccer quarterfinals

The idea is to put the ball in the net, not just keep it out. Ukraine figured that out a lot quicker than Switzerland in the shootout Monday night.

Referees becoming the story of Cup

Their ranks include a tax inspector, a tire salesman, even an airline pilot. Then they step on the soccer field, and become referees.

Brazil respecting Ghana -- but not too much

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira sees a specter hovering above the second-round game with Ghana.

Nearly 500 arrested in weekend scuffles

British and German police were helped by heavy rain that had most fans running for someplace dry after a weekend that saw hundreds of arrests.

Zico defends his World Cup judgment as Japan coach

Japan coach Zico on Monday drew a curtain on his career as head coach of the national squad by defending his judgment in his team's crucial first match against Australia in the World Cup.

Verbeek named new South Korea coach

Dutchman Pim Verbeek was on Monday named new coach of South Korea's soccer team.

Prostitutes work overtime during Cup

The 2006 World Cup is a significant event not only for football fans who have flocked to Germany from all over the world. The championship also attracts attention of those who normally make money by exploiting weaknesses and hobbies of football fans.

World Cup fever hits Yunnan monks

World Cup slows down Vietnam's tourism

Vietnam has seen decline in inbound and outbound tourists this summer, mainly because many people prefer watching World Cup matches on TV to making holiday trips as usual, local newspaper Vietnam News reported Monday.

Islamists denounce 'evil' World Cup but cannot ignore it

Long before the first football was kicked at the World Cup earlier this month in Germany, hardline Islamists were busily denouncing the massive competition as a corrupt show of Western influence.