Australia's nerve-jangling 2-2 draw with Croatia that put them in the last 16 of the World Cup encapsulated everything about the Socceroos and summed up the pure sporting theatre that is football's showpiece event.
Disappointed Japanese soccer fans lamented their team's early exit from the World Cup on Friday, but pinned their hopes on gaining the skills needed to do better four years down the road.
After a lackluster World Cup start, Ronaldo scored two goals Thursday night to lead Brazil to a 4-1 victory over Japan to clinch first place in Group F.
Marco Materazzi knew he had a tough task ahead when called on to replace an injured Alessandro Nesta early in a game that could decide whether Italy would stay alive at the World Cup.
They were confident. They were hyped. They promised that the world's game had arrived in the United States — and that the world best beware.
Australia likes to keep it dramatic. The Socceroos squeezed into the World Cup for the first time in 32 years through a penalty kick shootout with Uruguay. A pulse-stopping 2-2 draw with Croatia has now sent them into the second round, alongside Group F winner Brazil.
Germany are a dangerous animal who can win the World Cup, Ireland manager Steve Staunton said after the hosts finished top of their group to qualify for a clash with Sweden in the second round at the finals.
Multiple team changes, a determination not to lose and qualification already assured added up to stalemate between Argentina and the Netherlands on Wednesday.
The Netherlands and Argentina advanced into the knockout stage, together with Portugal and Mexico, while Cote d'Ivoire, Angola, Iran, and Serbia and Montenegro were eliminated.
It didn't matter. In a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Wednesday, the Argentines confirmed their role as title contenders and easily earned a second-round match against Mexico.
A goalkeeper kneeled in prayer with his back to the action. A star striker sought to calm his nerves before a decisive penalty kick.
Angola has missed its chance to advance to the second round of the World Cup, drawing 1-1 with Iran in Group D.
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