The group stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup featured 48 matches played from June 9 to June 23, 2006. Thirty-two teams competed in eight groups, with each team playing three matches to determine which sixteen nations would advance to the knockout rounds.
GROUP A
Germany opened the tournament in spectacular fashion, demolishing Costa Rica 4-2 in Munich. The host nation continued their impressive form, defeating Poland 1-0 and Ecuador 3-0 to top the group with maximum points. Ecuador finished second, making it to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Final Standings: 1. Germany (9 pts), 2. Ecuador (6 pts), 3. Poland (3 pts), 4. Costa Rica (0 pts)
GROUP B
England, led by captain David Beckham, qualified as group winners despite some uninspiring performances. Their opening 1-0 win over Paraguay and 2-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago secured progression, even as they drew 2-2 with Sweden. Sweden joined them in the last sixteen.
Final Standings: 1. England (7 pts), 2. Sweden (5 pts), 3. Paraguay (3 pts), 4. Trinidad and Tobago (1 pt)
GROUP C
Argentina produced some of the tournament's most attractive football, highlighted by their stunning 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro - including a goal involving 24 passes. The Netherlands also impressed, and both South American and European giants advanced with ease.
Final Standings: 1. Argentina (9 pts), 2. Netherlands (7 pts), 3. Ivory Coast (3 pts), 4. Serbia and Montenegro (0 pts)
GROUP D
Portugal emerged as group winners with an impressive defensive record, conceding just one goal in three matches. Mexico joined them after edging Iran and Angola. This group saw lower-scoring affairs but quality tactical battles.
Final Standings: 1. Portugal (9 pts), 2. Mexico (4 pts), 3. Angola (2 pts), 4. Iran (1 pt)
GROUP E
Italy navigated a challenging group featuring the Czech Republic and Ghana. A 2-0 victory over the Czechs proved crucial, and despite a 1-1 draw with the United States in a controversial match, the Azzurri topped the group with Ghana advancing second.
Final Standings: 1. Italy (7 pts), 2. Ghana (6 pts), 3. Czech Republic (3 pts), 4. USA (1 pt)
GROUP F
Brazil, the defending champions, showcased their quality with victories over Croatia and Japan, though a 1-0 win against the Japanese came through a late Ronaldo goal. Australia made history by advancing past the group stage for the first time.
Final Standings: 1. Brazil (9 pts), 2. Australia (4 pts), 3. Croatia (2 pts), 4. Japan (1 pt)
GROUP G
France struggled initially, drawing 0-0 with Switzerland and 1-1 with South Korea. However, a Thierry Henry-inspired 2-0 victory over Togo secured their progression. Switzerland advanced as group winners after an impressive defensive campaign.
Final Standings: 1. Switzerland (7 pts), 2. France (5 pts), 3. South Korea (4 pts), 4. Togo (0 pts)
GROUP H
Spain topped the group with three convincing wins, including a 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine. Ukraine recovered to claim second place, while Tunisia and Saudi Arabia were eliminated. This group produced some of the most one-sided results of the tournament.
Final Standings: 1. Spain (9 pts), 2. Ukraine (6 pts), 3. Tunisia (1 pt), 4. Saudi Arabia (1 pt)
Group Stage Statistics
The group stage saw a total of 126 goals scored at an average of 2.63 per match. Argentina's Hernan Crespo and Germany's Miroslav Klose emerged as early Golden Boot contenders.
For more detailed statistics, visit UEFA - European football's governing body.