Ian Woolverton

2006 world cup, germany

Football fans from around the globe gathered in Germany for the 2006 World Cup Finals, creating an electric atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie.

Rolling a smoke during the half-time break in the match between Australia and Japan, the score stands at Australia 0-1 Japan.

In a stunning comeback, the Socceroos score three goals in the last eight minutes of the second half, including a thrilling injury-time goal that seals the win. It’s a heart-crushing moment for the Japanese team, but a dream come true for the Australians, marking their first-ever World Cup victory.

An Australian supporter wills his nation to victory against Japan. The game took place in Kaiserslautern but many Australians gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to watch the action on enormous video screens.

V is for victory. Australian supporters in Berlin celebrate their 3-1 defeat of Japan.

Ecuador celebrate their 3-0 victory over Costa Rica. Did you know Panama hats are from Ecuador?

Supporters of Poland and Germany enter into the spirit of the tournament.

Germany beat Poland 1-0 with a late goal in stoppage time. For this Polish fan the tension is unbearable.

Excitement grew as England prepared to face Trinidad and Tobago.

Late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard spared England’s blushes against the footballing minnows from the Caribbean.

Leading the Barmy Army in a victory parade following their 2-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago.

England crashed out of the World Cup against Portugal in a quarter-final penalty shoot out.

The 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany were celebrated as one of the best ever. Hundreds of thousands of fans flocked to Germany, revelling in the electrifying atmosphere. From Angola to Zambia, billions more tuned in on TV or gathered around radios, determined not to miss a moment of the world’s most celebrated sporting event.

Italy triumphed over Germany 2-0 in an absorbing semi-final, before going on to defeat France and claim their fourth World Cup title —just one shy of Brazil’s record.