Germany kick-start the party
The World Cup was only five minutes old when Germany left-back Philipp Lahm cut inside to curl a shot past Costa Rica goalkeeper Jose Porras to send the home crowd into raptures. The World Cup lifted off as Lahm's shot hit the back of the net.

Record-breaker Ronaldo
Brazil striker Ronaldo was criticised throughout the tournament for being unfit and off the pace but, having scored twice against Japan, the Real Madrid man fired home the opener against Ghana to break Gerd Muller's World Cup goalscoring record with his 15th strike in the finals.

Argentina play team game
The South American's were one of the hot favourites to lift the World Cup and their 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro only enhanced their credentials but it was Esteban Cambiasso's goal which had everyone drooling. A flowing move which involved nine outfield players and 24 passes culminated with the midfielder slotting home from Hernan Crespo's back-heel.

Cole’s Cracker
England fans did not have much to cheer in a disappointing campaign but Joe Cole's dipping volley in the 2-2 draw against Sweden was one instance. When the ball came out to him he controlled it on his chest and then looped a shot from 35 yards inside the far post.

South Americans have max factor
Anything Cole could do, Maxi Rodriguez could do better and with the South American's being given a tough test by Mexico in their last-16 clash the midfielder scored one of the great World Cup goals. He controlled Juan Pablo Sorin's cross-field pass on his chest and, without letting the ball hit the ground, volleyed left-footed into the top corner.

Rooney’s red mist
Memorable for all the wrong reasons, as it signalled England's exit from the competition. Hounded by Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho and Petit, Wayne Rooney appeared to stamp on the Chelsea defender before shoving club-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. Referee Horacio Elizondo had no hesitation in showing the Manchester United forward a red card. England's exit on penalties, once again, only compunded Rooney's misery.

German reliability spot on again
The rapidly-improving hosts knocked out the favourites Argentina after holding the South Americans to a 1-1 draw in extra-time. Germany's penalties were of such astonishingly high quality goalkeeper Leonardo Franco got nowhere near them and Jurgen Klinsmann's side progressed 4-2 having not missed one - again. For the record Oliver Neuville, Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski and Tim Borokski were the men on target.

Can’t tie Socceroos down
The Socceroos secured their first World Cup win in dramatic style with three goals in the last six minutes against Japan. Substitute Tim Cahill was the catalyst, snatching an equaliser before rattling in a brilliant long-range strike off both posts to give the Aussies the lead. John Aloisi capped a remarkable fightback.

Czechs bounced by Ghana
The Czech Republic were one of the most impressive teams in the opening round of games but they held no fear for stylish Ghana in Cologne. The Africans powered ahead with just 70 seconds on the clock and had numerous other chances in a compelling encounter. Sulley Muntari then secured a 2-0 win.

The best and worst of Zidane
Zinedine Zidane looked like he was going to make the headlines for all the right reasons in his last match when he cheekily chipped in the penalty which gave France an early lead in the final in Berlin. However, his headbutt in extra-time on Italian goalscorer Marco Materazzi changed all that.