1. Our World Cup was over before it even started
A 0-0 draw at home to Switzerland in our final qualifier meant Ireland didn’t even make the playoffs.
2. These two were just kids, playing in their first World Cup
(More on the Ronaldo fella later…)
3. Esteban Cambiasso and the 24 passes that led up to his goal against Serbia
4. Daniele de Rossi busting Brian McBride open
… and getting a four-match ban for his troubles.
5. Graham Poll making a mickey of things by dishing out three yellow cards to Croatia’s Josip Simunic
6. The Maxi Rodriguez corker that flattened Mexico and sent Argentina through to the quarter-finals
(It’s even better with the Spanish commentary.)
7. England’s free-kick expert David Beckham scoring his first England free-kick in three years against Ecuador
8. Eamon Dunphy turning his analysis on BBC’s post-match interviews
9. And another summer of Apres Match in general
“You’re not the only sexy one. Women have weird tastes, Graeme.”
10. Portugal and Holland kicking lumps out of each other
There were 16 yellow cards and four red cards in a game that became known as the Battle of Nuremberg.
11. This dubious, dubious stoppage-time penalty that sent Italy through to the last eight and Australia home
12. This goal by Ronaldo, which made him the all-time record scorer with 15 World Cup goals
13. Thierry Henry was up to his old tricks, winning the free that helped France to beat Spain in the quarter-finals
14. Rooney’s stamp on the Carvalho family jewels – and Ronaldo’s wink
15. The end of Sven’s England
Eriksson packed it in after losing to Portugal on penalties, and Schteve McClaren found himself in the hotseat.
16. Their World Cup was nothing like this ad, really
17. Grosso’s goal and the most passionate celebration since Tardelli in 82
(Andrea Pirlo’s pass here is quite magnificent.)
18. Zidane having the ultimate cojones to panenka a penalty in the World Cup final…
19. …And then sticking the head on Marco Materazzi in one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history
20. This image
21. Italy holding their nerve over penos and winning the World Cup for the fourth time
