---

Best team performance

The Czech Republic looked like a tight unit and served notice that they could be a bigger threat in this competition than anyone imagined.

Best individual

performance

Arjen Robben's virtuoso display of wing-play for Holland against Serbia & Montenegro, capped with a fine individual strike, was the best of the opening few games. Honourable mention to Trini keeper Shaka Hislop for shutting out the Swedes.

Best Game

If only for the last ten minutes Australia's dramatic 3-1 win over Japan was the most exciting encounter of the tournament so far.

Best Goal

Torsten Frings curling effort from distance as Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 on the opening day of the competition will struggle to be bettered throughout the competition.

Biggest Flop

The Americans swaggered into the tournament talking up their chances. But it turns out it was all talk and no action. And how the rest of the world rejoiced. Stick to playing baseball boys.

Best Coaching Decision

Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe and Aussie coach Guss Hiddink both turned their teams fortunes around with some masterstroke substitutions but the award goes to Hiddink who brought on Tim Cahill and John Aloisi to net three goals in the last ten minutes and turn a 1-0 deficit into the Aussie's first ever World Cup win.

Most entertaining team

The Germans, of all teams - more noted for grafting out 1-0 wins against the run of play than their swashbuckling style, kicked off the tournament with plenty of attacking verve. They didn't seem too worried about defence and scored some great goals in the most exciting opening game to a World Cup in recent memory.

Dullest Team

England. A messy 1-0 win with little in the way of entertainment, England seemed happy to nick a lucky goal and sit on their 1-0 lead. It paid off this time.

Best Fans

Trinidad & Tobago caused the shock of the tournament so far when they held Sweden to a nil-nil draw and their fans celebrated as if they won the tournament.

[[In-content Ad]]

---