Fifa World Cup 2006 Final
The Soccer World Cup is the world's greatest sporting tournament. A billion people in more than 200 countries will likely tune into the final match of the 2006 World Cup, to be played July 9 in. The stage was set for an epic battle between two of the world's greatest soccer nations - Italy, 3-time FIFA World Cup champion, and France, the defending. It would be the final match, not only of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but also of the career of Zinedine Zidane of France, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, who had announced that he would retire from soccer after the tournament.
By Jonathan MillerThere are countless amazing moments in World Cup history and EA managed to capture 40 of them in the Global Challenge mode in the upcoming 814751.html'>2006 FIFA World Cup. We sat down with producer Joe Nickolls and talked about his top five moments from the Global Challenge.
IGN: Tell us about Global Challenge.
Joe Nickolls: In Global Challenge you can recreate historic scenarios using the teams and players of today. Based on past FIFA World Cup and qualifying matches you can play a number of challenges in the six world zones. A challenge will have a major objective and two bonus objectives. To complete a challenge you must complete the major objective for which you will receive a bronze medal. Complete the bonus objectives to receive silver and gold medals. Medals will mean more points for you to use in the store. Each challenge will transport you to a certain point in the match. For some you may only have a few minutes to complete the objectives. Get bronze on all challenges to unlock the FIFA World Cup final section where you can recreate the great finals from the past.
IGN: Alright, enough stalling. What are your top five moments in Global Challenge?
Nickolls:
1. 1966 World Cup Final
England defeated Germany 4-2 in extra time
History: Playing before a sold-out crowd at historic Wembley Stadium, England was leading Germany 2-1 when Germany's Wolfgang Weber scored just before the final whistle to force the game into extra time. England went ahead in the 100th minute on a controversial goal when Geoff Hurst's shot hit the underside of the bar, bounced down and then out of the goal. The nearest England player to the ball was Roger Hunt, who wheeled away in celebration rather than tap the ball back over the line. The Soviet linesman called it a goal. England added another goal in the final moments. Final score 4-2 England. It was the first time in 32 years the home nation had won the World Cup.
2014 World Cup
The Challenge: Users play as England and pick up the game at the end of regulation with the score tied 2-2.
2. 1994 World Cup Final
Brazil defeats Italy 3-2 on penalty kicks
History: The 1994 World Cup was held in the United States, the first time it was held outside of Europe and South America. The Final was won by Brazil 3-2 over Italy on penalty kicks after the game and extra time ended 0-0. Italian striker Roberto Baggio, who at the time was one of the world's greatest players, skyed his penalty kick over the bar, costing Italy a World Cup title.
The Challenge: This scenario is in my Top 5 because the game went to penalty kicks and it is a perfect way to highlight our new penalty kick mode that replicates the tension of the penalty kick shootout in the World Cup. This game wasn't particularly memorable except for the drama at the end. Users play as Italy to see if they can overcome the pressure, reverse the decision and bring home the cup for the Italians.
3. 1998 World Cup Final
France defeats Brazil 3-0
History: There was dancing in the streets for days after France captured the World Cup on home soil with a 3-0 win over Brazil. Brazil was favored to win but their star, Ronaldo, was sick and the Brazilians came out lack-luster. France dominated with two first-half goals, including one by Zidane at the end of the half. Brazil dominated the second half but the French hung on for the win.
The Challenge: Play as Brazil, trailing 2-0 at the end of the half and see if you can keep the French from winning the Cup.
4. 2006 World Cup Qualifying
Argentina defeats Brazil 3-1
History: Argentina stunned Brazil 3-1 after scoring three goals in the first half to beat arch-rivals Brazil and qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Two goals by Hernan Crespo and one from Juan Roman Riquelme shocked the world champions.
The Challenge: Play as Argentina to see if you can knock off the World Champs again. This one is in my top 5 because of the intense nature of the rivalry between these two countries.
5. 1994 World Cup Quarter Finals
Italy defeats Spain 2-1
History: Italy went on to the World Cup Final after narrowly escaping with a 2-1 win over Spain. Roberto Baggio scored the winning goal three minutes before the end of regulation. Spain had tied the game in the 87th minute.
2002 World Cup South Korea
The Challenge: Users play as Spain, trailing 2-1, when the game picks up in the 87th minute, right after Baggio scored to put the Italians into the semifinal. This one is difficult because there is so little time left to score.
All images are from the Xbox 360 version.