2006–07 A-League, Clubs, Foreign players
The following do not fill a Visa position:1Those players who were born and started their professional career abroad but have since gained Australian Residency (and New Zealand Residency, in the case of Wellington Phoenix);2Australian residents (and New Zealand residents, in the case of Wellington Phoenix) who have chosen to represent another national team;3Injury Replacement Players, or National Team Replacement Players;4Guest Players (eligible to play a maximum of ten games)


2006–07 A-League, Pre-Season Challenge Cup
This competition was held in July and August in the lead up to the start of the A-League season. The opening round was 15 July 2006. The competition featured a group stage, with three regular rounds and a bonus round, followed by a two-week finals playoff. The bonus group round matched up teams against opponents from the other group, and also offered the incentive of "bonus points" based on goals scored (1 point for 2 goals, 2 points for 3 goals, 3 points for 4 or more goals).


2006–07 A-League, Pre-Season Challenge Cup
The Pre-Season Cup was used to enhance the A-League's profiles by playing pre-season games in regional centres including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Launceston, Canberra, Wollongong, Port Macquarie, Orange and Tamworth.


2006–07 A-League, Pre-Season Challenge Cup
The pre-season cup was won by Adelaide United at the final on 19 August 2006.


2006–07 A-League, Regular season
The league season took a triple round-robin format, and took place over 21 rounds between 25 August 2006 and 21 January 2007.


2006–07 A-League, Regular season, Finals series
The Asian Football Confederation announced on 21 November 2006 that Adelaide United and Sydney FC would represent Australia in the 2007 AFC Champions League. Despite an appeal by the Football Federation Australia, it was determined that the 2005–06 A-League premiers and champions would qualify and not those from the current season.


2006–07 A-League, Regular season, Finals series
The AFC also indicated that the qualification arrangements would not be reviewed prior to 2009. The FFA have indicated that the premiers and champions of A-League 2006–07 will qualify for the 2008 AFC Champions League – establishing a precedent of maintaining a one-year lag between qualification and participation.


2006–07 A-League, Awards
The 2007 A-League Awards ceremony was held on 27 February 2007 at the Sydney Opera House.


2006–07 A.C. ChievoVerona season
During the 2006–07 A.C. ChievoVerona season, they competed in Serie A.


2006–07 A.C. ChievoVerona season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 A.C. ChievoVerona season, First-team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 A.C. Milan season
The 2006–07 season has had its ups and downs for Milan. Having started the 2006–07 Serie A season with an eight-point penalty due to the Calciopoli scandal, a poor run of results during which Milan failed to win for nine-straight matches left them in a lowly 15th place on only 11 points. After two consecutive losses against Atalanta and Roma, Milan had a streak of seven-straight undefeated matches. Two wins against Catania and Udinese left Milan only six points behind fourth place and qualification for the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League. Milan eventually finished fourth in Serie A, behind Lazio. After displaying poor physical condition throughout most of the fall, the team took a January retreat in Malta to regain condition and try to achieve a fourth-place finish in Serie A and further progression in the Champions League.


2006–07 A.C. Milan season
Milan's performances in the Champions League were a different story. Drawn in a group described as easy by some pundits, with AEK Athens, Lille and Anderlecht, Milan fell to a defeat against AEK Athens but won the group. Milan eventually won the Champions League, overcoming Celtic in the round of 16, Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, Manchester United in the semi-finals and Liverpool in the final. Kaká was in strong form for Milan in the Champions League, scoring 10 goals in 12 matches and winning that year's Champions League Golden Boot.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season
During the 2006–07 football season, Associazione Sportiva Roma played its 74th Serie A league season, finishing 2nd. The club also competed in the UEFA Champions League, finishing as quarter-finalists, and the Coppa Italia, winning the trophy for the eighth time.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season
The season is mostly remembered for the collapse Roma suffered at the hands of Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals, United coming back from a 2–1 defeat in Rome to demolish the Italians 7–1 at Old Trafford.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
Roma finished the 2005–06 Serie A in fifth place, but after the sentences of the 2006 Italian football scandal that deducted all of Juventus's points and thirty each from Milan and Fiorentina, Roma finished second, behind Internazionale, thus gaining the qualification to the Champions League group stage.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
The summer transfer window brought some changes in the Roma tactical formation, the most important being the signing of David Pizarro, a deep-lying playmaker that coach Luciano Spalletti had managed at Udinese, and considered fundamental for Roma's passing play. Another important signing was Max Tonetto, who took the place of left-back Leandro Cufré, who was sold to Monaco. Other players such as Mirko Vučinić, Matteo Ferrari, Marco Cassetti and Ricardo Faty were signed to boost the squad.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
The first match of the season was the Supercoppa Italiana, against Inter, played on 26 August 2006 at the San Siro. In the 34th minute Roma were leading 3–0 with two goals by Alberto Aquilani and one by Mancini. However, the physical condition of the giallorossi was still weak and so, the nerazzurri succeeded in reaching the draw with two goals by Patrick Vieira and one by Hernán Crespo; in extra-time Inter scored the fourth and winning goal with a free kick by Luís Figo.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
In the first part of the season Roma, Inter and Palermo raced to the top of the league early, but Inter started to lead the Serie A and kept first place until the end.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
During the winter transfer window, Vincenzo Montella was loaned to English club Fulham as he was lacking game time and wanted to try his luck in the Premier League. He was replaced by Francesco Tavano and Christian Wilhelmsson, both signed on loan.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
Roma were drawn into Group D of the 2006–07 UEFA Champions League, along with Valencia, Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympiacos. They finished second, behind Valencia, with 10 points (three wins, one draw and two defeats).


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
In the first knockout round Roma were drawn against Lyon, who had already won 6 consecutive French championships and were the favourites to pass the round; however, after a 0–0 draw at the Stadio Olimpico (with many controversial decisions by English referee Mike Riley, who yellow carded eleven players), Roma won 2–0 in the Stade de Gerland with goals from Francesco Totti and Mancini, the latter of whom scored a sensational goal, performing a total of five stepovers in front of Lyon's dazed defender Anthony Réveillère. In the quarter-finals Roma faced Manchester United. They won the first leg 2–1 with goals from Rodrigo Taddei and Mirko Vučinić, but, in the second leg, having been undefeated in 10 games in all competitions previously and having the then-best performing defense of the tournament, they suffered an amazing 7–1 defeat at Old Trafford.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
Roma won their eighth Coppa Italia after beating Triestina, Parma, Milan and finally Internazionale. Roma won the two final games with an aggregate result of 7–4; the first leg ended with a surprising 6–2 win while the second leg, though Inter's president Massimo Moratti claimed that they didn't care about the Coppa Italia, was played with animosity and determination by the nerazzurri, but the 2–1 final score gave the trophy to Roma.


2006–07 A.S. Roma season, Season review
Roma ended the 2006–07 Serie A season as runners-up, securing second place with three games to go, behind Internazionale. Although the nerazzurri dominated the championship, they lost the match against 'giallorossi' 3–1 at San Siro, the same stadium in which Roma also beat the 2007 Champions League winner Milan 2–1, with two goals from Francesco Totti. Totti scored a total of 32 goals in the season, and became the Serie A topscorer with 26 goals. He also won the European Golden Shoe, the trophy awarded to the top league goalscorer in Europe.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia was an A1 Grand Prix race held on 4 February 2007 at Eastern Creek Raceway in Sydney, Australia. This was the seventh race in the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit. Nico Hülkenberg, who won both the Sprint and Main races, set the still standing (as of March 2013) outright lap record for the original 3.93 km (2.44 mi) long circuit with a time of 1:19.1420 in his A1 Team Germany Lola A1GP Zytek.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia, Results, Sprint Race results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, 4 February 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Australia, Results, Feature Race results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, 4 February 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China
The 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, China was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on November 12, 2006 at Beijing International Streetcircuit, Beijing, China. It was the third race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first and the only meeting held at the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China
Due to various safety concerns, the circuit was shortened, and the races started behind the safety car, with the Sprint Race was run mostly behind the safety car. These incidents led to questions about the management and organization of both the event and A1GP in general, eventually leading to series' collapse in 2009. Following the incident and the track's lack of funding, the first Chinese race of the season was moved to Zhuhai International Circuit for the 2007-08 season.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Report, Practice
The first day of practice was canceled because of safety concerns, specifically a very tight hairpin. A revised track layout was devised for extended Saturday practice session.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Report, Qualifying
The field was set by morning practice times, giving The Netherlands' driver Jeroen Bleekemolen pole position for the Sprint race.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Report, Races
The width of the track was also an issue in the Sprint race, as South Africa's Adrian Zaugg spun and stalled his car, blocking half of the track. The safety car was deployed, as a flatbed truck came to remove the stricken vehicle and blocked the entire track, halting the remaining cars.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Report, Races
With more than half the race under the safety car, Jeroen Bleekemolen won the race for The Netherlands, with Salvador Durán of Mexico and A1 Team Italy's Enrico Toccacelo in second and third.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Report, Races
Toccacelo would eventually win the feature race, with Britain's Oliver Jarvis and Australia's Karl Reindler in second and third; the feature race was also marred with crashes and was shortened from 67 scheduled laps to 63 due to time constraints.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Results, Qualification
Qualification was cancelled due to track problems. Accordingly, the grid was set from the times set in the 25 minutes of the morning practice session (Practice 3) before it was red-flagged, under article 144 of the Sporting Regulations.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Results, Sprint Race results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, November 12, 2006.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Results, Feature Race results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, November 12, 2006. The race was initially scheduled for 67 laps, but was shortened by five laps.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Beijing, China, Similar problems in China
Similar problems have occurred before in China. The 2004 DTM race around the streets of Pudong in Shanghai was hampered by crashes  due to manhole covers becoming undone; the 2005 Chinese Grand Prix on the Shanghai International Circuit was interrupted when the safety car had to be deployed when a water runoff drain became open. The same problem also occurred in the Australian V8 Supercars race on the same circuit a few months before.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Brazil
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Brazil was scheduled to be an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on March 18, 2007, in Brazil. This was to be the ninth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Brazil
On 17 January 2007 the A1GP administration announced that as a result of a delay in obtaining a local terrestrial television agreement that the event would be cancelled. The race was removed from the schedule in the same manner as the previous season.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on October 8, 2006, at Masaryk Circuit near Brno, Czech Republic. This was the second race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic, Results, Qualification
* After qualifying, the A1 Team Great Britain car was found to be 4 mm over the maximum width, and the stewards disallowed the team's fastest qualifying time. ()


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic, Results, Sprint Race Results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, October 8, 2006


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Czech Republic, Results, Feature Race Results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, October 8, 2006


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on 29 April 2007 at Brands Hatch, Great Britain. This was the eleventh and final race in the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain, Results, Sprint Race results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, 29 April 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Great Britain, Results, Feature Race results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, 29 April 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia was an A1 Grand Prix race held on December 10, 2006 at Sentul International Circuit, Indonesia. This was the fifth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia, Results, Sprint Race Results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, December 10, 2006


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Indonesia, Results, Feature Race Results
The Feature race took place on Sunday, December 10, 2006


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia is an A1 Grand Prix race, to be held on November 26, 2006, at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. This shall be the fourth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia, Report, Main race
In wet conditions, Team Germany driver Nico Hülkenberg dominated the field and won by over 40 seconds.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia, Results, Qualification
*After an incident in Qualifying segment 1, in which Germany's Nico Hülkenberg was judged to have caused an avoidable collision with Ireland's Michael Devaney, Hülkenberg was deducted his fastest time, though his had no effect on his Sprint race starting grid position.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia, Results, Qualification
* *After an incident in Qualifying segment 2, in which South Africa's Adrian Zaugg was judged to have blocked USA driver Philip Giebler during his fast lap, Zaugg was deducted his fastest time, resulting in him moving from 8th to 11th on the Sprint race starting grid.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia, Results, Qualification
* **After an incident in Qualifying segment 2, in which Indonesia's Ananda Mikola was judged to have blocked Italy's Enrico Toccacelo during his fast lap, Mikola was deducted his fastest time, resulting in him moving from 18th to 19th on the Sprint race starting grid.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia, Results, Sprint Race Results
The Sprint race took place on Sunday, November 26, 2006


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Malaysia, Results, Feature Race Results
The Feature race took place on Sunday, November 26, 2006


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on March 25, 2007, at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico. This was the ninth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico, Results, Sprint Race Results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, March 25, 2007.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Mexico, Results, Feature Race Results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, March 25, 2007.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands was an A1 Grand Prix race, held on October 1, 2006 at the Circuit Park Zandvoort circuit in Zandvoort, Netherlands. This was the first race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands, Results, Sprint Race Results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, October 1, 2006


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands, Results, Sprint Race Results
New for the 2006/07 season is the way to determine the feature race order. The grid is determined on three factors:


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands, Results, Sprint Race Results
Points are awarded for each element. If a driver started the Sprint race on pole, he would be awarded one point, if he started the race second he would get two points, right down to the 23rd on the grid who will get 23 points.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands, Results, Sprint Race Results
The same occurs for the race positions – the winner gets one point, the runner-up two and third three points, right down to the last finisher who scores 23. Similarly for the fastest laps; the fastest gets one point, the second two and so on.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands, Results, Sprint Race Results
The points are all added together after the end of the sprint race; the driver with the lowest number of points will start the Feature race on pole.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands, Results, Sprint Race Results
If two teams finish on the same number of points after the calculations, the driver who achieved a higher finish position in the Sprint race will be awarded the better starting position.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Netherlands, Results, Main Race Results
The Main Race took place also on Sunday, October 1, 2006.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand is an A1 Grand Prix race, held on 21 January 2007 at Taupo Motorsport Park, New Zealand. The sixth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the first meeting held at the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand, Results, Sprint Race Results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, 21 January 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, New Zealand, Results, Feature Race Results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, 21 January 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China is an A1 Grand Prix race,  held on April 15, 2007 at the Shanghai International Circuit, China. This was the tenth race in the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season and the second meeting held at the circuit and also the second race in China this season.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Shanghai, China, Results, Feature Race Results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, April 15, 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa
The eighth race of the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season was held on 25 February 2007 in Durban, South Africa.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa, Results
The Sprint Race took place on Sunday, 25 February 2007.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix of Nations, South Africa, Results, Feature Race results
The Feature Race took place on Sunday, 25 February 2007


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season
The 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season was the second season for the A1 Grand Prix series. It began on 1 October 2006, at Circuit Park Zandvoort, and the season ended at Brands Hatch on 29 April 2007. A1 Team Germany won it with 128 points, 35 points lead ahead Team New Zealand.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Teams
24 teams, each representing a different country, signed up for the second A1 Grand Prix season. All teams and drivers competed in Zytek-powered, Cooper Avon-shod and Lola chassis. The following teams competed in the 2006-07 championship:


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Teams
Jennifer Murray, from South Africa was the first ever woman to enter in an A1 Grand Prix weekend. She drove in the rookie session of her home race in Durban round.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Races
The second A1 Grand Prix season is scheduled to consist of 11 races, held in 10 different countries. Each race is to be run over a three-day weekend, including a practice session on each of Friday and Saturday before a qualifying session on Saturday, and then two races on Sunday.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Races
There are some changes in weekend program for second season:


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Races
A 12th race had been scheduled to have been held in Brazil; however, on 17 January 2007 the A1GP organisation announced that as a result of a delay in obtaining a local terrestrial television agreement then the event would be cancelled.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Notable 2006-07 season happenings, Beijing Incident
The first Chinese round of the 2006/07 A1GP took place on the streets of Beijing. However, the tight hairpin at the end of the backstraight was far too tight for the cars to negotiate safely, as there was literally, a 180 degree left turn. Cars were running wide and stopping mid corner, therefore the sessions were red flagged.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Notable 2006-07 season happenings, Beijing Incident
A shorter circuit was created, creating another less tighter hairpin halfway up the straight, bypassing most of the old straight. This corner was still not perfect as drivers still ran wide despite the corner being wider, and had to avoid the pitlane entry barrier. It had to suffice, though, because otherwise the race would have to be cancelled.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Notable 2006-07 season happenings, Beijing Incident
However, another problem arose in qualifying, when manhole covers on the roads were coming undone due to the racing cars' high downforce and low center of gravity. Grid positions were decided based on practice times. Some advertising banners also came loose around the circuit.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Notable 2006-07 season happenings, Beijing Incident
It was announced the races would start behind the safety car, as the first corner was also deemed unsafe.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Notable 2006-07 season happenings, Beijing Incident
Both races were uneventful, particularly the Sprint Race which took place almost entirely behind the safety car after course officials failed to remove a single spun car in a timely fashion.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Notable 2006-07 season happenings, April Fools' hoax
On 1 April 2006, during the penultimate round of the 2005-06 A1 Grand Prix season in Shanghai, a fake timetable of the 2006–2007 season was published. This schedule included a night time race in Sápmi, an A1GP USA race in Baghdad, a race in Middle-earth at 'The Ring', a Venice Street Race as well as a Tibetan hill climb.


2006–07 A1 Grand Prix season, Notable 2006-07 season happenings, April Fools' hoax
In addition, it outlined special regulations, such as requiring only the Cornettos be catered for the Venice race, that "cars will arrive flatpacked for the IKEA Cup race in Narnia, so extra time will be required for their assembly", and that for the hill climb, half the cars will start from the top, and half will start from the bottom. A race in South Los Angeles was to have drive-by penalties.


2006–07 ABA NLB League
The 6th season of Liga ABA saw them change their name to the ABA NLB League as their general sponsor changed. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company ceded their sponsorship rights to the NLB group.


2006–07 ABA NLB League
In other changes, after Montenegro declared independence in 2006, Budućnost returned to the regional league with a wild-card given by the NLB League board. And the Final Four tournament was replaced with a playoff.


2006–07 ABA NLB League
14 teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia participated in the NLB League in its sixth season: Union Olimpija, Helios, Geoplin Slovan, Cibona, Zadar, Zagreb, Split, Široki ERONET, Bosna ASA BH TELECOM, Crvena zvezda, Partizan, Hemofarm, FMP Železnik, Budućnost.


2006–07 ABA NLB League
There were 26 rounds played in the regular part of the season. The best four teams qualified for the play-off (best-of-three series).


2006–07 ABA NLB League, Regular season
Pld - Played; W - Won; L - Lost; PF - Points for; PA - Points against; Diff - Difference; Pts - Points.


2006–07 ABA season
The 2006-2007 ABA season was the sixth season of the American Basketball Association that lasted from November 2007 and ended with the championship game in March 2008 between the Vermont Frost Heaves and the Texas Tycoons. The season ended with the Frost Heaves winning their first ABA championship, 143-95 over the Texas Tycoons.


2006–07 ABA season
Many teams did not complete their schedule due to travel problems, costs, etc. and or bad weather. Instead of postponing these games, the squads were forced to forfeit, pushing a few teams, like the defending champion Rochester Razorsharks, to leave the ABA by the end of the season.


2006–07 ACB season
The 2006–07 ACB season was the 24th season of the Liga ACB. The regular season began on Saturday, September 30, 2006, and ended on Sunday, May 13, 2007. The regular season ended with TAU Cerámica in first place, but Real Madrid won the ACB finals against Wintethur FC Barcelona.


2006–07 ACF Fiorentina season
ACF Fiorentina had a fantastic season points-wise, scoring just a couple of points less than second-positioned Roma, but due a 15-point penalty because of the club's involvement in the Calciopoli scandal, it missed out on the Champions League, and had to settle for 6th and a position in the 2007–08 UEFA Cup. New signing Adrian Mutu was able to compensate for Luca Toni not having such a spectacular season as the one before, and both players netted 16 goals. Goalkeeper Sébastien Frey also had a top-class season, conceding only 31 goals all year, despite having a defensive line without renowned stoppers.


2006–07 AEK Athens F.C. season
AEK Athens F.C. competed for the 48th consecutive season in the Greek top flight and 83rd year in existence as a football club. They competed in the Super League, the Greek Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The season begun at 9 August 2006 and finished at 13 May 2007.


2006–07 AEK Athens F.C. season, Players, Squad statistics
NOTE: The players are the ones that have been announced by the AEK Athens' press release. No edits should be made unless a player arrival or exit is announced. Updated 30 June 2007.


2006–07 AEK Athens F.C. season, Manager stats
Only competitive matches are counted. Wins, losses and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of penalty shootouts are not counted.


2006–07 AEL Limassol BC season
The 2006-07 AEL Limassol BC season was the team's 40th season.


2006–07 AFC Ajax season
During the 2006–07 season AFC Ajax participated in the Eredivisie, the KNVB Cup, UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The first training took place on Saturday, 8 July 2006. The traditional AFC Ajax Open Day was on Wednesday, 8 August 2006, followed by a testimonial match for the retired former Ajax striker Dennis Bergkamp.


2006–07 AFC Ajax season, Pre-season
The first training for the 2006–07 season was held on July 8, 2006. In preparation for the new season Ajax organized a training camp in De Lutte, Netherlands at the De Thij Sportpark. During the pre-season, the squad from manager Henk ten Cate played friendly matches against JOS Watergraafsmeer, ABS, SV de Lutte, HHC Hardenberg, VV Bennekom, SV Spakenburg and FC Emmen before traveling to Germany to play against Borussia Dortmund. They then returned to Amsterdam to play Internazionale and Manchester United in the annual Amsterdam Tournament.


2006–07 AFC Ajax season, Transfers for 2006–07, Summer transfer window
For a list of all Dutch football transfers in the summer window (1 July 2006 to 1 September 2006) please see List of Dutch football transfers summer 2006.


2006–07 AFC Ajax season, Transfers for 2006–07, Winter transfer window
For a list of all Dutch football transfers in the winter window (1 January 2007 to 1 February 2007) please see List of Dutch football transfers winter 2006–07.


2006–07 AFC Bournemouth season
The 2006–07 season saw Bournemouth compete in Football League One where they finished in 18th position with 52 points.


2006–07 AHL season
The 2006–07 AHL season was the 71st season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs won their first Calder Cup, defeating the defending champions, the Hershey Bears in the finals.


2006–07 AHL season, Final standings
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; OTL = Overtime losses; SL = Shootout losses; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points;


2006–07 AHL season, Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes


2006–07 AHL season, Leading goaltenders
Note: GP = Games played; Mins = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; SL = Shootout losses; GA = Goals allowed; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average


2006–07 AHL season, All Star Classic
The 20th AHL All-Star Classic was played on January 29, 2007 at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario. Team PlanetUSA defeated Team Canada 7-6. In the skills competition held the night before, Team PlanetUSA defeated Team Canada 19-14.


2006–07 AJ Auxerre season
The 2006–07 season was the 101st season in the existence of AJ Auxerre and the club's 27th consecutive season in the top-flight of French football. In addition to the domestic league, Auxerre participated in this season's editions of the Coupe de France, the Coupe de la Ligue, the UEFA Intertoto Cup and UEFA Cup.


2006–07 AJ Auxerre season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AJ Auxerre season, First-team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 ARFU Asian Rugby Championship
This edition, originally scheduled in November 2006 in Sri Lanka was cancelled due to the political situation in the host country. The tournament for title (involving Japan, Korea and Hong Kong), originally must also valid as final pool for 2007 Rugby World Cup – Asia qualification was transferred by International Rugby Board in Hong Kong. The rest of the tournament ("Plate" and "Shield" was played one year after in Sri Lanka.


2006–07 ARFU Asian Rugby Championship
It was the last edition of the tournament, because from 2008, it was replaced by Asian Five Nations, that merge the ARFU Asian Rugby Championship and the ARFU Asian Rugby Series


2006–07 ARFU Asian Rugby Championship
The team were divided in three divisions, according to the results of 2006 ARFU Asian Rugby Series


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season
The 2006–07 season was AS Monaco FC's 50th season in Ligue 1. They finished Ninth in Ligue 1, and were knocked out of the Coupe de la Ligue by Stade Reims, at the Round of 16, and the Coupe de France by Sochaux also at the Round of 16.


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season
Monaco replaced coach Francesco Guidolin with László Bölöni at the start of the season, before firing Bölöni in October with the club sitting 19th in the league. Laurent Banide was appointed as the replacement for Bölöni.


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season, Squad
As of May 20, 2007Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season, Squad, Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season, Transfers, Summer
In:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season, Transfers, Summer
Out:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season, Transfers, Winter
In:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AS Monaco FC season, Transfers, Winter
Out:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AZAL PFC season
The Olimpik Baku 2006–07 season was Olimpik Baku's second Azerbaijan Premier League season and their first season with Asgar Abdullayev as manager. They participated in the 2006–07 Azerbaijan Top League as well as the 2006–07 Azerbaijan Cup, finishing the league in 6th and reaching the Last 16 stage of the cup where they were eliminated by Turan Tovuz.


2006–07 AZAL PFC season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AZAL PFC season, Transfers, Summer
In:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AZAL PFC season, Transfers, Summer
Out:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AZAL PFC season, Transfers, Winter
In:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 AZAL PFC season, Transfers, Winter
Out:Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 Aberdeen F.C. season
Aberdeen competed in the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in season 2006–07. Their third place in the Scottish Premier League was their highest since the 1995–96 season.


2006–07 Aberdeen F.C. season, Players, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 Aberdeen F.C. season, Players, Goalscorers
Source: Ordered by: Total, SPL, Cups then Name Name: Players's Name, flag next to name indicates player's nationality. SPL: No. of goals scored in the Scottish Premier League. Cups: No. of goals scored in the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and Uefa Cup. Total: Total No. of competitive goals scored.


2006–07 Accrington Stanley F.C. season
During the 2006–07 English football season, Accrington Stanley competed in Football League Two.


2006–07 Accrington Stanley F.C. season, Season summary
Stanley scored 70 league goals during which they were involved in a relegation battle for most of the season, but a run of 5 wins in their last 9 games allowed them to secure safety in 20th place, their highlight of the season being a 5–0 thumping of then-promotion-favourites Wrexham. More success came in the cups. In Stanley's first ever game in the Football League Cup, third-tier Nottingham Forest were beaten 1–0. This set an away tie to Premier League team Watford, who needed a penalty shootout to eliminate the Lancashire club. The club also performed well in the Football League trophy, reaching the area quarter-finals before being eliminated by Doncaster Rovers.


2006–07 Accrington Stanley F.C. season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 Accrington Stanley F.C. season, First-team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season
The 2006–07 season was Adelaide United FC's the club's second season in the A-League (third season in top flight football). The club had success winning the 2005–06 Adelaide United FC season Premiership and finishing third in the finals series. Adelaide began their 2006–07 season with a 2–2 draw with local club Adelaide Galaxy and a 2–1 win over a State Select in their pre-season fixtures. This was followed up with a highly successful pre-season cup which the Reds won, defeating Central Coast Mariners on penalties in the grand final.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season
Adelaide United finished second in the 2006–07 Premiership. Competing for the Championship, The Reds advanced to the 2006–07 Grand Final after winning 4–3 on penalties (1–1 AET) against the Newcastle Jets. Adelaide United played Melbourne Victory at the Telstra Dome in the Grand Final on 18 February 2007 losing 6–0 whilst playing most of the game with only 10 men after captain Ross Aloisi was sent off for his second bookable offence. Following a controversial post grand final interview, Ross Aloisi was sacked as captain of Adelaide United, and left the club to move to Wellington Phoenix.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season
He was replaced as captain by Angelo Costanzo on 22 February 2007. At the same as this announcement was made, it was also announced that coach John Kosmina would be sacked. It was widely speculated that Kosmina had been told to resign by the board of Adelaide United the Thursday after the grand final. Assistant Coach Aurelio Vidmar was appointed interim coach. On 22 October 2007, former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina took up the role as the new head coach of Sydney FC.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
The 2006–07 season also saw Brazilian international Romário join the club for a four-game guest player stint.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide United were selected, along with Sydney FC, as the first Australian representatives to play in the 2007 AFC Champions League. They received their Asian berth as A-League premiers. Adelaide was drawn into Group G with Chinese champion Shandong Luneng Taishan, Korean champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Vietnamese league and Super Cup champions Gach Dong Tam Long An.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide lost to Shandong 1–0, defeated Long An 2–0, drew with Seongnam 2–2, then lost to the Korean team 1–0. The Reds broke Shandong's winning streak in a 2–2 draw, before finishing its campaign with a 3–0 win over Long An, thanks to a hat trick from Travis Dodd. This match marked the last Adelaide United appearances of Fernando Rech and Carl Veart as the 1–0 loss to Seongyam knocked Adelaide out of quarter finals contention. Adelaide finished 3rd in its group, ahead of Long An and behind Shandong; with group winner Seongnam making the semi-finals. Dodd scored on 4 occasions, Rech 3 times, and Olyroos players Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns one a piece.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide United were linked with Brazilian football legend Romário. The 1994 World Cup winner was still attempting to score 1,000 goals and be up there with Pelé as the all-time greatest scorer. Romário, 40, will play for the Reds on a four-week guest stint of which each club is allowed to sign two players. Last year, Sydney FC signed Kazuyoshi "Kazu" Miura for four A-League matches and the Club World Championships and this season they are set to sign Italian forward Benito Carbone. The Newcastle United Jets are also reportedly interested in a guest player, former 1990s English striker Stan Collymore.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
The Football Federation Australia has agreed to let Adelaide United sign Romário. This came days after they said no to the Jets in their chase for Collymore. Romário is still playing for Miami FC in the United Soccer Leagues which is America's second division. He is currently on 984 career goals and needs 16 more to reach the 1,000 mark which he said had become an obsession.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
It was reported in The Advertiser on Wednesday 27 September 2006, that the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah had inquired about Romário. The Sultan could offer much bigger money than Adelaide United. The article also stated the matches that Romário is most likely to play. Under the deal that United wished to sign him on, Romário would play two matches for his current club Miami FC against Adelaide United and two days later against an FFSA Select Team with both of these matches at Hindmarsh Stadium. He would then play four A-League matches for United against the Mariners in Gosford, followed by three home matches against Melbourne, New Zealand and Newcastle. United are also reportedly looking at the option of signing him for the rest of the A-League season.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
On Friday 29 September 2006, Adelaide United Football Club released an  on their website which confirmed the signing of Romário to a four match guest stint. He will play four A-League matches for United against Central Coast in Gosford, followed by three home matches against Melbourne Victory, NZ Knights and Newcastle Jets.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
United signed Jason Spagnuolo and Greg Owens on long-term deals after they impressed during their 4-week stay in the 2005–06 season. Qu Shengqing originally left Adelaide to return to China but has now signed for another A-League season. Nathan Burns joins Adelaide from the AIS.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide United played two major pre-season friendlies. They began with a 2–2 draw with Galaxy and played in front of a 1,500 strong crowd at the Marden Sports Complex against a Super League Select.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
United performed well in the group stage beating Melbourne Victory before draws against the Mariners and Perth. They failed to take advantage of the Bonus Round offer only beating the NZ Knights 1–0. This meant that they would meet Sydney FC in Wollongong, continuing a strong rivalry formed in Season One. Adelaide's Kristian Rees scored an injury time winner to send the Reds through to their first ever final. United won this match on penalties after Andre Gumprecht cancelled out Carl Veart's spectacular overhead bicycle kick. Stewart Petrie was the unlucky Mariner to miss while Carl Veart was the hero with the winning spot kick.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide United were looking to build upon their successful opening season in which they won the minor premiership. They choked in the finals however and their aim for season two was to achieve results in the Finals Series. They open the season with away matches in Melbourne and Auckland.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
A thoroughly deserved win for Melbourne who dominated. The three Brazilians impressed particularly Alessandro who won the penalty and gave Adelaide's Richie Alagich a lot of trouble down the flanks. For Adelaide the likes of Qu Shengqing, Travis Dodd, Carl Veart did not produce their best football and Adelaide's attack was toothless.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Another lackluster performance from Adelaide as the much-improved New Zealand Knights stole all three points with an early contender for goal of the season from Ghanaian midfielder Malik Buari. Sean Devine, Jonti Richter and Darren Bazeley were all solid contributors for New Zealand while the entire Adelaide side played well below their best.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide returns to form with an emphatic 5–1 demolition of the Newcastle United Jets on a cold, wet Friday night at Hindmarsh Stadium. Nothing went right for the Jets as United scored three times in the first half hour with all three goals beginning with set pieces. Fernando got the ball rolling as he turned in a Jason Spagnuolo free kick. Robert Cornthwaite followed up a Ross Aloisi free kick and then Chinese striker Qu scored directly from a free kick. Jets striker Bridge pulled one back for the Jets in the second half but defender Durante scored a horrendous own goal. Bobby Petta impressed on his debut match for the Reds.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide United put in their second successive impressive performance and they were simply too good for the Glory who seemed to have no power going forward without injured stars Stan Lazaridis and Bobby Despotovski. United created chances from the first whistle with Dodd going close before Fernando opened the scoring with a shot in the 14th minute which beat goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski. The second goal came as the Glory defence sat back allowing superb winger Dodd too much time and space and he blasted the ball straight through Vrteski to make it 2–0.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
United added the third goal five minutes after the interval as Fernando's shot which was heading wide of the target took a wicked deflection off Jamie Coyne and fooled Vrteski. Coyne was credited with the own goal. United then created late chances through subs Bobby Petta and debutant Dez Giraldi but the score remained at 3–0.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Queensland dominated their match against Adelaide and certainly showed why they are title contenders early in the season. Their five-man attack consisting of Ante Milicic, Reinaldo, Yuning Zhang, Simon Lynch and Dario Vidosic is certain to score goals this season and only some outstanding saves by Reds keeper Robert Bajic kept Adelaide in the game. Qu Shengqing will come under the FFA review panel's scrutiny for his headbutt on Roar captain Chad Gibson. At the end of the match a flurry of Queensland chances, most of which fell to Zhang, were not enough to secure the points for Queensland.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
A poor match from Adelaide allowed Sydney FC to move four points clear of them on the A-League ladder. Sydney FC started the match well with Alex Brosque and Benito Carbone. Travis Dodd had the first chance of the game in a one-on-one with Clint Bolton but the speedy United winger took a bad touch allowing Bolton to make a save. In the 38th minute, Carbone was allowed too much time and space and he lobbed a ball over to Zadkovich who tapped the ball past Bajic.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
United returned from the half time interval as the better team and they only had to wait eight minutes before Nathan Burns scored his first A-League goal. Dodd made all the hard work go to waste however, when three minutes later he scored an own goal attempting to clear a ball which posed no danger. Carbone set up the third with a backheel which broke down the entire defence allowing substitute Petrovski to make the score 3–1. Then Carbone finally scored a goal for himself.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
He broke free on the right hand side and the flag stayed down allowing him to slot the ball past Bajic. 4–1 to Sydney FC. Jason Spagnuolo and Carl Veart missed two easy chances to make the scoreline less embarrassing and Adelaide's defence knows it must improve with the dangerous Damian Mori coming to Adelaide next Friday night.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
A much improved performance from United after the 4–1 drubbing at home by Sydney FC. The Mariners started as the better side but United scored the opener as Jason Spagnuolo made the most of a defensive error by Damian Mori to provide the cross from which Carl Veart headed home from close range.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Central Coast hit back a quarter of an hour later as Australian football legend and Socceroos all-time top scorer Damian Mori received a good ball, beat Ang Costanzo for pace and rounded 'keeper Robbie Bajic before celebrating his return to Hindmarsh Stadium in front of 10,000 booing Reds supporters. Adelaide after the half time break and threw absolutely everything at CCM with Matthew Kemp and Bobby Petta having almost identical chances saved by Vukovic. Greg Owens and Nathan Burns also missed crucial opportunities.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Petta provided a good corner and tall centre back Kristian Rees headed home for his first goal of the season. Noel Spencer missed the Mariners' best chance of the half and United wrapped the game up with Carl Veart setting up a free Nathan Burns who ran the length of one half and slotted the ball past Vukovic.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
One of the matches of the season as the Melbourne Victory attempted to maintain a 100% record against an Adelaide side nearing the top of their game. The match got off to a fiery start as Ross Aloisi and Grant Brebner received yellow cards in the opening minute. The Victory had the better of the chances during the match, yet it was the Reds who came away with the 3 points as a counter-attacking move saw Greg Owens run free and slot the ball past 'keeper Theoklitos.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
The main talking point however, was an altercation between Victory captain Kevin Muscat and Adelaide coach John Kosmina. The ball had gone out of play for a Melbourne throw-in and with his side 0–1 down, Muscat wanted to retrieve the ball quickly. The ball had gone under Kosmina's chair and as the Reds manager was picking it up, Muscat sent the Kossie sprawling to the turf. Kosmina then got up and grabbed Muscat by the throat. Kosmina was sent to the stands while Muscat received a booking. Kosmina was given a 6-week suspension, with two suspended. The Victory still sit atop the A-League ladder while United are third.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
An impressive attacking performance as Adelaide go outright second on the A-League ladder. Rising stars Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite showed that they can do whatever Fernando and Qu can do. Jason Spagnuolo more assists setting up goals for Burns and Petta. However, the defensive effort wasn't as good as the Hindmarsh crowd has come to expect with poor defending giving Noah Hickey the Knights second of the season and Adam van Dommele scoring an embarrassing own goal to make matters worse. Dodd sealed the win with a late header which beat Milosevic.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Another match that bore similarities to the Round 5 match against the Roar. Newcastle dominated possession but Adelaide continued to defend well. Bajic made six saves and defenders scrambled to cover him even when he was beaten. As in round five, Adelaide had to absorb pressure, the Jets had 24 shots at goal. Unlike the Queenslanders however, Newcastle punished Adelaide for its lapses in defence. At 1–1, 88 minutes into the match, Carl Veart had a chance to steal the game and cement second place on the ladder with his third spot kick of the night. The Jets had conceded two penalties with the first having to be retaken. Veart blasted the would-be match sealer over the bar and a minute later the Jets scored the winner instead.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide born Mimi Saric opened the scoring early in the first half due to some ball watching from the Adelaide defense but Carl Veart equalised literally straight after Saric scored after Spagnuolo was being held in the box. Eight minutes later Greg Owens scored a great goal after Travis Dodd burned down the right win and cross along to Veart, who missed the ball only for Greg Owens to place a perfect shot into the goal. Greg Owens missed another chance to put his side ahead but headed wide from 3 yards.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
On half time Perth were awarded a penalty after a player was pushed in the Perth box. Bobby scored from the spot and the teams were equal at half time. Early in the second half Matty Kemp scored a goal from a narrow angle where he jumped and kicked the ball over the keepers head only for it to sneak under the crossbar and win the game.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
A deserved win for Adelaide who dominated. Adelaide dominated play despite early shots from Queensland and the Roar hardly tested Bajic until the end of the second half. Travis Dodds goal came from a long pass from Greg Owens deep in the midfield to Carl Veart who shrugged off his defender and delivered a ball across the face of goal to give Travis the easiest of goals.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Muscat scored from the spot early in the half after Bajic needlessly kicked Fred in the gut while retrieving the ball. Fernando scored a header from a cross from Matthew Kemp to equalize and Adelaide looked to score again. Half time came for AUFC as they were gaining momentum. The game was 50/50 after half time until the aging Adelaide midfield began to tire and in the 61st minute Allsopp scored due and in the 86th minute Fred scored after his 1v1 shot was blocked by Beltrame, but Fred scored on the rebound.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Gao Leilei scored in the 16th minute after Richie Alagich started to wander and entered the 6-yard box without any pressure and slotted the ball past Beltrame's near post. Adelaide had chances and Spagnuolo hit the bar but in the 71st minute Greg Owens passed to Travis Dodd in the midfield and Travis out dribbled the defense to deliver a perfect ball back to Greg Owens whose shot hit the ball then went in off the keeper.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
One of the best ever games of Hindmarsh and Romario's departure was a great game. In the 15th minute the young Spagnuolo skinned two defenders, feinted past Eagleton to deliver a shot at goal that Covic parried away. Luckily Romario was Johnny-on-the-spot and displaced the rebound. Mark Bridge scored a goal in the 59th minute and straight after kick off, Alagich booted the ball down the Spagnuolo who passed it to Fernando, who miss hit the ball and wrong footed Covic to deliver a very lucky goal.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Matt Thompson scored after skinning Rees and powering the ball into the top of the net. This was not enough to stop AUFC as soon after Owens received the ball from Romario on the edge of the box, wrong footed his marker and shot a ball that subtly curved into the top right-hand corner.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
This match was Diego's debut. Travis Dodd was brought down on the edge of the box and Petta took the free kick. Petta crossed to an unmarked Diego who headed the ball into Fernando's chest and the ball went through Bolton's legs. Soon after Beltrame denied Coricas header with a diving save and Adelaide took second place.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Adelaide scored in the 10th minute thanks to some wing-play from former Celtic star Bobby Petta who crossed the ball across the goal to Burns who scored an easy tap in. After half time Kwasnik missed a penalty after Kemp hand-balled in the box and straight after Burns scored his second of the night with a cheeky feint to trick the keeper. Soon after Burns made his own goal after passing to Djite who passed to Petta, who rolled the ball through the Mariners defense to give Burnsy a relatively easy goal.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Review
Pondeljak's goal came after a messed up clearance by Beltrame. Beltrame kicked it straight to Pondeljak who showed instinct and skill by perfectly placing it above Bells head and ending his hope for his clean sheet. Djite hit the bar from a stunning volley from distance but failed to score. This game cemented Adelaide's second-place finish.


2006–07 Adelaide United FC season, Players
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2006–07 Airdrie United F.C. season
Season 2006–07 was Airdrie United's fifth competitive season. They competed in the First Division, Challenge Cup, League Cup and the Scottish Cup.


2006–07 Airdrie United F.C. season, Summary
Airdrie United finished ninth in the First Division, entering the play-offs losing 5-4 to Stirling Albion on aggregate and were relegated to the Second Division. They reached the third round of the Scottish Cup, the second round of the League Cup and were eliminated in the first round of the Challenge Cup.


2006–07 Airdrie United F.C. season, Summary, Manager's
Airdrie started the season under the stewardship of Sandy Stewart who on 13 November 2006 was sacked by the club. Stewart was replaced by Kenny Black on 17 November.


2006–07 Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team
The 2006–07 Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team (variously "Alabama", "UA", "Bama" or "The Tide") represented the University of Alabama in the 2006–07 college basketball season. The head coach was Mark Gottfried, who was in his ninth season as Alabama. The team played its home games at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and was a member of the Southeastern Conference. This was the 94th season of basketball in the school's history. The Crimson Tide finished the season 20–12, 7–9 in SEC play, lost in the first round of the 2007 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. They were invited to the 2007 National Invitation Tournament and lost in the first round.


2006–07 Alabama–Huntsville Chargers men's ice hockey season
The 2006–07 Alabama–Huntsville Chargers ice hockey team represented the University of Alabama in Huntsville in Huntsville, Alabama, United States. The Chargers were coached by Doug Ross who was in his twenty-fifth, and final, season as head coach. His assistant coaches were Lance West, John McCabe, and Steve Briere. The Chargers played their home games in the Von Braun Center, and were a member of College Hockey America.


2006–07 Alabama–Huntsville Chargers men's ice hockey season
After a 32-game regular season, the Chargers finished with 10 wins, 19 losses, and 3 ties. Despite finishing last in the CHA in the regular season, the team won all 3 of its games in the CHA Tournament to earn an automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. At the NCAA Tournament, the Chargers played to double overtime with #2 overall seed Notre Dame before falling, 3–2.


2006–07 Alaska Aces season
The 2006–07 Alaska Aces season was the 21st season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).


2006–07 Alaska Aces season, Key dates
August 20: The 2006 PBA Draft took place in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.


2006–07 Alaska Aces season, Award
Willie Miller won his second Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.


2006–07 Albanian Cup
2006–07 Albanian Cup (Albanian: Kupa e Shqipërisë) was the fifty-fifth season of Albania's annual cup competition. It began on August 27, 2006 with the First Round and ended on May 16, 2007 with the Final match. The winners of the competition qualified for the 2007-08 first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. KF Tirana were the defending champions, having won their thirteen Albanian Cup last season. The cup was won by KS Besa.


2006–07 Albanian Cup
The first two rounds were played in one-legged format, then other rounds were played in a two-legged format similar to those of European competitions. If the aggregated score was tied after both games, the team with the higher number of away goals advanced. If the number of away goals was equal in both games, the match was decided by extra time and a penalty shootout, if necessary.


2006–07 Albanian Cup, Third round
Games were played on September 20 & September 27, 2006.


2006–07 Albanian Cup, Fourth round
All fourteen teams of the 2005–06 Superliga and First Division entered in this round, along with Second Round winners. First legs were played on October 25, 2006 and the second legs were played on November 22, 2006.


2006–07 Albanian Cup, Quarter finals
In this round entered the 8 winners from the previous round.


2006–07 Albanian Cup, Semifinals
In this round entered the four winners from the previous round.


2006–07 Algerian Championnat National
The 2006–07 Algerian Championnat National was the forty-three season of the Algerian Championnat National since its establishment in 1962. A total of 16 teams contested the league, with JS Kabylie as the defending champions.


2006–07 Algerian Championnat National 2
The Algerian Championnat National 2 season 2006–07 is the thirteenth season of the league under its current title and fifteenth season under its current league division format. It started on 16 August 2008.


2006–07 Algerian Championnat National 2, League table
A total of 18 teams contested the division, including 12 sides remaining in the division from the previous season and three relegated from the Algerian Championnat National, and another three promoted from the Inter-Régions Ligue.


2006–07 Algerian Cup
The 2006–07 Algerian Cup was the 43rd edition of the Algerian Cup. MC Alger won the Cup by defeating city rivals USM Alger 1-0 in the final with a goal from midfielder Fodil Hadjadj. It was MC Alger's sixth Algerian Cup and their second in a row.


2006–07 All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship
The 2006–07 All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship was the third staging of the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship since its establishment by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 2004.


2006–07 All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship
On 10 March 2007, Robert Emmetts won the championship following a 1–14 to 0–8 defeat of Killimordaly in the final.


2006–07 All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship
The 2006–07 All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship was the fourth staging of the All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship since its establishment by the Gaelic Athletic Association.


2006–07 All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship
On 11 March 2007, Danesfort won the championship following a 2–16 to 2–8 defeat of Clooney Gaels in the final.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship
The 2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship was the 37th staging of the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship since its establishment by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1970-71. The championship began on 15 October 2006 and ended on 1 April 2007.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship
Salthill-Knocknacarra were the defending champions, however, they failed to qualify after being beaten by Corofin in the second round of the 2006 Galway County Championship.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship
On 1 April 2007, Crossmaglen Rangers won the championship following a 0-13 to 1-05 defeat of Dr. Crokes in the All-Ireland final replay at O'Moore Park. It was their fourth championship title overall and their first title since 2000.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship
Colm Cooper of the Dr. Crokes club was the championship's top scorer with 6-23.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship, Team changes
There were no representatives from the Kilkenny County Championship for the first time ever, as the Kilkenny County Board decided to regrade  and enter their championship-winning team (Erin's Own) into the Leinster Intermediate Club Football Championship.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship
The 2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship was the 37th club hurling competition since its establishment in 1970–71. The first matches of the season were played on 22 October 2006 and the championship ended on 17 March 2007. Portumna went into the 2006–07 championship as defending champions, having won their first All-Ireland title the previous year.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship
The championship culminated with the All-Ireland final, held at Croke Park, Dublin. The match was contested by Ballyhale Shamrocks and Loughrea. It was their first meeting in the final. Ballyhale won the game by 3–12 to 2–8. It was their fourth All-Ireland title ever.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, Format
The 2006–07 club championship was played on a straight knock-out basis. Each of the twenty participating counties enter their respective club champions. The format of the competition was as follows:


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, Format
20 county club champions participated in the 2008–09 championship. These counties were as follows:


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, Format
The Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster championships were played as usual on a straight knock-out basis. The four respective champions from these provinces advanced directly to the All-Ireland semi-finals.


2006–07 All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, Format
Semi-finals: (2 matches) The Munster champions played the Leinster champions while the Connacht champions played the Ulster champions. The two winners contested the All-Ireland final.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season
The 2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season was the 14th season of operation (13th season of play) for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise. It was the team's first season as the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks clinched their first Pacific Division title in team history with 110 points, and defeated the Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup Final four games to one. It was the first Stanley Cup in franchise history, as well as the first time a team in the state of California won the Stanley Cup.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Off-season
Under new ownership, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim changed their team and arena's name, logo and player uniforms. The change involving their name was dropping the "Mighty" from their name, and completely changing their jerseys to black, gold, orange and white colours rather than the eggplant, jade, silver and white from years past.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Off-season
In a major acquisition, the club acquired defenseman Chris Pronger in a trade from the Edmonton Oilers. Pronger had recently appeared in the 2006 Stanley Cup Final and on the basis of the deal, the media felt that the Ducks would be one of the favorites for the Cup. In the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the Ducks chose Mark Mitera with their first-round pick, 19th overall.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Off-season
Not only did the Ducks change their name and logos, but their home arena of 13 years saw some changes as well. On October 3, 2006, the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim was officially renamed Honda Center. The partnership was reportedly for 15 years with an option to extend the naming agreement 10 years. Other changes to the arena included new displays in the rafters behind the goals and four large "Honda Center" signs on each corner of the building. During the pre-season, however, the arena was officially still the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
The team came out of the gate to set an NHL record by earning at least one point in each of their first 16 games, a streak which ended exactly five weeks after their first game. They went 12–0–4 (28 points) before they lost their first regulation game of the year, a 3–0 shutout to the Calgary Flames, on November 10, 2006. The streak was broken seven years later by the 2012–13 Chicago Blackhawks, who went 24 games with a point. Behind goaltending by Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Ilya Bryzgalov, an offense headed by Teemu Selanne and a defense anchored by Scott Niedermayer and off-season acquisition Chris Pronger, the Ducks had worked their way to one of the NHL's best records.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
On January 9, the NHL announced that Scott Niedermayer had been voted by the fans to start at defense in the 2007 All-Star Game in Dallas, Texas. He later declined to appear, deciding to rest a stress fracture in his foot. Ed Jovanovski of the Phoenix Coyotes was added to replace him. The Ducks' Andy McDonald was later added to replace Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Playoffs
The Anaheim Ducks ended the 2006–07 regular season as the Western Conference's second seed, though they finished tied in points with the West-leading Nashville Predators, with 110 points. The Predators, however, had three more wins, but the Ducks nonetheless earned the second seed as winners of the Pacific Division.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Playoffs
The Ducks defeated the Minnesota Wild in the first round, four games to one. In the second round, the Ducks defeated the Vancouver Canucks by the same four games to one result. In the Conference Final, the Ducks defeated the Detroit Red Wings four games to two to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in franchise history. In the Final, the Ducks defeated the Ottawa Senators four games to one to claim the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Standings, Divisional Standings
Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime/shootout loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; PIM = Penalties in minutes; Pts = Points         Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Awards and records, Records
On November 9, 2006, the Anaheim Ducks set an NHL open era record by remaining undefeated in regulation for the first 16 games of the season, with 12 wins and four overtime losses. The previous mark was set by the 1984–85 Edmonton Oilers, who had 12 wins and three ties.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, 2007 National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 2007 National Hockey League All-Star Game took place on January 24, 2007, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, home of the Dallas Stars. The Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 12-9. The following are Anaheim Ducks representatives who participated in the all-star game.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Transactions
The Ducks were involved in the following transactions during the 2006–07 season:


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Draft picks
Anaheim's picks at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver, British Columbia.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Farm teams, Portland Pirates
The Portland Pirates were Anaheim's affiliate in the AHL for the 2006–07 season.


2006–07 Anaheim Ducks season, Farm teams, Augusta Lynx
The Augusta Lynx were Anaheim's ECHL affiliate for the 2006–07 season.


2006–07 Angola Basketball Cup, Men's Tournament
The 2007 Men's Basketball Cup was contested by 10 teams and won by Petro Atlético. The final was played on May 9 and 12, 2006.


2006–07 Angola Basketball Cup, Women's Tournament
The 2007 Women's Basketball Cup was contested by three teams and won by Primeiro de Agosto.


2006–07 Angola Basketball Super Cup
The 2007 Angola Basketball Super Cup (14th edition) was contested by Petro Atlético, as the 2006 league champion and Primeiro de Agosto, the 2006 cup winner. Primeiro de Agosto was the winner, making it its 6th title.


2006–07 Angola Basketball Super Cup
The 2007 Women's Super Cup (12th edition) was contested by Primeiro de Agosto, as the 2006 women's league champion and Interclube, the 2006 cup runner-up. Interclube was the winner, making it its 1st title.


2006–07 Arab Champions League
The 2006–07 Arab Champions League saw the 4th edition of Arab Champions League. 32 teams represented Arab nations from Africa and Asia. ES Sétif of Algeria won the final against Al-Faisaly SC of Jordan.


2006–07 Arab Champions League, Round of 32
32 teams play home and away matches as Knock out stage.


2006–07 Arab Champions League, Round of 16
16 teams play home and away matches as Knock out stage


2006–07 Argentine Primera División
The 2006–07 Argentina Primera Division was the 116th season of first division football in Argentina. Estudiantes (LP) won the Torneo Apertura and San Lorenzo won the Torneo Clausura. Belgrano and Quilmes were relegated to the Primera B Nacional and Huracan and Tigre were promoted after winning the relegation playoff against Godoy Cruz and Nueva Chicago respectively.


2006–07 Argentine Primera División, Torneo Apertura, Championship playoff
Boca Juniors and Estudiantes LP ended up tied in points at the end of the 19 weeks of regular season. Tournament rules establish that, unlike any other position on the table, if two or more teams are equal in points at the end of play, goal difference does not count and a playoff game is required. Estudiantes won that match and was crowned as champion.


2006–07 Argentine Primera División, Torneo Clausura
By matchday 8, seven coaches had already been fired by their respective teams.


2006–07 Aris Thessaloniki F.C. season
The 2006–07 season was the 93th season in Aris Thessaloniki F.C. 's existence. The club finished 4th in the Super League. The club qualified in to the UEFA Cup of the next season.


2006–07 Aris Thessaloniki F.C. season
Aris Thessaloniki was eliminated in Fourth round of Greek Football Cup by Niki Volos.


2006–07 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team
The 2006–07 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team represented the University of Arizona during the 2006–07 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Wildcats, led by head coach Lute Olson, played their home games at the McKale Center and are members of the Pacific-10 Conference.


2006–07 Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team
The 2006–07 Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team  represented the University of Arkansas in the 2006–07 college basketball season. It was Stan Heath's fifth and final season as head coach of the Razorbacks. The team played its home games in Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas.


2006–07 Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team, Roster
Roster information retrieved from the Arkansas basketball media guide and HogStats.com.


2006–07 Armenian Hockey League season
The 2006–07 Armenian Hockey League season was the sixth season of the Armenian Hockey League, the top level of ice hockey in Armenia. Five teams participated in the league, and Urartu Yerevan won the championship.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season
The 2006–07 season was the 109th season of competitive football played by Arsenal. It was the first season in which home matches were played at the over-60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium; the club's former ground Highbury was to be redeveloped as a residential development. Arsenal ended their Premier League campaign in fourth, level on points with third-placed Liverpool but with a marginally lower goal difference. In the League Cup, a competition which offered manager Arsène Wenger the chance to play his younger players, Arsenal reached the final but lost to a relatively experienced Chelsea side. The defeat was followed by exits in the FA Cup to Blackburn Rovers and in the UEFA Champions League to PSV Eindhoven.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season
Twenty-eight players represented Arsenal in four competitions and there were 18 goalscorers. Arsenal's top goalscorer was Robin van Persie, who scored 13 goals in 31 appearances.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, Transfers, Out
Last updated: 2 August 2008EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, Club, Kit information
All of the new Arsenal kit this season was featured with new sponsor, Fly Emirates. Replaced with previous sponsor, O2.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, Club, Other information
Updated to match played 2 Aug 2008Source: Arsenal and Emirates Stadium


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, League Cup
Arsenal entered the competition in the third round and faced West Bromwich Albion atThe Hawthorns, where striker Aliadière scored twice to secure a 2–0 victory for the visitors. They then travelled to Goodison Park in the fourth round to play Everton. Arsenal won the match 0–1 courtesy of a late Adebayor goal, which came from a corner. For much of the game Everton played with a man disadvantage as striker James McFadden was sent off in the 19th minute for dissent.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, League Cup
Liverpool were Arsenal's opponent in the fifth round. The match, scheduled on 19 December 2006 at Anfield, was postponed by referee Martin Atkinson because of heavy fog. Atkinson's decision infuriated the managers of both clubs, with Rafael Benítez commenting: "There were a lot of people looking forward to the game and it's really difficult to explain." The tie was rescheduled for 9 January 2007 and on the night Arsenal took the lead when Aliadière scored in the 27th minute. Robbie Fowler equalised for Liverpool six minutes later.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, League Cup
Later, two goals from Baptista and goal from Alex Song put Arsenal 4–1 ahead at half time. In the second half, Baptista completed his hat-trick; although Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypiä scored to close the scoreline gap for Liverpool, Baptista added his fourth goal of the match in the 84th minute. The final score was 6–3, Liverpool's heaviest defeat at Anfield in 76 years. In his match report for The Guardian, Taylor praised Arsenal's reserve team and summarised, "The difference between the two teams was immense. Arsenal played with flair and purpose; Liverpool were dishevelled and short of leadership."


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, League Cup
Tottenham Hotspur faced Arsenal in the semi-final which was played over two legs. A goal from Dimitar Berbatov gave Tottenham the lead in the 12th minute and they extended their advantage after Baptista inadvertently kicked the ball into his own goal. Baptista, however, made amends in the second half, scoring twice in the space of 13 minutes to level the score at 2–2. The second leg at the Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal dominate proceedings, but only took the lead in the 77th minute when Adebayor scored.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, League Cup
Mido equalised for Tottenham, which took the match into extra time because of the away goals rule. Aliadière's goal in the 105th minute restored Arsenal's lead and an own goal scored by Pascal Chimbonda ensured the home team progressed to the final, winning 3–1 after extra time and 5–3 on aggregate.


2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season, League Cup
Arsenal played Chelsea in the final at the Millennium Stadium on 25 February 2007. Wenger continued his policy of naming a young team, which took the lead in the 12th minute when Walcott converted his chance. Chelsea striker Didier Drogba equalised and scored in the 84th minute to earn his side victory. A fracas occurred between the Arsenal and Chelsea players occurred during stoppage time, resulting in Touré and Adebayor getting shown a red card each. Wenger later apologised for his players' conduct, but was charged £2,500 for accusing the linesman of lying in his account of Adebayor's actions. Both clubs were fined £100,000 each by The Football Association for their inability to control their players and Eboué was retrospectively charged with violent conduct for striking Wayne Bridge.


2006–07 Ashes series
The 2006–07 cricket series between Australia and England for The Ashes was played in Australia from 23 November 2006 to 5 January 2007. Australia won the series and regained the Ashes that had been lost to England in the 2005 series. The five Tests of the series were played at Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. In winning, Australia completed a 5–0 "whitewash", the first time this had happened in an Ashes series since 1920–21. The series was also notable for the retirement of four significant Australian players, namely Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.


2006–07 Ashes series, Trophy
During lunch on the third day of the first Test in Brisbane, The Cricket Show on Channel 9 in Australia revealed that the winner of the Ashes would lift a larger, crystal model of the Ashes urn at the end of the series, rather than a replica of the small Ashes urn.


2006–07 Ashes series, Lead-up
Ricky Ponting found himself criticised by journalists on his captaincy and performances in the 2005 series during the run-up to the first Test. When questioned in a press conference on this subject, he said "We didn't perform the way we would have liked and probably I didn't score the runs I would have liked to during the Ashes ... It's important for us to move on, to move forward from that; that is me as a player, me as a captain and the rest of the team as well ... We have managed to do that very well, we've actually played better cricket as a result of that."


2006–07 Ashes series, Lead-up
Andrew Flintoff, England's captain, called the series "the reason we play ... we are going over there to play in what could be the biggest series ever so there is an excited group of lads ... it is going to be tough. We know that 2005 was something special and whether that can be recreated I am not quite sure ... in England each Test match got bigger and bigger and we got a real feeling of what the Ashes was about."


2006–07 Ashes series, Lead-up
The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper described the series as "the most anticipated Ashes series ever", and tickets were sold out within days of being available for all the games.


2006–07 Ashes series, Lead-up
Bookmakers were heavily favouring an Australian series victory, with best odds, as at 10 November, being listed on one site as Australia 1–3 to win, England 11–2 to win, and the draw 9–1.


2006–07 Ashes series, Sale of tickets
Cricket Australia made the first tickets available on 1 June, selling only to the registered members of the Australian Cricket Family, who were able to register in the months before the ticket sale. 182,000 of 635,500 available tickets were sold on the first day and a number of buyers immediately put their tickets on eBay at inflated prices. Telephones and internet systems were delayed to such an extent that CA chief executive James Sutherland wrote a letter of apology to the Australian fans, but was still criticised by Brett Judd, the organiser of 1.5 million tickets for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Judd called their approach "farcical".


2006–07 Ashes series, Sale of tickets
On 19 June, the remainder of the tickets went for sale to the general public and were sold out within two hours. Cricket Australia later cancelled 1,300 tickets, which they believed had been sold on eBay at inflated prices, as the tickets had "breached conditions of sale".


2006–07 Ashes series, Sale of tickets
On 29 December, Cricket Victoria had announced that an excess of 47,000 pre-purchased tickets for the fourth day of the Boxing Day Test were to be refunded, as a result of the Test reaching its conclusion on the third day. Despite the Test lasting only three days, bumper crowds over the duration of the Test ensured that sales had generated over A$8 million in takings.


2006–07 Ashes series, Squads
Both England and Australia went into the series with concerns about the fitness, form and availability of key players: Michael Vaughan, England's successful captain in the 2005 Ashes series, and Simon Jones, England's lowest-averaging bowler during the 2005 series, were unavailable due to injury. Australia selected Glenn McGrath for his first first-class match since he left the game in April for personal reasons. Other former Australian players such as Jason Gillespie were not selected.


2006–07 Ashes series, Squads
The England squad for the tour of Australia was announced on 12 September 2006. Andrew Flintoff was selected over Andrew Strauss as the captain, in the absence of Michael Vaughan through injury. Marcus Trescothick left the squad on 14 November due to a "recurrence of a stress-related illness", after making 10 runs in two tour matches. Ed Joyce was called up as his replacement on 15 November. The Australian 13-man squad for the first Test was announced by Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel on 16 November 2006. Michael Clarke was called up on 18 November 2006 as cover for injury doubt Shane Watson.


2006–07 Ashes series, Squads
On 8 December 2006, a week before the third Test, Damien Martyn announced he was retiring from all forms of cricket. Adam Voges and Andrew Symonds were called up to the squad to replace him.


2006–07 Ashes series, Squads
On 16 December, Ashley Giles left the tour to be with his wife, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He was replaced by Jamie Dalrymple.


2006–07 Ashes series, Venues
As with other recent Ashes series in Australia, this series was played at the main cricket grounds in Australia's five largest cities.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Australia won the toss after Andrew Flintoff called heads. Ricky Ponting elected to bat on a good looking pitch. Steve Harmison bowled the opening over, with the first ball a wide that went straight to Flintoff at second slip. Harmison only lasted two overs, which went for 17 runs, before being replaced by James Anderson. Anderson proved just as expensive as Harmison, conceding 10 runs in his first over in his first Test match for seven months. Flintoff got Matthew Hayden to edge one to second slip on 21. Australia reached lunch without further loss on 1/79.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
In the afternoon, Flintoff unexpectedly removed Justin Langer, who had looked set for a century but holed out to Kevin Pietersen at cover point. Ashley Giles, bowling in his first first-class match for 12 months, took the wicket of Damien Martyn but was innocuous, if inexpensive (unlike many of his colleagues), claiming no more wickets during the day. Ponting and Michael Hussey survived the final session of the day to close at 3/346.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
During the session, Ponting passed 100 runs in a near-faultless display, offering up only one potential lbw shout (given not out by umpire Billy Bowden) when he missed a sweep on a straight ball from Giles. The century took him level with Steve Waugh as Australia's leading century-maker, with 32 each. England's bowling was generally criticised, most notably Harmison, who was given only 12 overs out of the 90 overs bowled during the day. Andrew Flintoff was the only bowler to finish the day with his reputation enhanced, having been England's cheapest and most effective bowler.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
The pitch, however, was flat and not conducive to either pace or spin bowling and as England failed to use the new ball well at both the beginning and end of the day, it proved to be one of the most frustrating days in the field English cricket had endured in modern Ashes series.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Australia continued their dominance throughout the second day. Ponting and Hussey continued their partnership, putting together 209. Flintoff finally took Hussey's wicket when he was on 86, bowled through the gate, with the off-stump out of the ground, when he had looked set for a century. Matthew Hoggard finally made a significant breakthrough in the afternoon, taking the wickets of Ponting (for 196) and Adam Gilchrist (for a duck) in the same over, both men out lbw.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Gilchrist, in particular, was out to a ball bowled from around the wicket from the right-arm bowler Hoggard, a continuation of England's tactics against him in the 2005 Ashes series, which had restricted him to a top score of 49*. Ponting's 196 allowed him to surpass Graham Gooch as the seventh highest Test run scorer of all time (Gooch scored 8,900 runs). Michael Clarke crafted a solid 56 before falling to Anderson, edging a good delivery to slip.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Australia's tail wagged, with Brett Lee scoring 43 and Stuart Clark hitting a quick-fire 39 off 23 balls before having his leg stump knocked out of the ground by Flintoff. His innings included two huge sixes off the bowling of Anderson, who ended the innings with figures of 141 runs for just one wicket. Australia were able to declare their innings with the score 9/602 after tea.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
England had to negotiate the 17 overs remaining in the evening. After a reasonably solid start, England lost Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook in consecutive balls to Glenn McGrath. Strauss was lambasted for his dismissal, top-edging a pull on a ball too full to be suitable for the shot. Clark removed Paul Collingwood, edging an off-cutter to Gilchrist. This dismissal left England on 3/53 at the close, leaving England in a perilous position, Australia having reached a total more than 200 runs higher in any Test of the 2005 Ashes series before taking three cheap wickets before the close. Ian Bell and Pietersen were the not out batsmen, with scores of 13 and 6 respectively.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Matters continued badly for England on day three and they ended their first innings on 157 all out just after lunch, 246 short of their follow-on target of 403. Bell was the only England batsman to offer any real resistance, spending nearly four hours at the crease before being dismissed by Clark for 50. It was a personal triumph for Bell, who had averaged just 17.10 in the 2005 series, looking particularly vulnerable against McGrath and Shane Warne.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
England's other specialist batsman, Pietersen, was out for only 16, trapped lbw to a ball from McGrath to which he did not offer a stroke. All-rounder and captain Flintoff was out for a duck, caught behind off what replays suggested was a no-ball (not spotted by umpire Steve Bucknor) from Brett Lee. Brief resistance also came from wicketkeeper Geraint Jones and spinner Giles, who made 19 and a quickfire 24 respectively, but both were out to McGrath. In total, McGrath took six wickets for only 50 runs conceded, a powerful response to critics who had suggested that he was, at 36, too old to be a front-line bowler in an Ashes series.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Ponting chose not to enforce the follow-on and put his team back in to bat, a decision which surprised the majority of spectators and media personnel. Australia's lead of 445 going into the second innings was one of the largest ever held by a team which had then decided not to enforce the follow-on. This decision was in contrast to Michael Vaughan's decision in the 4th Test of the 2005 series, where he had enforced the follow-on with Australia just 259 runs behind.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
As on the opening day, England's bowling attack was again barely able to penetrate Australia's defences, and the home side were able to end the day on 1/181, the only loss being Hayden who was run out on 37 by Anderson while attempting a risky second run. Langer and Ponting ended the day unbeaten, with Langer on 88, and Ponting on 51 having scored his 9,000th Test run during the innings. The day was the third in a row which had gone badly for England and with the pitch showing wide cracks, offering encouragement to Warne in particular, an Australian victory was widely expected at the close of play.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Australia continued to build a formidable lead, eventually declaring at 1/202, a lead of 647, just after Langer had passed his century, his 23rd in Test cricket. Langer ended on 100 not out while Ponting had progressed to 60. Towards the end of Australia's second innings Ponting suffered a back strain, and did not return to the field after his side's declaration.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
England began their second innings shakily, with Strauss out for 11 off Clark in a similar fashion to his first innings dismissal, this time hooking the ball to fine leg, the dismissal owing more to poor execution than the poor shot selection witnessed in England's first innings. Warne dismissed Cook for an industrious 43, caught by Hussey off his pads, and Bell for a duck, lbw to a slider, leaving England struggling at 3/91. Collingwood and Pietersen then rebuilt their team's innings in the second session, sharing a 153 run partnership.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
Collingwood was eventually stumped for 96 off the bowling of Warne, charging down the pitch while looking to reach his third Test century, and his first against Australia, and missing his shot by nearly six inches. Flintoff soon followed after scoring 16 runs, perishing to an ill-judged pull shot off the bowling of Warne. Pietersen and Jones were the not out batsmen at the end of the day, with 92 and 12 runs respectively, with England needing a further 355 for victory. Pietersen's innings was notable because of the manner in which he had suppressed legendary leg spinner Warne.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
At one point at the end of a delivery, Warne picked up the ball and threw it to Gilchrist behind stumps albeit badly. The ball veered and headed to Pietersen, who was forced to defend himself with a reflexive hookshot. He could be seen mouthing the words, "Fuck off!" on conclusion of the stroke. The fourth day was a break from the norm of the Brisbane Test, which until then had gone entirely in Australia's favour. The partnership between Collingwood and Pietersen was the first of any substance in the Test for England and allowed some hope of an unlikely draw, with reports from some sources of an approaching storm.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
England's chances of lasting the day were effectively dashed after Pietersen flicked the ball to Damien Martyn at short midwicket off Brett Lee in the first over of the day, immediately after Australia's taking the new ball and without adding to his overnight score. Jones struck a few boundaries but edged onto his stumps off McGrath. Fellow NSW paceman Clark took the final wickets of Giles (caught at first slip), Hoggard (caught at first slip) and Harmison (caught pulling at fine leg), with England lasting only 20 overs for the day.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, First Test: 23–27 November, Brisbane
England's fourth innings total of 370 was the highest ever achieved in a fourth innings of a Test match at the Gabba but was still nowhere near the total set by Australia. Australia won the match by 277 runs, with Ponting named man of the match for his 196 and 60 not out. The total attendance was recorded as 164,747 for the match.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test: 1–5 December, Adelaide
In a similar fashion to 2005, England named an unchanged XI for the second Test, despite Cricinfo and others suggesting that it was "almost certain" that Monty Panesar would replace James Anderson. Australia also named an unchanged team after Glenn McGrath passed a late fitness test. He was earlier rated as a 50/50 chance to play due to a heel injury.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test: 1–5 December, Adelaide
Andrew Flintoff won the toss and elected to bat first. Early on, the dry flat wicket offered little for the Australian bowlers who toiled in the first hour for no wicket. Stuart Clark took the first wicket, with Andrew Strauss being caught by Damien Martyn for 14 runs. This was the third time in the series that Strauss had been caught attempting to play on the leg side. Clark then took the wicket of Alastair Cook for 27 runs, having him caught behind by Adam Gilchrist.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test: 1–5 December, Adelaide
The periods before and just after lunch were dominated by Shane Warne, who bowled with consistent line and length to keep both Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood restricted to about two runs per over. Bell continued his struggle against Warne, who beat Bell's bat on several occasions. Despite a slow scoring rate, the batsmen made a good fightback in the afternoon session, despite some persistent Australian bowling. Both batsmen reached their half-centuries in the last over before the tea interval, which England reached with the score at 144/2. After tea, England came out looking to increase the scoring rate.


2006–07 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test: 1–5 December, Adelaide
Soon, however, Bell was caught and bowled by Brett Lee as he skied an attempted pull to the leg side. Kevin Pietersen was aggressive from his first ball, going on to make his half-century off just 70 balls. The scoring rate increased somewhat in the evening session as England increased their score to 266/3 at stumps. Collingwood was not out on 98 runs, tantalisingly close to a maiden Ashes century. The day's honours were roughly even. Australia would have liked more than three wickets, but they did keep England's scoring rate low on a flat, dry wicket.