2006 FIFA World Cup Group E Rossi was sent off in the 28th minute after elbowing U.S. striker Brian McBride in a rash challenge that left the American with blood all over his face and requiring three stitches under his left eye. FIFA banned De Rossi for four matches (allowing him to return in the final) and fined him 10,000 CHF (£4,500). 2006 FIFA World Cup Group E Play in Group E of the 2006 FIFA World Cup began on 12 June and completed on 22 June 2006. Italy won the group, and advanced to the second round, along with Ghana. The Czech Republic and the
Croatia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Croatia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Croatia participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. This was their third appearance. Up to 2006, the country had qualified for every FIFA World Cup which it has been eligible for since independence in 1991. Croatia was in Group 8 of UEFA's World Cup qualifications. They played alongside Bulgaria, Hungary, Iceland, Malta and Sweden. During the course of qualifications, the team remained undefeated. At the end of qualification, the team was tied with Sweden in points. However, Croatia won the tiebreaker based on their head-to-head record (Croatia won both meetings). The complete results