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
2006 FIFA World Cup knockout stage 2006 FIFA World Cup knockout stage In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the knockout stage was the second and final stage of the World Cup, following the group stage. The top two teams from each group (16 total) advance to the knockout stage to compete in a single-elimination style tournament. A match was played between the two losing teams of the semi-finals to determine which team finished in third place. The top two placed teams from each of the eight groups qualified for the knockout stage. Germany progressed thanks to two goals from Lukas Podolski inside the opening 12 minutes.