Unsportsmanlike Conduct in Italian Soccer?
The country's top team is mired in scandal. While no laws have been broken, many fans are outraged

A Breakout Year for Soccer?
Investors seem to think MLS has a big future. You be the judge

Much Ado About Adidas Stripes
For 57 years, the now-resurging sportswear maker has fought to keep other brands from using its trademark three-stripes -- or anything similar

Puma is on the Prowl Online
The number two sportswear company will be a sponsor of the 2006 World Cup. Its Web site is also a real sporting event

Adidas' World Cup Shutout
U.S. fans of soccer's big event will see only Adidas ads on TV. Nike's response: A MySpace-style site for soccer nuts

For Germany, a Cup of Plenty?
The World Cup is big business for the host country, and this year Germany has the honors. Here's S&P's look at the likely impact

Germany: Headed for a Boom?
Rising confidence and this summer's World Cup could benefit companies such as E.ON, SAP, BASF, and Deutsche Telekom, says S&P

A Tough Game for Eurosport
The all-sports channel broadcasts it all, to 54 countries in 19 languages. But without access to the Premier League soccer games, it's a tough scrimmage

Association vs. Associated

This is to help us understand adding multiple items.
Plus: Goes to Anchor: 1
Plus: Hedline for associated story here

Germany's Soccer Extravaganza

The World Cup tourney will pump a bonanza into the Continent's strongest economy -- but the security challenges are daunting
Slide Show: Cities and Stadiums of the 2006 World Cup

A Wealth of Culture at the World Cup

Are you visiting Germany but weary of the World Cup? Kick up your heels -- and choose from a world of activities

Soccer's American Idols

Strong performances at the global tournament in
Germany could mean European contracts worth big
bucks for the cream of the crop of U.S. players

Germany's Assist from the U.S.A.

The German World Cup team's trainer, Mark Verstegen, has irked some fans due to his American roots and his unorthodox methods. But a win could make them forget quickly

Will Soccer Paychecks Fall?

The top players earn dizzying sums, but their paychecks lag those of their peers in U.S. baseball and football
-- and now there's talk of salary caps
Slide Show: The World Cup's Highest-Paid Players

A Web Guide for Soccer Junkies

Where to find up-to-the-minute news and live coverage
of the games on the Net

Advertisers Kick it Up For the World Cup

With Germany and the world gearing up for the soccer championships, makers of everything from TVs to soft drinks are racing to cash in

From Understated to Big Statement

With their new Allianz Arena in Munich, architects Herzog and de Meuron have firmly built up a global presence
Slide Show: Herzog & de Meuron: Design for Enjoyment

BBC to Air World Cup Games on Web

Desk jockeys can rejoice. But human-resources folks
may not get a kick out of employees watching on
company time

Budweiser Butts in on Bitburger

Anheuser-Busch has exclusive rights to sell beer at the World Cup this year in Germany, but local fans want a
local brew

A Face-Lift for Soccer Balls

Just in time for the 2006 World Cup, a new ball that
won't sag in damp conditions or lose its shape after
being kicked around