I knew this game was buggy! According to a press release issued today by Electronic Arts, after using a simulation engine in their 2006 FIFA World Cup videogame, they were able to test all 32 teams in the competition and determine that the Czech Republic would come out on top. How about that! The big final was battled out between the Czechs and Brazilians, who ultimately suffered an astonishing loss after Milan Baros set the final score to 2-1, after a decisive pass from Pavel Nedved in the 77th minute.

The following placements were also predicted by EA:

- FIFA World Cup Champion: Czech Republic

- FIFA World Cup Final: Czech Republic 2 Brazil 1

- 1st team to be eliminated: Ecuador

- Golden Shoe winner: Milan Baros, Czech Republic (6 goals)

- Golden Ball winner: Pavel Nedved, Czech Republic

"In the EA SPORTS simulation, old rivalries were reignited. England was beaten by Germany in the Round of Sixteen. The host country then went on to meet eventual champion Czech Republic in one semifinal. The Czech team, inspired by Nedved in his final tournament as an international player, halted the German advance with a 2-1 victory, with Nedved getting on to the scoresheet.

The only penalty shoot-out of the tournament was at the end of a classic clash between Brazil and Argentina in the other semifinal. With result locked at 2-2 at the end of extra time, the freshly substituted Robinho was the man of the moment to hammer home the winning goal after Juan Riquelme shot wide for Argentina's final penalty.

The biggest tournament upsets were Italy and Portugal being knocked out in the group stages.

The surprise team of the tournament was Costa Rica who recorded their greatest finish in FIFA World Cup history by reaching the quarterfinals."

Ok, this stops right here! Czech Republic winning the cup - that I can live with. But Costa Rica in the quarterfinals? Puh'lease! They should run that simulation again after patching the game.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)