Soccer: No hooligans the highlight, says Beckham

David Beckham says the absence of hooligans has been one of the highlights of the tournament.

Japan organisers had been bracing for possible trouble, particularly from England fans, after violence at Euro 2000 and at the 1998 cup finals in France.

But Beckham said: "It's been a great start to the competition and one of the best things about it has been that there hasn't been any trouble.

"Everyone's enjoying themselves in the stadium ... because it went out of football a little bit and I think this is getting people back interested in the game - young kids, mums, dads, nans, grandads."

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Points tables
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles