World Cup 2014 countdown: Germany win over the home fans in 2006

The World Cup in Brazil is coming into view and everyone is hoping this summer's carnival can take its place among some of the great tournaments of the past.

That won't be easy though, as this series will testify. In the run-up to the tournament, we're counting down the 100 greatest World Cup moments.

Check out our latest instalment below, and for any you missed, see the gallery at the end of the article.

Germany win over the home fans in 2006

Before the 2006 World Cup kicked-off, fans of the host nation Germany were less than enamoured with their team. Poor results, a squad of under-performing stars and a manager who resided in America meant the team were given little hope.

Yet once the tournament got underway, the mood began to noticeably shift.

An exciting opening 4-2 win against Costa Rica and then two further victories during the group stage gave the fans reason to believe.

Germany began to back their team and the atmosphere surrounding their matches swelled the feeling and passion of the tournament. A great win over Sweden and then a penalties victory over Argentina followed. Germany were in the semi-final, but the fairytale came to an end when they were defeated by eventual winners Italy in the dying minutes of extra-time.