It's a Kick!

By Hillary Batchelder

And it's the most wunderbar time of the year for soccer fans as the World Cup rolls on in Germany. The action isn't just on the field. The world's biggest sporting event boasts plenty of spectacle off the field too--and much of it fits right in with this year's warm, fuzzy and oh-so-sporting theme: "A Time to Make Friends."

DO THE CROUCH The robot is back, thanks to England striker Peter Crouch's goofy moves, which have spawned an army of imitators in the stands.

GO, WARRIORS! Fans love a long shot. The top underdog this year: Trinidad and Tobago, the smallest nation to qualify, whose gutsy Soca Warriors earned a surprising tie against Sweden.

COUCH CUP Want to see the U.S. beat Brazil, be instrumental in the victory and make friends? Play FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup online with gamers around the world.

FAN FESTS All 12 host cities are having nonstop parties, so soccer lovers can experience the Cup even without tickets to a match. Key ingredients: big screens and beer.

SOUNDS LIKE CUP SPIRIT No World Cup is complete without a cheesy theme tune to bring the crowd together. For Germany '06, it's R&B diva Toni Braxton and quartet Il Divo's sticky-sweet Time of Our Lives. Get out your lighters!

NOT JUST LION AROUND The self-declared King of Parties and beasts, mascot Goleo VI--why a lion? we don't know--wants you to have a ball.