WHATS DIFFERENT IN QUALIFYING FOR 2006?
There are a few major differences you should know about. First, the defending champions had to qualify. Brazil didn’t get an automatic berth. Second, as of THU 01 JUL 2004, golden goal overtime sessions can no longer be played, as specified at the 2004 meeting of the International Football Association Board. Although one match [in CAF first round series 18] was already decided on a golden goal, the regulations have now been amended so that any overtime periods go the full 30 minutes. Third, qualifying began earlier. Three confederations had begun already when the preliminary draw was made. And fourth, head to head is now the first tiebreaker. When teams are tied on points, they will be separated on results against one another before goal difference.
