This document outlines 8 lessons learned from the 2006 FIFA World Cup that can help businesses succeed in the marketplace. Each lesson is associated with a team that reached the quarterfinals. The lessons are: 1) Never take your foot off the accelerator; 2) Depend on the entire team, not just one person; 3) Have a coach that inspires the team; 4) Don't rest on past accomplishments; 5) Always have a backup plan; 6) Combine style with substance; 7) Don't crack under pressure; 8) Play as a team and don't repeat others' mistakes. Following these 8 lessons can help a business become a winner in the marketplace.

1. 8 things to remember
to win
in the marketplace
: 2006
Learnings from the FIFA World Cup 2006, Germany

2. The just concluded FIFA World Cup 2006 was a celebration of life.
The communion of the foot and the ball created magic in all parts
of the world.
32 teams. 32 nations. With the rest of the world supporting them.
30 days of skill, striving, stamina, stress, shock and success…
It gave us a lot of learnings. In fact, each team’s defeat opened yet
another facet of how not to lose.
Learnings from the football ground that apply to our endeavours
in the marketplace.
Each of the 8 teams that reached the quarter-finals have one unique
learning for all of us. 8 learnings in all. For us to remember.
: 2006
As someone said, “Joga bonito!*”
* Portuguese for “Play beautiful!”

3. Argentina
Never take your foot off the accelerator.
Keep the momentum high.
Or the opponent gets the chance to get back.
: 2006
June 30, 2006 - Rodrigues, Mascherano, Coloccini and Ayala are shattered

4. Ukraine
To win in the marketplace you need a team.
Cannot depend on only one person
to take you to victory.
: 2006
June 30, 2006 - “What more can one man do?” Sheva seems to ask.

5. England
You may be terrific as individuals
but if your coach cannot inspire you,
good bye!
: 2006
July 01, 2006 - Terry, Carragher, Ashley Cole and Hargreaves shed a tear

6. Brazil
Number 1? Well, look behind you.
Never rest on your laurels and your past.
The market spares none… whatever pedigree!
: 2006
July 01, 2006 - 15 goals… that’s it… the Phenom knows this is the end

7. Germany
If you have only one plan, you are predictable.
The marketplace is too dynamic.
Always have an alternate plan in place.
: 2006
July 04, 2006 - Lehmann and Odonkor watch Grosso’s ball float by… inside

8. Portugal Style is a very good differentiator.
But is toothless without substance.
One needs to convert the first to prove the latter.
: 2006
July 05, 2006 - Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait another 4 years...

9. France
Never crack under pressure.
One act of indiscretion can destroy
your dreams for ever!
: 2006
July 09, 2006 - even Gods have feet of clay...

10. Italy
Play as a team. Never lose hope.
Do not commit the mistakes the others have.
And the world is at your feet!
: 2006
July 09, 2006 - the Azzurri hold the FIFA tropy aloft, for the fourth time!

11. The 8 things to remember...
Always keep the momentum high.
Depend not on only one member, but the entire team.
Have a leader who truly inspires.
Do not rest on your past laurels… they are past.
Always have an alternate plan.
Style needs substance as a combination.
Never crack under any kind of pressure.
Do all of the above and you are a winner!
: 2006

12. : 2006