The Great World Cup Germany 2006
By John Francis
The 2006 FIFA World Cup (officially titled 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, sometimes referred to as the Football World Cup) finals are scheduled to take place in
Germany between 9 June and 9 July 2006. Qualification for the tournament is now complete, with all 32 competing teams confirmed. The 2006 finals are the 18th to be contested.
A total of 12 German cities have been selected to host the
world-cup final tournament. The stadium capacities shown are all seated capacities. Many of the stadiums have higher capacities for German domestic
Football matches as some of the seats are replaced with terraces.Starting from Germany 2006, the winner of the past World Cup had to qualify for the Finals. Only the host nation qualifies automatically from 2006 on.
In the qualification process for the 2006
FIFA World Cup, the six FIFA confederations were allocated a share of the 32 spots available on the basis of the strength of their teams. The final distribution was as follows:Europe - represented by
UEFA : 51 teams competing for 13 places (Germany qualified automatically as host nation for a total of 14 places) ;Africa - 51 teams;South America -10 teams;Asia - 39 teams;North, Central American and Caribbean -34 teams;Oceania - 12 teams.
For the first time ever, the defending champion (Brazil) does not qualify automatically. The hosts (Germany) will retain their automatic spot. In 1934, the defending champions (Uruguay) declined to participate and the hosts (Italy) had to qualify, but in the tournaments between 1938 and 2002 (inclusive), the hosts and the defending champions had automatic berths.
The original distribution of places between the six confederations called for Oceania to be given one full spot in the final 32; however, this idea was seen as giving Australia a virtually certain place in the finals, being by far the strongest footballing nation in their region. This decision was reconsidered in June 2003 and the previous distribution of places between Oceania and South America was restored.
The main surprises in European qualification at World Cup Germany were the absences of 2002 third-place finishers Turkey (eliminated by Switzerland after a momentous playoff), 2004 European Champions Greece (eliminated by the Ukraine), and established sides Denmark (eliminated by the Ukraine as well), Russia (eliminated by Portugal), and Belgium (eliminated by Serbia-Montenegro and Spain). In Africa, 2002 quarter-finalists Senegal (eliminated by Togo) and established sides South Africa, Cameroon, and Nigeria (eliminated, respectively, by Ghana, C?te d'Ivoire, and Angola) unexpectedly missed the trip to the Finals. The other zones saw no major upsets.While representing Oceania, from the beginning of 2006 Australia is part of the Asian Confederation, and will represent Asia in following World Cups.
If teams are even on points at the end of group play, the tied teams will be ranked as follows:greater number of points obtained in matches between the tied teams,goal difference in matches between the tied teams,greater number of goals scored in matches between the tied teams,goal difference in all group matches,greater number of goals scored in all group matches,a play-off on neutral ground, with extra time and penalties if necessary (in qualifying),drawing of lots (at the final event).This is a change from the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where total goal differential was the first tiebreaker.
Thirty-two years after the last football World Cup in Germany, the 2006 FIFA World Cup will again take place in Germany. For the first time after the reunification of both German states, the entire world will look to the New Germany, situated at the heart of Europe.
World Cup Football i http://www.worldcupfootballi.com/ offers information about the soccer world cup.
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FIFA World Cup 2006 England Glory - 1966 / 2006
By David R
It surely has a nice ring to it and would be a dream come true for the plethora of England fans who have never yet witnessed the creator of ‘the beautiful game’ bring home the goods.
Although England have a pretty favourable group, with Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, and the dreaded Sweden; they will come through the group stages to the finals and then, with a bit of luck, stomp all over the opposition with verve and tenacity; if Wayne Rooney keeps his head that is.
As well as being a serious contender for the coveted Golden Boot Award, if England do indeed progress, Wayne Rooney is the key to England’s success in World Cup 2006 and the rest of the team and world know it. The guy is a physiological freak in terms of the sheer power and depth of attack in his possession and will simply rip through the best defences that any of the world’s toughest may throw his way. He already proved this in Euro 2004, Portugal, where he was a constant worry for the opposition and, of course, does so every week at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney is simply one man, though, and cannot do the job alone; he will need pace man magician Michael Owen at his very best, Beckham curling em in sweetly from the right, Frank Lampard bulldozing through the middle and Mr Sven Goran Eriksson not doing his usual trick of messing with formations and pulling off players at the wrong moment. In fact, England hasn’t had such a brilliant compilation of players in years; it’s whether they can gel at the right time and do what the England rugby lads did in 2003.
One thing is certain though and perhaps will never change; anyone and everyone faced with England, ups their game rate by a noticeable margin. It seems that everyone wants to beat the ‘Auld Enemy’; hardly surprising beings as the country with the once largest of empires has, at one time or another, trounced on or been instrumental in shaping the modern world as we know it. It seems logical that someone would want to get their own back by beating the national football team.
Many of the England naysayers believe that the England team lacks the personality and passion to bring home the cup. Although a personality is great for the cameras, the one ingredient that is surely more important is playing the game of football and scoring goals, and with the current England line up we have the best chance since 1966. Roll on World Cup 2006…
David R is senior editor of the site http://www.goldenboot.me.uk covering Golden Boot and Top Goal Scorer player profiles of previous World Cups, World Cup 2006 information and match fixtures as well as coverage of the 12 German venue cities for FIFA World Cup 2006.
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A World Cup Guide to Berlin
By Seb Jay
Out of the twelve German cities to play hosts to the FIFA 2006 World Cup Finals it is Berlin - Germany's capital - that has arguably the most important role to play. It is in this city on Sunday 9th July that two teams will contest the final game of the tournament, and one of those teams will claim the ultimate prize in international football…the World Cup.
The stadium in which the Final will take place is Berlin's Olympic Stadium - the very same venue that was used for the 1936 Olympic Games where Jessie Owen claimed four gold medals. In preparation for the FIFA 2006 World Cup finals the Olympic Stadium has undergone a complete renovation. Some 242 million euros were invested to bring the stadium into the 21st century. Work was completed in July 2004, and in September of that year Brazil met Germany for the inaugural international game.
Aside from the World Cup Final on 9th July, Berlin's Olympic Stadium hosts a number of other World Cup matches. Brazil play Croatia here on 13th June, Sweden take on Paraguay in Group B on the 15th June, and Ecuador will attempt to defeat the hosts Germany at Berlin on the 20th. Ukraine face-off against Tunisia on the final day of group competition in the tournament too, while Berlin will be home to the first 2006 World Cup quarter-final on 30th June.
Berlin Sights
Berlin has so much to offer visitors this summer. There are world famous monuments, parks, restaurants, shops, museums and a zoo to take in. Two 'must see' attractions that should top everyone's list are Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower.
Brandenburg Gate
Arguably Berlin's most famous monument, the Brandenburg Gate towers 20 metres high into the Berlin sky. It was built in 1791 and survived the conquest of Napoleon, but was badly damaged in the Second World War. For years it stood as a partition between East and West Germany as part of the Berlin Wall. Today, it is a symbol of a reunited Germany.
The TV Tower
Affectionately known as the 'toothpick' the TV Tower near Alexander Square is the second highest in Europe. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and offers spectacular views from the viewing tower and restaurant. On a clear day you can see up to 25 miles out into the German countryside. It's well worth a visit!
Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.
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A World Cup Guide to Dortmund in Germany
By Seb Jay
In the summer of 2006 Dortmund in Germany is set to serve up a feast of soccer. The town, which is well-known in Germany for its open parks and waterways, will host six World Cup games, including the Group F game involving Japan and the reigning world champions, Brazil, and one of the World Cup semi-finals. World Cup action begins in Dortmund on the second day of competition when Trinidad & Tobago take on Sweden in Group B.
All of the World Cup games are being played at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion - home to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund. The stadium was built for the 1974 World Cup Finals, and at the time was one of the most prestigious football stadiums in the world. For the 2006 World Cup Finals the Westfalenstadion has come through a program of renovation, and can now seat up to 67,000 spectators.
Dortmund City Highlights
A visit to Dortmund would not be complete without taking in some of the city's sights. Even if you're in Dortmund for a flying visit to watch the World Cup there are some attractions that you simply should not miss.
Bodelschwingh Castle
Bodelschwingh Castle is an impressive 13th century moated building, and the largest of its kind in the area. It is privately owned so visitors are not allowed access into the castle or its grounds. The view of the castle from the surrounding countryside though is well worth the visit.
Westphalia Park
Westphalia Park is one of several major parks in the city of Dortmund. It contains Dortmund's giant TV tower with rotating restaurant and the 212-mtr high Florianturm. The park itself boasts many acres of lawns, wooded walks and hidden gardens. Don't be surprised to come across some interesting 3D art in the park as well.
Museum am Ostwall
The Museum am Ostwall is home to an impressive collection of 20th century German art. Paintings, sculptures and graphic art can be found inside the museum, as well as over 200 works of German Expressionism.
Getting to Dortmund
Dortmund is served by its own airport. It is located some 10kms outside the city and runs regular routes to and from the UK and other airports in Europe.
Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up at Dortmund airport through http://www.your-carhire.com.
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A World Cup Guide to Munich
A World Cup Guide to MunichA World Cup Guide to Munich
By Seb Jay
Munich - home to German fooballing giants Bayern Munich - is the most southerly city in Germany to host matches from the 2006 World Cup finals. The city is set to build upon its already immensely important reputation in world sport (the city was host to the fated 1972 Olympic Games, the 1974 World Cup Final and the final of UEFA's EURO'88) by staging the tournament's opening game - Germany v Costa Rica on 9th June.
The stadium - named the Allianz Arena - is in fact situated a little to the north of the city in the district of Frottmanning. It is easily accessed. The A9 motorway connects the city to the new stadium, while Munich International Airport is served by the A92 - a motorway that intersects with the A9 to the west of the airport.
Whether approaching the stadium from the city or the airport there is certainly no danger of you missing the Allianz Arena. Its mammoth translucent structure resembles a donut shaped pillow fit for a giant. There really is nothing else quite like it in Germany. Once inside the stadium don't be surprised to find yourself looking around in wonder. The structure seems to have more in common with a futuristic spaceship rather than a football stadium. It's simply breathtaking.
Four things you must do in Munich
Aside from the World Cup, Munich offers a wealth of attractions for its visitors to enjoy. No matter how short your stay in the city here are four things that you simply must do!
Visit a Beer Garden: There's plenty of them in Munich! After all, Munich has long been revered as one of the beer-making capitals of the world.
Try a Bavarian Sausage: Munich is the capital of Bavaria - a free state famous for its forests, its mountains and one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world…BMW or Bavaria Motor Works. It is also the birthplace of the authentic German sausage. Try the Weisswurt…you won't be disappointed!
See the Nymphenburg: The Nymphenburg is a Baroque palace constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. It offers a true glimpse into Bavaria's royal past. The palace's façade is three times longer than the Munich Olympic Stadium!
Take a stroll through English Garden: Munich's outdoor centrepiece is this 5km-long lawned park. It was built in 1789 and contains within it many features including a classical-style rotunda. If you're looking for peace and tranquillity in the heart of Munich this is the place to be.
Getting to Munich
Many world airlines fly direct to Munich International Airport. It is then just a matter of following the A92 road directions into Munich city and/or to the Allianz Arena stadium.
Hire cars can be booked in advance for pick up at Munich airport via http://www.your-carhire.com.
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