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The World Cup Circus Rolls on to Germany

January 3, 2006

From the moment Germany was awarded the 2006 FIFA World Cup, preparations for the biggest soccer circus in the world have been gathering pace. Here DW-WORLD presents a dossier charting the ups and downs so far.

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Everyone, human and faux-animal, will be watching the events in GermanyImage: AP

In July 2000, Germany won the vote to stage the 18th World Cup in 2006. Since then, preparations have been slowly gathering pace in the host country as Germany works towards the goal of having everything in place by June 9, 2006 for the soccer world's global showpiece.

While teams of organizers all over the world play their part, the 32 finalists fine tune their squads and tactics ahead of the tournament next summer. It is a massive event, providing logistical and organizational challenges for everyone involved.

The World Cup is not just about the trophy -- the tournament's ultimate prize -- or the games that lead to that crowning moment. It is a process that involves many aspects, not just those related to the sport central to it.

Here, DW-WORLD presents a dossier of articles following news from the many facets of the World Cup, from Germany's acceptance as custodian to the final itself.

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Reports & Analysis

Luck on Germany's Side in Draw

The route to a World Cup final can be set in the first matches. In the past, Germany have had easy draws. In 2006, they face Costa Rica in the opening match in Munich. Poland and Ecuador are the remaining opponents.
December 10, 2005

Klinsmann More Confident of Win Than Most Germans

While nearly two-thirds of Germans are convinced their team won’t be raising the trophy at this summer’s World Cup, coach Jürgen Klinnsmann said the German team only needs to work on few kinks.
January 7, 2006

Interior Ministry Urges Calm Over World Cup Stadium Report

A German parliamentarian has said there is "no cause for panic or hysteria" in response to the consumer group Stiftung Warentest’s safety assessment of the country’s World Cup stadiums.
January 19, 2006

From Soccer Yard to World-Class Stadium

The houses of the soccer gods will be ready when fans fall to their knees at missed penalty kicks and cheer in exultation for newly-won fame, according to World Cup Organizing Committee vice-chairman Wolfgang Niersbach.
September 26, 2005

Fashion Police Clamp Down on Trendy Cops at World Cup

In an attempt to distinguish soccer fans from the people controlling them, the German Interior Ministry has ordered the police at this summer's World Cup to spruce up their appearance.
January 16, 2006

Oliver Kahn: Germany Can Win the Soccer World Cup

Some revere Oliver Kahn as a gift to German soccer, others see him as arrogant and smug. The goalkeeper spoke to DW-WORLD about his country's chances to win the World Cup, which takes place in Germany in the summer.
January 3, 2006

Germany Plans Star-Studded Opening Gala For World Cup

World Cup host nation Germany has revealed its plans for the cultural extravanganza that will kick-off the soccer spectacular next summer.
December 1, 2005

The World Cup, German Money-Maker

The World Cup lets fans dream and government economists as well. One year before the big event in Germany, analysts are already wondering just what the tournament can do for the economy.
April 6, 2005

Politicians Incensed Over Gala Cancellation

Now that the World Cup opening extravaganza in Berlin has been given the boot, politicians are clambering for some kind of replacement show. But FIFA isn't interested.
January 14, 2006

The Specter of Hooliganism Returns

German soccer hooligans have made a violent return to the international stage with just over a year to go before Germany hosts the 2006 World Cup. Officials have faith in security measures but experts predict trouble.
April 7, 2005

World Cup Teams Would Rather Stay in Western Germany

Leipzig may be hosting some games during the much-awaited soccer World Cup next year. But, most teams have given eastern Germany the cold shoulder when it comes to setting up camp for the month-long event.
December 22, 2005

World Cup Fans Given Special Revelry Allowance

It was just one more World Cup conundrum: How are the 12 German World Cup host cities going to deal with noisy fans violating the law and irritated residents filing endless complaints?
January 26, 2006
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