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Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann. [Agencies - File
Photo] |
Host Germany will kick off the 2006 World
Cup, even though its coach didn't want the honor.
FIFA said Wednesday that Germany will play the opening match June 9,
2006, in Munich. Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann wanted another team,
preferably defending champion Brazil, provided it qualifies, to play in
the opener.
Klinsmann originally said he was concerned about the enormous pressure
his team will be facing as host. But soccer's governing body settled the
issue by picking the three-time champion Germans, who automatically
qualify for the tournament as the host nation.
Since 1974, the defending champion has played the opening match of the
new tournament. But FIFA has changed its rules, meaning even defending
champions now must qualify.
"We are very happy that we'll be playing the opening match at the new
soccer temple in Munich," Klinsmann said in a statement distributed by
German organizers. "We are glad that FIFA made an early decision and we
can now make our plans accordingly."
Franz Beckenbauer, the former star who is now the president of the
organizing committee, echoed Klinsmann's initial fears, saying favorites
had often faltered in opening
matches. But he also welcomed the decision.
"Our team now has the chance to open the championship with a bang," he
said.
Germany's other group matches will be June 14 in Dortmund and June 20
in Berlin.
The final is July 9 in Berlin.
FIFA, soccer's world
governing body, also said that the final draw for
the 32-nation tournament will be held in Leipzig on Dec. 9,
2005.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-10-27 10:16