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42,000 show up for German soccer practice
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-01 08:47

DUESSELDORF, Germany - More than 42,000 fans turned out Wednesday to watch an open practice of the German team nine days before it kicks off the World Cup.

It was the biggest crowd ever to watch a German practice in the country.

Juergen Klinsmann's team worked out at Duesseldorf's LTU Arena. The roof was closed because of cold and rainy weather. The fans were treated to a free scrimmage at the end of the session.

Germany played to a 2-2 tie against Japan on Tuesday and plays Colombia on Friday in Moenchengladbach, its final test before opening the World Cup against Costa Rica in Munich on June 9.