19 arrests after World Cup opener
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-10 17:32

Berlin police said Saturday that World Cup partying got off to a generally peaceful start in the capital, with a total of 19 arrests.

More than 300,000 people gathered Friday on the so-called "fan mile" in front of the Brandenburg Gate to watch host Germany beating Costa Rica 4-2 on giant television screens.

Police said that, across the whole of the city, 19 people _ many of them drunk _ were arrested for offenses including bodily harm. They characterized the figure as very small given the number of people celebrating.

"If it stays like this, we can be very satisfied," said Juergen Klug, the officer leading the Berlin police effort.