Cologne’s brand-new stadium hosts five World Cup matches at this summer’s finals.
The new arena, constructed on the site of the old Muengersdorfer stadium, hosted its first international match on March 31 2004 with Germany beating Belgium 3-0 in a friendly game.
The stadium cost €119 million and has a capacity of 46,000 although it will be reduced to 40,000 at the World Cup for security reasons.
All areas of the stadium are easily accessible with several catering and service areas in all four sides of the ground.
Bundesliga side FC Cologne play their home matches at the venue although it has not proved a lucky venue with the team winning two out of their 13 home matches (as of 27/03/06) as they sit rock bottom of the German top-flight.
But times have not always been so tough with the club winning three German titles (1962, 64, 78) and greats such as Pierre Littbarski and Thomas Hassler, World Cup winners with West Germany in 1990, have worn the Cologne jersey with pride.
At the 2006 finals Cologne can look forward to seeing some top teams in action with 1966 winners England, Euro 2004 runners-up Portugal and 1998 victors France all on display.
The highlight in Cologne arguably could be England’s clash with Sweden with fans from both countries set to make for a colourful scene in the city.
The stadium provides a perfect setting for the action and all fans making the trip to Cologne will hope the football inside the ground will match its surroundings.
Cologne match schedule:
June 11: Group D - Angola v Portugal
June 17: Group E - Czech Republic v Ghana
June 20: Group B - Sweden v England
23 June: Group G - Togo v France
26 June: 2nd round (1st Group G v 2nd Group H)
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