SNTV Features

The Olympic Stadium in Berlin has already held its fair share of momentous events, starting with American sprinter Jesse Owens winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games.

Now after a 242 million Euro facelift, on July 9th a global audience of well over a billion is set to follow the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final live from the stadium on TV.

SUGGESTED VOICEOVER:

After a turbulent history Berlin, the country's largest city, has once again become the capital of a united Germany, the Brandenburg Gate symbolising this re-unification.

The city became the political centre of Brandenburg, Prussia and the German Reich.

After the foundation of the German Reich in 1871, the city progressed quickly to become Germany's largest industrial and cultural centre. The Second World War (1939-1945) triggered by the National Socialists, the Nazis, had a devastating effect on Berlin and led to the destruction of large parts of the city. Subsequent political developments divided the country and its capital: The building of the Wall in 1961 brutally completed this separation.

The Wall did not come down again until 1989, when the people from West and East Berlin were finally reunited.

Berlin is not only the seat of the government and cultural capital, but also Germany's sports city. More than 525,000 male and female athletes are registered in about 1,900 clubs.

Like the city the The Berlin Olympic Stadium has a long and distinguished history. Originally designed by architect Werner March it was built between 1934-36 for the 1936 Olympic Games.

American sprinter Jesse Owens won four gold medals at those games and today, one of the avenues leading to the ground and a VIP lounge bear the great runner's name.

SOUNDBITE:

"Of course this stadium is special because it is old. It is more than 70 years old and if you look at it from the outside it was originally built in 1936. This is because it is protected by landmark protection, it is a monument. So this is part of the impression that you have when you go inside the stadium. From the outside you have a historical building and you get information by our tourist guides or the information points. But when you go inside you have one of the most modern arena in Europe."

SUPERCAPTION: Christoph Meyer, press officer Olympic Stadium

Reconstruction at a cost of 242 million Euro began in the summer of 2000 and was officially re-opened in July 2004.

It has a total capacity of over 74,000, but will be restricted to 66,000 for the World Cup.

The new roof, a vast oval interrupted as before by the listed Marathon Gate, provides a delicate contrast to the robust muscularity of the historic tectonics.

The lightweight cantilever construction is borne by an intricate web of 20 beam supports ranging over the gallery, and 132 steel pillars.

The roof is literally the crowning glory of a harmonious solution incorporating past, present and future.

SOUNDBITE:

"242 million Euro were spent to renovate this stadium and of course Berlin is the capital of Germany. So this is a very good place and a place like Berlin really is a vibrant city to host a final of the world cup. It is the biggest media event in the world and I think the capital is the right place for this."

SUPERCAPTION: Christoph Meyer, press officer Olympic Stadium

This spectacular stadium is due to host six matches during the tournament but the final on July 9th will of course be the biggest. A global audience of well over a billion is set to follow the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final live on TV.

SHOTLIST: Berlin, Germany Recent

1. 00:00 Wide shot of the Brandenburg Gate

2. 00:05 Close up of Brandeburg Gate, pan down to mime artist

3. 00:16 Wide shot of "Straße des 17. Juni" ("road of June 17th") and the "Siegessäule " ("victory Säule")

4. 00:22 Close up of the roof of the Reichstag

5. 00:27 Wide shot of the Reichstag

6 00:33 Close-up of a section of the Berlin Wall

7. 00:38 Wide shot of the Wall

8. 00:44 Wide shot of some historical buildings

9. 00:49 People in a restaurant

10. 00:55 Exterior of the Olympic Stadium, pan from the Olympic rings to stadium

11. 01:04 Closer pan of the outside

12. 01:17 SOUNDBITE: Christoph Meyer, press officer Olympic Stadium

13. 01:52 Pan from roof to pitch and track around the field

14. 02:00 Zoom out from the halfway to wide shot of stands and roof.

15. 02:12 Zoom out from the back of the arena

16. 02:22 Wide shot from the middle stand

17. 02:34 SOUNDBITE: Christoph Meyer, press officer Olympic Stadium

18. 02:53 The Olympic Stadium by night

Keyword-world cup 2006 venue

SHOTLIST

++PLEASE NOTE - AUDIO AS INCOMING ON SHOTS 4 AND 5++

June 7, 2006

1. Wide shot of former Brazilian World Cup champion Pele walking through Pele Station holding football and waving to cameras

2. Round screen showing archive pictures of Pele as a player

3. Pele talking to fans

4. Wide shot of Pele in press conference

5. SOUNDBITE (English): Pele, former Brazilian World Cup champion:

"I think if I have to repeat everything, you know, I will do everything the same. I am very happy with what God has given to me."

6. Screen showing archive pictures of Pele as a player

7. Pan of video wall

8. Top shot of Mini cars with flags on their roofs parked at Berlin fair

9. Close-up of Mini car with German flag on roof, drivers and cars in background

10. SOUNDBITE (German): Kathrin Petersen, spokeswoman of 'Partner Berlin':

"As Berlinizer you can show everybody, to Berliners or their guests, 'We are happy to have you here and to assist you if you need our help'."

11. Drivers standing next to cars waving

12. Various shots of Mini cars driving away

13. Tilt down from Berlin Schoeneberg town hall to arriving 'Mini' cars

14. Cars passing

15. Wide shot of ambassadors near marquee

16. Ambassador of Costa Rica getting into car

17. SOUNDBITE: (English): Esteban Penrod, Ambassador of Costa Rica:

"It feels great because this means integration in the city but for all the people who live here and I'm very glad this initiative is taking place at this moment precisely."

18. Ambassador of Equador holding model of Mini car

19. SOUNDBITE: (English): Horatio Sevilla, Ambassador of Equador:

"Well, I feel proud to be part of this international city, this cosmopolitan city, as Berlin is, and I'm very grateful to the organisers of that event and Ecuador will receive this with great pleasure."

20. Ambassador of Equador driving away in his Mini

21. Wide shot of Reichstag, German Parliament building

22. Close-up of giant poster of Argentinean football player Juan Roman Riquelme, Reichstag building in background

23. Pan of Interior of Adidas arena

24. Row of seats, poster in background shows World Cup trophy and photo of players

Recent

25. Wide shot of Olympiastadium Berlin, giant beach towel printed with England flag is spread on ground

26. People carrying towel

27. Unveiling towel on the stairs under the Olympic fireplace

28. Various of giant towel spread on steps

STORYLINE:

Brazilian football legend Pele visited Berlin on Wednesday to inaugurate an exhibition dedicated to his footballing career, one of several events taking place in the build up to the opening game of World Cup 2006.

The exhibition, PeleStation - the Legend in Action, contains two 40 metre (43 yard) wide projections of images highlighting Pele's remarkable playing career.

PeleStation was opened in a tunnel of a subway station in Berlin.

Pele's popularity cuts across generations and fans came in large numbers to see the Brazilian.

With football fever at a high, Pele turned nostalgic and told the media he was extremely satisfied with the way his career panned out.

PeleStation was designed and created by a Brazilian company with the close cooperation and support of Pele himself.

Meanwhile, the car manufacturer BMW gave 32 Mini cars to the ambassadors of the countries participating in the World Cup, part of the 'Berlinizer' campaign to promote Germany as a friendly host.

The cars will be driven until July 9 by the ambassadors or by people participating in the 'Berlinizer' campaign.

For the ambassadors who live in Berlin, the handover of the cars was a special moment.

The ceremony took pace in the same place that former US President John F Kennedy once said: "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I'm a Berliner).

Marketing company Partner Berlin launched the campaign to encourage Germans to open up to guests and friends.

To become a 'Berlinizer', visitors have to log on to the Internet and answer some questions about Berlin.

Those who answer correctly win a badge marked with "I'm a Berlinizer please ask me for help".

Organisers hope that visitors to the city can approach those wearing the badges to ask for assistance or help.

Also in Berlin, the popular German sports brand Adidas has built a special arena where fans can experience an atmosphere similar to the city's famous Olympia Stadium.

The massive arena, built next to the spectacular Reichstag - the German Parliament building, will have live screenings of all World Cup games.

The English were also getting involved in publicity events in the run up to the tournament.

A British tabloid newspaper arranged for a giant beach towel, emblazoned with England's St. George cross, to be spread across a stand at the

Olympiastadium in Berlin.

The newspaper says the 7,578 square-foot (704-square-metre) towel is the world's largest, though the Guiness Book of World Records is still in the process of verifying this claim.

A team of ten unfurled the towel to send a message of support to the English World Cup squad.

The publicity stunt plays upon a popular British view that stereotypes German tourists as always seeking to reserve sun loungers with their towels before British holidaymakers can reach them.

Keyword-world cup 2006

SHOTLIST:

1. Exterior of brothel "Artemis"

2. Sign "Artemis"

3. Pan interior of pool in "Artemis" brothel

4. Pan brothel lounge

5. Bar with champagne

6. Medium shot couch

7. SOUNDBITE: (German) Eike Wilmans, Artemis spokesman:

"We are looking forward to the World Cup and we are prepared and relaxed. We expect more guests to come and of course we will have more prostitutes working here during World Cup."

8. Pan picture to bed

9. SOUNDBITE (German) Coco, sex worker:

"We are looking forward to the World Cup and we hope that many more men will come here than they do right now. It will be a lot of stress, but that's what we like."

10. Brunhilde Raiser, head of National council of German women's organisation with colleagues

11. Campaign whistles

12. SOUNDBITE: (German) Brunhilde Raiser, head of National council of German women's organisation:

"We want to point out that forced prostitution exists and it is a heavy violation of human rights. We have to fight against it and to stop it if possible. That's why we have very clear demands to politicians and the people in charge, which we have to follow up in detail after the World Cup."

13. Zoom in banner of campaign "stop forced prostitution," pull focus

STORYLINE:

As soccer's best players prepare to square off this summer at the World Cup, businesses across Germany are anticipating a huge windfall with the arrival of an estimated 1 (m) million fans from around the world.

The sex industry is no exception, and just down the street from Berlin's Olympic Stadium, which hosts the final, stands the city's largest brothel.

Artemis, which cost 8.2 (m) million dollars to build was established in September with an eye on capitalising on the influx of World Cup visitors.

The four storey, 40-bedroom bordello is decorated with fake animal prints and velvet on beds, walls and furniture, as well as Greek and Roman statues under North African style arches.

The establishment has been averaging 130 visitors a day, many from the nearby convention centre, and was planning to blitz the Olympic Stadium and Berlin hotels with leaflets during the World Cup.

Eike Wilmans, PR Manager of the "Artemis," said he expected demand to increase during the World Cup.

Prostitution is legal in Germany, with about 400,000 people registered in the trade - the women who work in Artemis pay taxes and receive social benefits like people in any other job.

However, the anticipated World Cup sex-trade boom has raised fears of an increase in forced prostitution - an estimated 40,000 women from poorer Eastern European countries were expected to be heading to Germany for the World Cup, some against their will.

Already, the European Union estimates more than 100,000 women in Europe each year are forced into prostitution.

A Berlin women's group has started an information campaign against forced prostitution to coincide with the World Cup, endorsed by German Soccer Federation President Theo Zwanziger.

Brunhilde Raiser, head of National council of German women's organisation, said forced prostitution was a violation of human rights.

"We have to fight against it and to stop it if possible. That's why we have very clear demands to politicians and the people in charge, which we have to follow up in detail after the World Cup."

Police in Berlin have said they are planning raids to uncover illegal prostitution rings during the World Cup.

SHOTLIST:

1. Pan interior of pool in "Artemis" brothel

2. Pan of entrance hall

3. Pan brothel lounge

4. Bar with champagne

5. Medium shot couch

6. Bar

7. SOUNDBITE: (German) Eike Wilmans, Artemis spokesman:

"We are looking forward to the World Cup and we are prepared and relaxed. We expect more guests to come and of course we will have more prostitutes working here during World Cup. We want to fulfil the guests' wishes and therefore we also offer our guests to watch the play's live here."

8. Zoom out lamp to bed

9. Pan picture to bed

10. SOUNDBITE: (German) Coco, sex worker:

"We are looking forward to the World Cup and we hope that many more men will come here than they do right now. It will be a lot of stress, but that's what we like."

11. Sign: (English) "Artemis"

12. Exterior of brothel "Artemis"

13. Brunhilde Raiser, head of National council of German women's organisation with colleagues

14. Pan whistles

15. SOUNDBITE: (German) Brunhilde Raiser, head of National council of German women's organisation:

"We want to point out that forced prostitution exists and it is a heavy violation of human rights. We have to fight against it and to stop it if possible. That's why we have very clear demands to politicians and the people in charge, which we have to follow up in detail after the World Cup."

16. Zoom in banner of campaign "stop forced prostitution," pull focus

STORYLINE:

As soccer's best players prepare to square off this summer at the World Cup, businesses across Germany are anticipating a huge windfall with the arrival of an estimated 1 (m) million fans from around the world.

The sex industry is no exception, and just down the street from Berlin's Olympic Stadium, which hosts the final, stands the city's largest brothel.

Artemis, which cost 8.2 (m) million dollars to build was established in September with an eye on capitalising on the influx of World Cup visitors.

The four storey, 40-bedroom bordello is decorated with fake animal prints and velvet on beds, walls and furniture, as well as Greek and Roman statues under North African style arches.

The establishment has been averaging 130 visitors a day, many from the nearby convention centre, and was planning to blitz the Olympic Stadium and Berlin hotels with leaflets during the World Cup.

Eike Wilmans, PR Manager of the "Artemis," said he expected demand to increase during the World Cup.

Prostitution is legal in Germany, with about 400,000 people registered in the trade - the women who work in Artemis pay taxes and receive social benefits like people in any other job.

However, the anticipated World Cup sex-trade boom has raised fears of an increase in forced prostitution - an estimated 40,000 women from poorer Eastern European countries were expected to be heading to Germany for the World Cup, some against their will.

Already, the European Union estimates more than 100,000 women in Europe each year are forced into prostitution.

A Berlin women's group has started an information campaign against forced prostitution to coincide with the World Cup, endorsed by German Soccer Federation President Theo Zwanziger.

Brunhilde Raiser, head of National council of German women's organisation, said forced prostitution was a violation of human rights.

"We have to fight against it and to stop it if possible. That's why we have very clear demands to politicians and the people in charge, which we have to follow up in detail after the World Cup."

Police in Berlin have said they are planning raids to uncover illegal prostitution rings during the World Cup.

SHOTLIST:

1. Wide pan of coordination centre of Interior Ministry

2. Medium shot of military official

3. Screens on wall

4. Military officials looking at computer screen

5. Red light on ceiling, pull out to wide of room

6. SOUNDBITE (German) Christian Sachs, Interior Ministry spokesman:

"We Germans do not have to look as far as Warsaw or Basel, we have seen here in Berlin that there are problems, and that is very aggravating. For the World Cup though, we have to say that we expect to have a very secure situation in the stadiums through the personalisation (labelling with names of owners) of tickets."

7. Cutaway coordination centre

8. SOUNDBITE (German) Christian Sachs, Interior Ministry spokesman:

"Video surveillance, fencing, entry control are all segments that must be implemented there. Until now, the signs have been positive that the federal state police forces and communities plan to do so. We expect the fans to react in a certain way, namely to isolate potential violent people, and on the other hand, we have to make sure that there is a way to punish those who want to cause trouble."

9. Low shot of coordination centre

STORYLINE

The German Interior Ministry has expressed confidence that the security measures taken for the World Cup in Germany will prevent scenes of football violence similar to those seen in Warsaw, Basel and Berlin over the weekend.

Interior Ministry spokesman Christian Sachs spoke to AP Television News at the opening of the Interior Ministry's National Information and Coordination Centre (NICC) on Tuesday.

"We expect to have a very secure situation in the stadiums," Sachs said.

The NICC will be operational 24 hours a day, and is designed to facilitate the exchange of security-related information between various organisations and government bodies.

While Sachs showed concern about the escalation of violence in various cities, he said the personalisation, or printing of the rightful owner's name, on tickets would guarantee security.

Sachs appealed to the local authorities to implement security measures suggested by the federal government for the so called "Public Viewing" areas.

The police union has repeatedly expressed concern about some 300 such locations where safety measures are regulated by the local authorities.

Worry surrounding security at the World Cup has grown after scores of police and rioters were injured during clashes between police and violent football fans in Basel and Warsaw over the weekend, and a third league match had to be interrupted after clashes between fans broke out in Berlin.

Sachs also appealed to the football fans themselves: "We expect the fans to react in a certain way, namely to isolate potential violent people."

SHOTLIST

1. Tilt of painting on wall featuring members of Brazilian football team

2. Brandenburg gate, with massive football sculpture in foreground

3. Brazilian fans holding a banner

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Brazilian fans, voxpops (No names given):

Woman (not in shot): "It is just formality..."

Man: "To do, to play it, but we will win today."

Woman: "But it is nice to play against them because they really want to win so it will be a nice match to see."

5. Two Brazilian fans and one Croatian fan walking away together, pan to massive Brandenburg gate football

6. Various of Croatian fans singing

7. Various of Brazilian fans singing

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Croatian fans, voxpops (No names given):

"Last game was nil-nil I think so this is the time to beat them I think."

(Reporter: "You really think you have a chance?")

"Yes we have a chance, this is football, you never know."

9. Various Brazilian fans singing and playing guitar

10. Various of Brazilian supporters playing samba music outside the Kempinski hotel (place where the Brazilian team is staying)

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Croatian fan, voxpop (No name given):

"You can imagine if a nation of four (m) million people like Croatia wins against Brazil. It would be one week of holiday celebration in Croatia."

13. Croatian supporters and Brazilian supporters walking past each other

14. Dog wearing Brazilian shirt

15. Brazilian girls chanting and jumping

STORYLINE

The mood was festive and colourful on Tuesday morning as Brazilian and Croatian fans gathered in the German capital, Berlin, ahead of their teams' World Cup Group F clash later in the day.

Brazil are five-time champions and heavy favourites to win a record sixth world championship.

The Croats, third in the 1998 World Cup in France, have admitted a draw would be called heroic.

The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT), is the first in the tournament to be played at the Olympiastadion.

A big screen has been set up at the Brandenburg gate for those fans not lucky enough to get tickets for the game.

Early on Tuesday morning fans of both teams wrapped in their nations' flags sang and danced in the sun while waiting for the game to start.

A Croatian fan said he thought his team stood a chance against the current champions, whilst Brazilian supporters appeared more certain, almost arrogant, about success.

"This is a formality," said one Brazilian fan.

Brazil's coach, however, has said he expects Group F to be decided only in the final round of games.

Australia, Brazil's next opponent on Sunday, beat Japan 3-1 on Monday in their group opener.

Brazil and Croatia have drawn the only two times they have played, including 1-1 in a friendly last year.

Both sides will be at full strength for Tuesday's match at the Olympiastadion.

Outside the Kempinski hotel where the Brazilian team is staying in central Berlin, around 40 Brazilian supporters were waiting and playing samba rhythms, hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

Keyword-world cup 2006

SHOTLIST:

1. Tilt of painting on wall featuring members of Brazilian football team

2. Brandenburg gate, with massive football sculpture in foreground

3. Brazilian fans holding a banner

4. SOUNDBITE, (English) Brazilian fans:

Woman (not in shot): "It is just formality..."

Man: "To do, to play it, but we will win today"

Woman: "But it is nice to play against them because they really want to win so it will be a nice match to see."

5. Two Brazilian fans and one Croatian fan walking away together, pan to massive Brandenburg gate football

6. Various of Croatian fans singing

7. Various of Brazilian fans singing

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Croatian fans:

"Last game was nil-nil I think so this is the time to beat them I think."

(Reporter: "You really think you have a chance?")

"Yes we have a chance, this is football, you never know."

9. Various Brazilian fans singing and playing guitar

STORYLINE

The mood was festive and colourful on Tuesday morning as Brazilian and Croatian fans gathered in the German capital, Berlin, ahead of their teams' World Cup Group F clash later in the day.

Brazil are five-time champions and heavy favourites to win a record sixth world championship.

The Croats, third in the 1998 World Cup in France, have admitted a draw would be called heroic.

The match, scheduled for 9pm (19:00 GMT), is the first in the tournament to be played at the Olympia stadium.

A big screen has been set up at the Brandenburg gate for those fans not lucky enough to get tickets for the game .

Early on Tuesday morning fans of both teams wrapped in their nations' flags sang and danced in the sun while waiting for the game to start.

A Croatian fan said he thought his team stood a chance against the current champions, whilst Brazilian supporters appeared more optimistic about success.

"This is a formality," said one Brazilian fan.

Brazil's coach has said he expects Group F to be decided only in the final round.

Australia, Brazil's next opponent on Sunday, beat Japan 3-1 on Monday in their debut in the group.

Brazil and Croatia drew the only two times they played, including 1-1 in a friendly last year.

Both sides will be at full strength for Tuesday's match at the Olympiastadion.

Keyword-world cup 2006

STORYLINE:

SNTV take a look at the 2018 World Cup nation Germany, with Joachim Loew's men hoping to overcome injuries and a surprise run of poor as they prepare to defend their World Cup title in Russia.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Germany coasted through World Cup qualifying with 10 wins out of 10 and a European record 43 goals before getting a reality check.

The World Cup holders haven't won any matches since qualifying for Russia.

After drawing friendlies against England, France and Spain, Joachim Loew's team lost 1-0 to Brazil to end a 22-game unbeaten run.

Becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend their World Cup title now looks even trickier for the Germans.

The recent slump in friendly matches could be a blessing in disguise if it eradicates any complacency going into the World Cup.

But if any coach in international football has the experience and nous to successfully guide Germany through this period, it's Loew.

The 58-year-old has overseen steady progress since taking over following the 2006 World Cup, reaching the final of the 2008 European Championship, claiming third place at the 2010 World Cup and reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2012 before finally winning a title in convincing fashion at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

A disappointing semi-final exit to France at Euro 2016 followed, but Loew laid the groundwork for a successful World Cup title defence by winning the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia with a young team of promising talent.

Loew hasn't been afraid to test young prospects, and Germany's strength in depth means one of his hardest tasks is leaving players out of the 23-man squad.

Though injury threatens to make some of those decisions for Loew.

The biggest concern is captain Manuel Neuer's fitness.

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper sustained a repeat of the hairline metatarsal fracture in his left foot while training last September and hasn't played since.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen could well establish himself as the with doubts over Neuer's fitness.

The Barcelona goalkeeper has overcome a shaky start to his international career and helped Germany win the Confederations Cup.

Bayern defender Jerome Boateng faces a race to be fit with a thigh injury sustained in the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid in April.

And Borussia Moenchengladbach captain Lars Stindl has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a left ankle injury playing for his club.

There is also no room in the squad for 2014 World Cup final goalscorer Mario Goetze after an underwhelming season at Borussia Dortmund.

Germany kicks off its title defence near its tournament base in Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium, playing Mexico on 17th June.

The side then faces a long trip south to Sochi for its second game against Sweden on 23rd June 23, before wrapping up their Group F campaign against South Korea in Kazan four days later.

Loew's side will be aiming to top Group F to avoid a likely second-round clash against Brazil.

_Various. FILE - Recent. Belfast, Northern Ireland - 4th October, 2017.1. 00_00 Various of Germany training.2. 00_11 Germany attacker Leroy Sane.3. 00_16 Germany training.4. 00_24 Germany defender Mats Hummels.Berlin, Germany – 15th July, 2014.5. 00_32 Various of Germany players celebrating with the World Cup trophy.6. 00_48 Germany head coach Joachim Loew.7. 00_52 Various of Germany players celebrating.Munich, Germany – 24th April, 2018.8. 01_02 Various of Germany and Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng.Doha, Qatar – 10th January, 2016.9. 01_13 Various of Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Cologne, Germany – 13th November, 2017.10. 01_28 Joachim Loew at training.Leverkusen, Germany - 25th January, 2018.11. 01_37 SOUNDBITE (German)_ Julian Brandt, Germany midfielder_(On Germany's chances at the World Cup)_I think (we have) good chances. If you're going there as the current world champion then you're a favourite anyway, that's for sure. And of course, it is also clear that means you are the hunted. Everybody wants to knock you out. That's why I think we need to be aware that we are one of the favourites._Cologne, Germany – 13th November, 2017.12. 02_11 Various of Germany training13. 02_26 Germany attacker Mario Goetze (centre) - not included in Germany's 2018 World Cup squad selection 14. 02_37 Germany trainingLeverkusen, Germany - 25th January, 2018.15. 02_48 Various of Julian Brandt training with Bayer Leverkusen16. 03_04 SOUNDBITE (German)_ Julian Brandt, Germany midfielder_(On playing in Germany's successful 2017 Confederations Cup win)_(The 2017 Confederations Cup) was actually - when you take out the Olympics Games - the first international men's tournament for me. I will never forget the experience, even if it is considered a relatively small tournament in the media, but nevertheless it was worth the three weeks. And the good thing is if you do something like playing in the Confederations Cup and you end up winning a cup like that, you're hungry to win more._Munich, Germany – 24th April, 2018.17. 03_38 Various of Bayern Munich training.18. 03_50 Bayern Munich and Germany attacker Thomas Mueller.Leverkusen, Germany - 25th January, 2018.19. 03_55 SOUNDBITE (German)_ Julian Brandt, Germany midfielder_(On Germany's squad)_We really do have a huge range of players in Germany I think that makes Germany a little bit unique. We don't have a (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Lionel) Messi, Neymar or someone like that who is a real star player. We have a lot of (big players) but maybe not to the same level as those guys. But we are a collective. I think that's how Germany became world champion in 2014, we won the final 1-0 and I think the way Germany does it, the German national team, the DFB with the young players, that works well._Belfast, Northern Ireland - 4th October, 2017.20. 04_42 Various of Germany training.Leverkusen, Germany - 25th January, 2018.21. 05_12 SOUNDBITE (German)_ Julian Brandt, Germany midfielder_(On head coach Joachim Loew)_(He is) even hungry himself. I think he still wants to stand on the sidelines, to be a part of these games, to lead a team through tournaments. It's not that he lacks desire, he's always full of action just as the players and therefore, as long as he is like that, I believe he deserves his position as coach._Berlin, Germany – 9th November, 2017.22. 05_49 Various of Germany training.23. 06_07 Pan of Germany players to Mesut Ozil.24. 06_17 Germany training.Berlin, Germany – 3rd May, 2018.25. 06_57 Various of Brandenburg gate.26. 07_08 Berlin wall.27. 07_13 People sitting by river.28. 07_18 Various of Musicians playing instruments by the street.29. 07_28 German parliament.30. 07_33 German flag.SOURCE_ SNTV.DURATION_ 07_37_

STORYLINE:

Reaction from Germany head coach Joachim Low and DFB (German Football Association) President Reinhard Grindel after the country was chosen as hosts of Euro 2024 ahead of Turkey at the UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday (27th September).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Germany won the right to host football's 2024 European Championship on Thursday, beating Turkey following a politically charged campaign.

Germany, which hosted the 2006 World Cup, was the long-time favourite and won the UEFA executive committee vote 12-4. There was one abstention.

Three months after FIFA members picked a North American bid over Morocco to host the 2026 World Cup, UEFA also opted for a more proven and profitable option.

Unlike FIFA, UEFA does not publish who the voters picked.

Turkey is now a four-time losing candidate after failed bids to host Euro 2008, 2012 and 2016.

This was the first time UEFA built human rights assessments into the process.

UEFA relies on its signature national-team competition to help fund 55 member federations.

Revenue from the first 24-team Euro, hosted in 2016 by France, was almost 2 billion euros ($2.35 billion).

UEFA  received 850 million euros ($1 billion) in profit.

Germany should have about 400,000 more tickets to sell than the Euro 2016 organisers - they also had 300,000 more seats than Turkey's bid.

The UEFA voters were given confidential revenue projections for each candidate's plan.

Germany plan to use 10 stadiums for the 51-game tournament and play the final in Berlin or Munich.

Turkey proposed its strongest, government-backed bid yet with eight of 10 stadiums already completed and owned by the sports ministry.

Yet it was likely to struggle in the first UEFA hosting vote with a human rights assessment.

The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become increasingly authoritarian and a UEFA report into the candidates published last week noted Turkey's lack of a tournament plan to address human rights.

A currency crisis in Turkey has also seen the lira lose almost half its value against UEFA's working currency, the Euro, in the past year.

Germany will look to recapture the positive feeling of its month-long 2006 World Cup, which became known as the nation's "Summer Fairytale."

A well-liked and underrated national team helped Germans express a fresh pride in their national identity and symbols more than a decade after reunification with East Germany.

Europe's signature competition was hosted in 1988 by West Germany, one year before the Berlin Wall came down.

The election victory on Thursday is a welcome revival for the German football federation and its leader after four months of turmoil.

The federation and fans have had troubled relations with national team players Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan, whose roots are Turkish, before and after a poor showing at the World Cup as defending champions in Russia.

The issue flared after the players posed for photos with Erdogan in London in May - Ozil then became a scapegoat for the team's early World Cup exit.

Bid officials from Turkey quickly left UEFA headquarters and avoided international media.

Their compensation is that the same UEFA voting panel in May decided the 2020 Champions League final will be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

House of European Football, Nyon, Switzerland. 27th September, 2018.

1. 00:00 UEFA headquarters

2. 00:06 UEFA Champions League and European Championship trophies

3. 00:12 UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin arrives for Euro 2024 host country draw

4. 00:17 Germany head coach Joachim Low arrives for Euro 2024 host country draw

5. 00:24 SOUNDBITE (English): Joachim Low, Germany head coach:

(About why Germany's bid to host Euro 2024 was successful)

"Of course, yesterday and today (Wednesday and Thursday), we were really excited for this decision. Now, at the moment, we are very happy because I think we did everything over the last few months and years to get this chance to host this tournament - (Euro) 2024. So we are happy and we will do everything to have a good tournament. We saw in 2006 (World Cup), in Germany, the people were so emotional. All the world came together and it was really a big party. We will do our best to feel the same in six years."

6. 01:12 Germany delegates, including Oliver Bierhoff and Celia Sasic, arrive for Euro 2024 host country draw

7. 01:26 Reinhard Grindel arrives for Euro 2024 host country draw

8. 01:32 SOUNDBITE (English): Reinhard Grindel, DFB President:

(About why Germany's bid to host Euro 2024 was successful)

"I think that we had a very good bid book with a clear concept for the world of football, to share with other FA's (Football Associations) our experience, which we get in the following months and years and to also be the country at the heart of Europe where you can celebrate football without being anxious, where you can live the values of football also for every human being."

9. 02:06 Franz Beckenbauer, Joachim Low and Germany delegates enter Euro 2024 host country draw hall

10. 02:22 SOUNDBITE (English): Joachim Low, Germany head coach:

(About the importance of Germany hosting Euro 2024 and whether he will still be in charge of the national team at that time)

"I think for the whole federation and for our country, it's important. It's the next step in the future, for the future and, of course, it will be a great motivation for our young players, for the youth, for the kids, because they see six years later on that their will be a (home) tournament, so this is a big motivation. For my work, at the moment, nothing will change now because in the next few weeks, we have two important games. We were too disappointed in the summer (at the World Cup), of course, but our way in the last 10 years, was very good. We will continue and we have the confidence and everything. So yeah, we will see. At the moment, I am happy that, in six years, there will be a tournament in our country. But we have to look, for me as a coach, at the next month and the next European Championship (in 2020)."

Q: Can you see yourself there in Euro 2024 leading the team?

"I don't know. As a coach, you can't plan for six years. But I would love to be involved in whatever capacity. But, as a coach, I don't know at the moment."

11. 03:40 European Championship trophy

12. 03:46 SOUNDBITE (German): Reinhard Grindel, DFB President:

"I sense a great trust from my colleagues here in the UEFA ExCo (Executive Committee). We already heard that we won with a clear majority of 12 votes to 4. That shows a trust in the power of our organisation. That shows that our bid had a great appeal. So I must say a big 'thank you' to my colleagues at the DFB (German Football Association) who have been meticulously working on this over a long time. We also must thank the Bundesliga who have made sure their stadiums are in such a good condition. That also contributed to our success today."

13. 04:24 SOUNDBITE (German): Reinhard Grindel, DFB President:

(On the importance of a clean bid after the corruption allegations around the successful German bid for the 2006 World Cup)

"That's always alluded to with the so-called '"Summer Fairytale" (the nickname for Germany 2006). It's a massive compliment for UEFA and shows how good UEFA is set up that that we have received such a big support in the UEFA ExCo with a concept based on facts, sustainability, transparency and good arguments. It's also a victory for our new integrity. That's very important for us at the DFB, that's what I'm responsible for and we have achieved that."

14. 05:08 SOUNDBITE (German): Reinhard Grindel, DFB President:

"I battled, not for me, but for the DFB. For the big goal of being successful in our bid for Euro 2024. After the World Cup it's been the motivation driving our colleagues, members and fans that we have, most importantly, a good perspective. On the one hand to develop a nice story around Euro 2024 but also with the Bundesliga and the DFB to working together to produce a team which is absolutely ready to play a European Championships on home soil. But further than that, it will give a boost to grassroots football, which I am always particularly interested in. So that's why I am really looking forward to the task ahead of us."

15. 05:52 Joachim Low talking to reporters in mixed zone

16. 05:59 SOUNDBITE (German): Joachim Low, Germany head coach:

"This has got nothing to do with my progress or the progress of the team. We must concentrate on what's coming up over the next few weeks. No question that we had a bad World Cup but I think we had a good start at the DFB (winning the 2014 World Cup and 2017 Confederations Cup). Within our ranks over the last few weeks and months there's been a total focus on what this bid means for us. I know that we have done everything we possibly can in the build-up to this to win this tournament and it's a good step forward for the next few years."

17. 06:39 SOUNDBITE (German): Joachim Low, Germany head coach:

(Will he still be the German national team manager in 2024?)

"Everyone who is responsible for this in our organization can now start planning for it. But that doesn't concern me as coach because my position here is totally dependent on the success I have over the next months or at the next tournament. It's difficult as a coach to look so far ahead."

18. 07:01 Joachim Low leaves UEFA headquarters

19. 07:08 Reinhard Grindel leaves UEFA headquarters

20. 07:23 Various of Turkish delegates leaving UEFA headquarters

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 07:34

SHOTLIST:

Berlin

1. Wide of octopus called Ophira crawling along goal wall in aquarium at Berlin's Sea Life aquarium

2. Mid shot of Ophira choosing hole with German flag first

3. Cutaway of photographer

4. Close up of Ophira on hole with German flag

5. Mid shot of Ophira swimming through aquarium

6. Close up of Ophira on German flag PAN to Ophira swimming to hole with Canadian flag

7. SOUNDBITE (German) Sandra Schmalzried, general manager of Berlin Sea Life aquarium:

"Today at 11 o'clock there was the kick-off for the competition on the first Women's soccer World cup match that takes place on Sunday, and our Ophira was here for us today and actually chose Germany as a winner."

8. Wide of octopus Ophira in aquarium

9. SOUNDBITE (German) Sandra Schmalzried, general manager of Berlin Sea Life aquarium:

"Ophira is Hebrew and means 'Gold'. Ophira is our 'golden girl' that hopefully will get the cup for Berlin. She is six months old and comes from France. She has been with us for one month now, she is developing well and is very agile."

10. Close up of Ophira sitting in vase in aquarium

11. Mid shot of Ophira in vase and aquarium decoration with German flag

12. Mid exterior shot of Berlin flags of FIFA Women's Soccer World Cup

13. Wide of Berlin flags of FIFA Women's Soccer World Cup in front of Brandenburg Gate

Oberhausen

14. Wide of octopus called Paul II approaching goal wall in aquarium at Oberhausen's Sea Life aquarium

15. Mid shot of Paul II on hole with German flag

16. Wide of Paul II approaching hole with Canadian flag afterwards

STORYLINE:

Two days ahead of the start of the 2011 Women's Soccer World Cup in Germany, octopi across Germany strove for to be recognised as the country's latest psychic cephalopod by predicting the result of the opening match in Berlin on Sunday.

Octopi at eight Sea Life aquaria however were divided in their picks for Sunday's match: Three chose Germany, two took Canada and three made no choice at all.

Octopus Ophira in Berlin and Paul II, the successor of famous octopus oracle Paul in Oberhausen, chose Germany to be the winner.

Konstanz Sea Life Aquarium's octopus Paula though went out on one of her eight limbs and chose underdog Canada to beat Germany in the opening match of the Women's World Cup.

She shot quickly into a tube marked with Canada's flag to grab a morsel of food in an event broadcast live on national television.

All are trying to become successor to the revered Paul, who passed away in October at Sea Life's Oberhausen aquarium.

Paul gained fame by predicting eight matches correctly at last year's World Cup, including Germany's run to the semifinal and Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the final.

The octopus with the most correct choices at the end of the nearly month-long tournament will be anointed the next "official" oracle.

wacky animals

SHOTLIST:

Berlin, Germany, 2 May 2006

1. Wide of Berlin stadium

2. Police car in front of stadium

3. Police officer in front of police vehicle

4. Various of fans arriving for match of Berlin football club "Hertha BSC Berlin"

Duesseldorf, 5 May 2006

5. Michael Endler, Head of the German police unit in charge of hooliganism ZIS (Zentrale Informationsstelle Sporteins?tze/Central Sports Intelligence Unit), at desk

6. Office wall with German national team shirt with autographs

7. SOUNDBITE: (German) Michael Endler, Head of the D?sseldorf-based ZIS

"We wouldn''t intensively prepare for four years if we didn''t expect these kind of soccer fans and hooligans to come to Germany despite all security measures. But following information provided by Poland, England and other states known for hooliganism, our expectations can''t be compared at all with what is discussed by the public at the moment. Our level (of expectation) is considerably lower."

9. Cutaway of pennant of Israeli police

10. SOUNDBITE (German) Michael Endler, head of the D?sseldorf-based ZIS

"For the area covered by the ZIS for the state, we will ask for about 170 colleagues from abroad to be deployed in the different matches with German colleagues. Federal police will also need personnel for their tasks, which will be about 320."

Berlin, 1 May 2006

11. Various of police headquarters

Berlin, 5 May 2006

12. SOUNDBITE (Polish) Tadeuz Pawlaczyk, Police Commandant, Poland:

"Of course we can''t prevent brawls or clashes, but with the cooperation of the German police we hope that these cases can be limited to a minimum."

13. Cutaway of Pawlaczyk talking

14. SOUNDBITE (Polish) Tadeuz Pawlaczyk, Police Commandant, Poland:

"We have information about people with a stadium ban and we will make sure that these people will cause no trouble here."

Berlin, Germany, 2 May 2006

15. Police officers in front of stadium

16. Wide of fans and police in front of Berlin stadium

STORYLINE:

Word Cup hosts Germany are concerned that countries with a reputation for violence, including Eastern Europe will arrive en masse in just a few weeks time.

Polish, Croatian and Ukrainian fans, contributing to growing violence in their home leagues, are especially feared because German police find it difficult to tell the genuine supporter from the hooligan, owing to a lack of intelligence.

Whereas the British and Dutch have exchanged thick dossiers on troublemakers for years.

The German media have also criticised a series of errors in various disaster response exercises for the World Cup, although Deputy Interior Minister August Hanning said the point of training was to expose possible mistakes.

But German police are wary.

Michael Endler, head of the D?sseldorf-based ZIS, the police department that handles hooligans, told APTN: "We wouldn''t intensively prepare for four years if we didn''t expect these kind of soccer fans and hooligans to come to Germany despite all security measures. But following information provided by Poland, England and other states known for hooliganism, our expectations can''t be compared at all with what is discussed by the public at the moment. Our level (of expectation) is considerably lower."

However German strategy to combat fan violence and terrorism drew high marks at a two-day security conference of experts from the 32 countries playing in soccer''s showcase event from June 9-July 9.

Tadeuz Pawlaczyk, a Polish police commandant, thinks the German police can handle the situation, because there is good European cooperation.

"Of course we can''t prevent brawls or clashes, but with the cooperation of the German police we hope that these cases can be limited to a minimum," Pawlaczyk said.

The exact number of German police involved is unknown because the nine federal states with World Cup stadia coordinate their own security.

About 2,000 soldiers will provide support, but are forbidden from taking on police roles under the country''s constitution.

Concerned about the jumbo screen venues, the Interior Ministry wants each state to set up video surveillance, check backpacks and fence the areas like a sports arena.

Germany will also reinstate border controls for spot checks after they were dismantled for the European Union.

About 400 police and security officers from other World Cup nations will help German officers patrol stadiums, airports and train stations. England will send 45 uniformed officers abroad for the first time.

Keyword-world cup 2006

SHOTLIST:

1. Pan of the Stuttgart "Fan Fest" with Spanish and Tunisian fans watching the football match on the big screen

2. Various of Tunisian and Spanish supporters with flags

3. Zoom in to Tunisian supporters cheering as Tunisia scores first goal

4. Various of Tunisian supporters

5. Fans standing in rain

6. Various of Spanish supporters

7. Various of Spanish supporters cheering as Spain scores penalty

8. Various of Spanish supporters cheering as Spain scores goal

9. Tunisian supporter crying

10. Various of Tunisian supporters

11. SOUNDBITE (French): Vox Pop: Tunisian supporter:

"The problem was that he (Tunisian coach Roger Lemerre) changed some players and put up a defensive wall. It was a tactical error, but there we go. We played well enough but we lost. The Spanish were stronger than us."

12. Spanish supporters celebrating

13. SOUNDBITE (Spanish/German): Jose and Miguel, Spanish supporters:

"(Spanish) We have won, we have won. 3-1, we are the best that there is. (German) Berlin, Berlin, we're going to Berlin."

14. People dancing to Spanish music

STORYLINE:

Thousands of Spanish and Tunisian fans gathered in front of a big screen in downtown Stuttgart on Monday evening to watch the World Cup Group H clash between the two teams.

Tunisian supporters roared and celebrated first as Jawhar Menari scored a goal in the eighth minute.

But Spanish substitute Raul Gonzalez and attacking partner Fernando Torres eventually scored within six minutes of each other to help Spain rally to a 3-1 win over Tunisia in Group H.

Raul scored in the 71st minute and Torres poked in the second in the 77th after being set up by substitute Cesc Fabregas.

Torres added a third goal from penalty spot in the 90th after he got pulled down by a defender.

"We played well enough but we lost," said one Tunisian supporter. "The Spanish were stronger than us."

Spain is emerging as a serious candidate to win the World Cup, and the result put the team in the second round and extended its unbeaten streak

under coach Luis Aragones to 24 games.

"Berlin, Berlin, we're going to Berlin," cheered a Spanish supporter in German.

Tunisia must beat Ukraine in its last match to have a chance to advance.

Spain has opened the World Cup with two wins twice before, but never with such a good goal margin.

Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre will have to restore morale to his squad to have any chance of beating Ukraine, which rebounded from its opening debacle to beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 earlier Monday.

Keyword-world cup 2006

English/Nat

Croatia produced the biggest upset of this World Cup on Saturday when it ousted three-time champions Germany to reach the semifinal.

Germany were favourites to win the match, but after having had a player sent off, they were overrun by the Croatian side and eventually beaten 3-0.

As Croatian fans celebrated at their victory in their first appearance at the World Cup the Germans were distraught at the defeat.

Croatia's 3-0 victory over Germany on Saturday produced one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup.

Croatia, which became a nation just seven years ago after breaking away from Yugoslavia, is the first team since Portugal in 1966 to advance to the semifinals in its first World Cup.

Aided by the 40th minute expulsion of German defender Christian Woerns the Croats took full advantage with a goal in first half injury time from Robert Jarni.

Second half goals from Goran Vlaovic and Davor Suker ensured that it was Croatia who went through to the semifinals where they will now meet the hosts France....a game their supporters are looking forward to.

Meanwhile the Germans around the country drowned their sorrows in bars around the country, while Croatian fans ignored the rain and partied in the street.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"France is next. France is out"

SUPER CAPTION: Croatian Fan

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"I was very pity for Deutschland, you know. I thought they could

play some football but today it was comic....."

SUPER CAPTION: Croatian Fan

Many of the veteran German team were playing in their last international tournament.

But now their retirements have come earlier than they hoped.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"It's a shame...really it's a pity. I'm very disappointed, but yeah it's just a game. We'll win next time."

SUPER CAPTION: German Fan

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"We are very happy and we didn't expect this I think this is for one

life enough. Thanks"

SUPER CAPTION: Croatian Fan

The Croatian fans in Lyon celebrated long into the night while back in Zagreb it was reported that the country hadn't witnessed such a huge celebration since it proclaimed independence from former Yugoslavia in 1991.

In Germany it was a different story for the country's fans who couldn't believe their team's inability to reach the later stages of the competition.

They dowsed their sorrows in the bars of Berlin, oscillating between hope and despair for their team, who are all veterans of the national game.

In Frankfurt German fans burned their country's flag in disgust the Croatian fans caused a roadblock with their celebrations in the street.

Croatia now look forward to the semifinals with France.

Lyon, France, Frankfurt, Berlin, Germany, 4 July

1. Two Croatian fans with Croatian flag

2. Croatian Fans chanting, "Deutschland, Auf Wiedersehn.."

3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Croatian Fan

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Croatian Fan

5. Croatian Fans chanting, "Deutschland, Auf Wiedersehn.."

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Girl German fan

7. SOUNDBITE : (English) Croatian Fan

8. Various Chanting Croatian fans

Berlin, July 4

9. Television in Bar, German-Croatia football match

10. German fans booing at television

11. Barman pouring beer

12. Fans watching TV screen on wall

13. Fans talking at bar

14. German fans cheering, then groaning at television (out-of-shot)

15. Large screen television, pan to fans

16. Various concerned German fans

17. Television showing end of match

18. Various very happy Croatian fans in street with cars, flags and flares

19. Various Singing Croatians

Frankfurt, July 4

20. German fans burning their own flag.

Berlin, July 4

21. Traffic jam caused by Croatian fans

German/Nat

Germany's 3-0 defeat by Croatia in the World Cup Quarter-finals on Saturday, sent shockwaves of despair through the bars and bierkellers of Berlin.

The German side were favourites to win the match, but after having a player sent off, they quickly conceded three goals to the Croatian side.

German fans drowned their sorrows inside the bars, but outside Croatians ignored the rain and partied in the streets.

The world cup quarter-final started well for German fans, enjoying the universal experience of cheering on their national side.

But the hopes of winning a fourth world title faded, as they were left with 10 men when its best defender Christian Woerns was sent off.

Germany's game collapsed against a team playing in its first World Cup finals.

German fans looked on despairingly as Croatia struck in three goals to win the match.

Outside, in the wet Berlin streets, Croatian fans celebrated their victory.

Traffic was stopped, flares lit and Croatian flags brandished in a display of national pride and mild disbelief.

In Frankfurt, German fans burnt their own flag in shame, as they mourned their country's dismal performance.

Berlin / Frankfurt, July 4 1998

1. Television in Bar, German-Croatia football match

2. German fans booing at television

3. Barman pouring beer

4. Fans watching video wall

5. Fans talking at bar

6. German fans cheering, then groaning at television (out-of-shot)

7. Large screen television, pan to fans

8. Various concerned German fans

9. Television showing end of match

10. Distraught German fans

11. Various very happy Croatian fans in street with cars, flags and flares

12. Various Singing Croatians

13. Traffic jam caused by Croatian fans

Frankfurt, July 4

14. German fans burning their own flag.

SHOTLIST:

Buehl, Baden Baden, Germany

1. Wide of forest, pan to Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe (castle hotel Buehlerhoehe)

2. Terrace of Buehlerhoehe

3. Mid-shot of front desk

4. Tilt down circular entrance hall

5. Bed in one of the hotel rooms where England players will stay

6. Picture on the wall

7. Pan over presidential suite which is still being renovated

8. Close-up of tools for refurbishment

9. Wide of spa

10. Pool in spa

11. General manager of hotel, Michael Caspar, at reception

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Caspar, General Manager Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe

"The teams looked at a lot of properties and it is my understanding that once Sven-Goran Eriksson showed up here, he made up his mind. I mean that was a spontaneous decision. This is it, that''s where we want to be."

13. Wide of hotel bar

14. Bottles in hotel bar

15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael Caspar, General Manager Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe

"There will be police, there will be a security company and they will be totally by themselves. I don''t know of any other hotel where you can do just that - be like in your own little world and focus on the tournament."

16. Restaurant with view

17. Wide of view from hotel

Baden Baden, Germany

18. Fans and journalists standing in front of tourist bus

19. Wide of villa in Baden Baden, pan to fans listening to tourist guide

20. Close-up of fans listening

21. Close-up of shoe with England emblem

22. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dan Turner, England fan

"The place is magnificent. Good buildings and architecture. Nice gardens as well, here."

23. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gordon Newell, England fan

"I knew a few words already. So, yeah. I think that the beauty of the language of football is that it transcends all, doesn''t it, whether its German, English, Spanish, French, whatever."

Buehl, Baden Baden

24. Fans arriving at Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe, where they were to have dinner and spent the night.

STORYLINE:

The German state ministry of Baden-Wuerttemberg invited 12 England football fans and journalists to the city of Baden-Baden, Germany on Friday in an initiative to familiarise them with the England team''s hosts for the 2006 Football World Cup.

The 12 guests toured the city of Baden Baden, then went on to inspect the English team''s accommodation, a five-star castle known as Hotel Buehlerhoehe (Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe).

The hotel - in the northern part of the Black Forest, 15 kilometres from Baden Baden in southwest Germany - is situated 800 metres up on a high rock, overlooking the Rhine Valley

The England squad will be based there until the semi-finals when they will relocate to Berlin - assuming they are still involved.

England have exclusive use of the 90-room hotel during their stay and security measures will be stringent.

"There will be police, there will be a security company and they will be totally by themselves. I don''t know of any other hotel where you can do just that - be like in your own little world and focus on the tournament," said the hotels manager Michael Caspar.

He said the decision for the team to stay there was an easy one.

"The teams looked at a lot of properties and it is my understanding that once Sven-Goran Eriksson showed up here, he made up his mind. I mean that was a spontaneous decision. This is it, that''s where we want to be," said Caspar.

The twelve fans got a peak at the hotels new colour scheme, the interior is being repainted in "champagne" colour.

New king size beds have been ordered at the request of the Football Association.

There is also a Michelin-starred restaurant, a pool with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spa and a �1,500-a- night (equivalent to Euro2161 or 2613 US dollars) presidential suite.

The most striking feature inside is the classical rotunda, a circular entrance hall.

The hotel, which was built in 1914 as a rest home for injured Prussian officers, was previously owned by technology magnate Max Grundig.

The English fans were impressed with the city of Baden Baden

"The place is magnificent. Good buildings and architecture. Nice gardens as well, here," remarked Dan Turner.

Gordon Newell another dedicated England fan, was confident that the language barrier would not present a problem during the forthcoming tournament.

"I knew a few words already. So, yeah. I think that the beauty of the language of football is that it transcends all, doesn''t it, whether its German, English, Spanish, French, whatever."