Cologne

The Games

Sun 11 June (2000): Angola v Portugal (Gp D)

Sat 17 June (2000): Czech Republic v Ghana (Gp E)

Tue 20 June (2000): Sweden v England (Gp B)

Fri 23 June (2000): Togo v France (Gp G)

Mon 26 June (2000): 2nd round (1st Gp G v 2nd Gp H)

What's the vibe? Upmarket elegance. Situated on the Rhine, it's the number one hotspot for a summer river cruise. This is a city of parks and tree-lined avenues, teeming with squares, churches and boutiques. England play Sweden here, so expect skyhigh prices for accommodation. Brazil's squad will be here for the second round - 3,000 of their compatriots live here, and there's a discernible Brazilian vibe.

Catch the match: Go to Cafe do Brazil on Wolf Strasse, just off the city centre, where owner Jose Datavo will fix you up with excellent caipirinhas.

Miss the match: Don't miss the cathedral. And the city has over 30 museums, including one devoted to chocolate.

Halftime snacks: Don't be fooled into ordering a halve hahn (Òhalf a cockerelÓ) if you fancy chicken - it's a bread roll stuffed with cheese and mustard. Kolsch is the local beer - a pale, dry, distinctive lager.