Gelsenkirchen

The Games

Fri 9 June (2000): Poland v Ecuador (Gp A)

Mon 12 June (1700): USA v Czech Republic (Gp E)

Fri 16 June (1400): Argentina v Serbia & Montenegro (Gp C)

Wed 21 June (1500): Portugal v Mexico (Gp D)

Sat 1 July (1600): Quarter-final

Called 'City of a thousand fires' Gelsenkirchen has long been a center of the German coal and seel industry. Today high unemployment rates plague the region. The home team is Schalke 04. Aside from the 'Arena auf Schalke' the city boast architectural highlight such as 'Schloss Horst'.

What's the vibe? Slag-heap chic. It's Europe's centre for manufacturing ice-cream cones and wafers. Take away the history of its football club, the mighty Schalke 04, and this place would never have made it as a World Cup host city.

Catch the match: Schalke 04's original stadium, the Gluckauf Kampfbahn, will hold 20,000. Reminiscent of the venue for the match in Escape to Victory, its atmosphere sums up why people cram in to watch football every week in this town.

Miss the match: Good luck. The main tourist attraction is the slag heap. There's a good view from the top and a great pub halfway up. There's always Europe's largest shopping mall to take refuge in.

Halftime snacks: Be prepared to end up at an Irish pub. The Oisin Kelly Gallery serves some regional beers.