Hamburg

The Games

Sat 10 June (2000): Argentina v Ivory Coast (Gp C)

Thu 15 June (1400): Ecuador v Costa Rica (Gp A)

Mon 19 June (1700): Saudi Arabia v Ukraine (Gp H)

Thu 22 June (1500): Czech Republic v Italy (Gp E)

Fri 30 June (2000): Quarter-final

With about 1.7 million inhabitant, Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city. It's Reeperbahn in St. Pauli is world-famous, but Hamburg also has one of the worlds largest ports and is the home of many media companies. Located on the Elbe and Alster rivers, the city hold more bridges tha Venice and Amsterdam combined.

What's the vibe? Distinctly watery. The Elbe and Alster rivers merge at this North Sea port and Lake Alster is slap-bang in the heart of the city. Hamburg is well known for its red light district, the Reeperbahn. The tacky neon lights remain but the brothels are being replaced by trendy restaurants and bars.

Catch the match: Heiligengeistfeld, close to Hamburg's industrial harbour, will screen the matches to 50,000 fans.

Miss the match: The Beatles stayed here in the early Sixties. A walking tour of venues the Fab Four performed in is a good way to pass an afternoon. Otherwise grab a beer on the shores of Lake Alster.

Halftime snacks: Head to the Fischmarkt in St Pauli after a night of clubbing (the market opens at 5am) and pick up some smoked eel and Alsterwasser (beer and lemonade).