Hanover

The Games

Mon 12 June (2000): Italy v Ghana (Gp E)

Fri 16 June (2000): Mexico v Angola (Gp D)

Tue 20 June (1500): Costa Rica v Poland (Gp A)

Fri 23 June (2000): Switzerland v South Korea (Gp G)

Tue 27 June (2000): 2nd round (1st Gp H v 2nd Gp G)

Hannover is the capital of the state of 'Niedersachsen' and home to about 520.000 inhabitants. It has a reputation for being a rather boring place, but among its attraction are the annual industrial convention, the world famous computer expo CeBIT and the EXPO 2000, as welll as its opera house and theaters.

What's the vibe? History and old velvet caps. Founded in medieval times on the banks of the river Leine, the city was badly damaged in the Second World War. Its claim to fame is being home of the Hanoverian royal family: from George I to Queen Victoria, they ruled Britain for 177 years.

Catch the match: Waterlooplatz will have screens and is in a lovely area, next to the stadium and the Maschsee, the lake known as the Òblue eyeÓ.

Miss the match: If you've taken the kids out of school, Hamelin (a 45-minute train ride away) is a must. Every summer, the town stages a play of the Pied Piper tale in the picturesque town square.

Halftime snacks: Try the Pfannkuchenhaus (Calenberger Strasse), where pancakes are baked over an open fire and served with solid maple syrup.