Leipzig

The Games

Tue 13 June (2000): Brazil v Croatia (Gp F)

Thu 15 June (2000): Sweden v Paraguay (Gp B)

Tue 20 June (1500): Ecuador v Germany (Gp A)

Fri 23 June (1500): Ukraine v Tunisia (Gp H)

Fri 30 June (1600): Quarter-final

With a population of about 1.000.000, Leipzig is the largest city in the satae of saxonia. Goethe called it little Paris, today it is knnown for its long tradition hosting trade shows and expos. In recent years Leipzig has become a major new center of the german automotive industry. It is also the 'birthplace' of the German Soccer Associatian DFB.

What's the vibe? Communist meets classical in this vibrant city, home at one time to Bach, and the Stasi, the notorious East German secret police. Opera houses and concert halls abound and the Zeitgeschichtliches museum catalogues the Soviet occupation with quirky exhibits like an 007-style spy camera disguised as a cigarette packet.

Catch the match: If you want to look cool while watching Beckham et al, head for Barfussgasschen, the city's nightlife strip. The vast socialist-era Augustusplatz will show matches on a big screen to crowds of up to 20,000.

Miss the match: Take a walking tour of the historic centre or head to Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum (Kleine Fleischergasse 4) - a Yemeni-style coffee house. It was built in 1694 when Leipzig was a stop-off on the Arabia-Europe coffee trade route. Past customers include Bach, Wagner and Schumann. British visitors tend to head out of town to pay homage to nearby Colditz with its imposing fortress. Buses run regularly from the centre of Leipzig.

Halftime snacks: The local speciality of Strammer Max is not for the faint-hearted - raw steak and a raw egg anyone? Neither is Pfefferminz, a potent local liquor. Try schmandbrot - a hot roll filled with ham and cheese, and Leipziger Gose, the local beer.