Reggae bubbles
West Ham have offered Upton Park ground for the staging of a friendly match between Trinidad and Tobago and Scotland in preparation for the World Cup finals in Germany. The Caribbean islands, which feature several English-based players in their side, plan to establish a training camp in Britain next spring.
More nostalgia
Having already decided on a predominantly black ‘away’ strip modelled on the shirts and shorts worn during Portugal’s first-ever international against Spain, the PFA has now opted for the 1966 look in spearheading its Germany 2006 challenge. Strong red and green colours sporting numbers similar in design to those used during the country’s most successful campaign in England 40 years ago, will be supplied by Nike, who will also dress the Brazilian, Dutch and Mexican selection.
Clear view
Portuguese mainstream TV channel, SIC, has won the right to air all of the national teams matches between June 9 and July 9. The decision means that the cable station Sport TV will have to give up its claims to quarter, semi and final coverage should Portugal reach that stage of the tournament. RTP1 has already negotiated an exclusive package for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Opening extravaganza
Fifa general secretary Urs Linsi has said that next year’s opening ceremony will be the grandest yet. So far Peter Gabriel, Jessye Norman and the Black Eyed Peas have been booked for the gala event, tickets are priced between 100 and 750 euros.
Commercial madness
German pay-per-view channel Premiere, the only broadcaster to have acquired the rights to transmit all 64 World Cup games live, has announced that each 30-second advertising slot will cost 33,000 euros during the competition.
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