World Cup starters agree accommodation deals

Seven out of the 27 nations that have qualified for the FIFA 2006 World Cup have already booked accommodation in Germany. National coach Jürgen Klinsmann has decided that the host’s team is to take up quarters in Berlin and South American giants Argentina opted for Herzogenaurach, a small town close to Nuremberg, which is home to sports manufacturers Adidas, and Puma. The United States will be based in Hamburg; Sweden chose Bremen and Japan and Portugal opted to stay in Germany’s former capital, Bonn. The Netherlands and Iran seem to prefer quieter surroundings, Marco Van Basten’s side plumping for Hinterzarten, a small village in the Black Forest and Iran selecting to stay in Friedrichshafen at Lake Constance. According to the World Cup organizing committee, the remaining participants are expected to make their choice before the end of the year.