Kolsch whets the whistle
- 19 Jun 06, 10:46 AM
COLOGNE - If there was an international football party circuit, Cologne would be on it. With its famous , , and an eclectic stumble of fans, it has buzzed with good-natured banter all weekend.
Every time you turn the corner of a beerhaus-lined street in the old town it’s to find more and more of the latest guests are England fans – and they hope they will behave.
They feel the travelling support could be on the verge of establishing a better reputation in Europe after the mostly peaceful visits to Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
The test continues over the next couple of days.
So many England fans are due in town that Cologne has set up an extra big screen Fan Fest on the opposite side of the river to cope with the tens of thousands expected to watch the match.
The man in charge of British bobbies on the ground, says the level of trouble so far is no different to a Saturday night in town in the UK.
And that’s probably fair - the only difference here is the endless singing and chanting.
Comments Post your comment
The train station is brimming with England fans today, but none of them seem to be moving.
I think whilst it´s raining it´s quite difficult for many to go searching for elusive hotel rooms.
The Bobbies are in the station as well as the German people and the volunteers from the Fan Embassy.
Things are really starting to build up now and it should be a real party over the next couple of days.
I´ve put some of the information from the Free Lions handout on my Alone in Cologne blog that you guys have a link to on the right hand column!
Complain about this post
I was in Cologne for the start of the World Cup,as Harry and I had tickets for Angola v Portugal.
It certainly is an excellent place for a meeting of nations and mega fusball party.
Glad to hear they are creating a larger fanzone on the other bank.We tried to get in the one at Heumakt for the opening game - no chance.
Given the lack of space on Heumakt and the reduction in space on the adjoining Altermakt due to the presence of plant and machinery whick looks pretty permanent,I feared the worst given the number of english and swedes due to hit town.
Top tip to get away from the throng is to hit Friesenstrasse.Only a 15 min walk from the Dom and full of bars and eateries - including the
oirish Jamesons Bar,if you want commentary in english.
Overall a top venue,just hope it's not spoilt by the behaviour of a few numpties.
Mark.B.
Complain about this post
Hey
I'm stuck in Japan tomorrow, but no worries (yes my girlfriend is an aussie), i have my 2 pound english flag and my 3 pound beer cooler, 5 nil no sweat!!!!
Beckhan with a hat trick!
Sorry Owen home time for you, bring back the hopeless but loveable robotic, as the japanese would say, crouchy!
Complain about this post
Hey
I'm stuck in Japan tomorrow, but no worries (yes my girlfriend is an aussie), i have my 2 pound english flag and my 3 pound beer cooler, 5 nil no sweat!!!!
Beckhan with a hat trick!
Sorry Owen home time for you, bring back the hopeless but loveable robotic, as the japanese would say, crouchy!
Complain about this post
Hey
I'm stuck in Japan tomorrow, but no worries (yes my girlfriend is an aussie), i have my 2 pound english flag and my 3 pound beer cooler, 5 nil no sweat!!!!
Beckhan with a hat trick!
Sorry Owen home time for you, bring back the hopeless but loveable robotic, as the japanese would say, crouchy!
Complain about this post
As far as I know the new public viewing area also provides english commentary. So the sports bar is not your only choice.
Complain about this post
I believe BFBS - British Forces Broadcasting Service can still be received in Koeln on 97.8 FM. The have a Football programme 'The Score' but not sure if it will extend to commentary.
Complain about this post