[2006 World Cup]Day 20: Stars bowled over by FIFA World Cup atmosphere

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(Free-Press-Release.com) July 1, 2006 -- African hopefuls Togo are understandably dismayed at returning home with a FIFA World Cup record of three defeats in three matches. Emmanuel Adebayor had hoped for a better result on the pitch, but the Arsenal ace will still cherish fond memories of the tournament.
�It�s been a fantastic World Cup, played in a fantastic atmosphere,� Adebayor declared following Togo�s final group match against France on 23 June in Cologne.

Cote d� Ivoire stopper Guy Demel reckoned the atmosphere in Germany has been �unbelievable�. The Hamburg regular, who also missed out on the Round of 16 with the Elephants, reported that �all of us have felt totally welcome and at home here in Germany.�




USA skipper Claudio Reyna, announcing his international retirement following his team�s early exit from the finals, said he was equally affected by the mood of euphoria which has swept Germany since the tournament began on 9 June: �It�s one enormous party. The organisation has been perfect, and so is the atmosphere.�

For Reyna, who also made the squad for the 1994, 1998 and 2002 finals, �the 2006 World Cup has to rate as one of the best ever. The fans in Germany have been simply unbelievable. There�s been a huge party here every day throughout the World Cup. The tournament has been a whole lot of fun.�

Sell-out crowds at the stadiums and a cumulative attendance of eleven million at the Fan Fests have contributed to a unique World Cup atmosphere, something which has not escaped the attention of Brazil midfield schemer Kak�. �I like the atmosphere in Germany a lot. I�ve been trying to get out and about on my free days and share the experience of the tournament with all the people. There�s a really wonderful mood on the streets. What I really like is the sheer number of flags,� the Selecao playmaker declared.

Source: http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

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