Sunday, Jun. 25, 2006

The Cup's Rough Edges

The fine-tuned organization of Germany's World Cup has produced a marvellously choreographed event, and a gratifying sports spectacle. But as in any show, the performers get back-stage glimpses at rough edges and oddities carefully hidden away from the watching crowd. Officials travelling with participating teams have offered Time a few.

Fully revamped and modernized, Berlin's Olympic stadium was initially built for the 1936 Games in what Hitler expected to be a showcase of Germany's athletic and racial superiority. Despite its dark origins, the stadium is considered a historical landmark — meaning architects had to work around 70 year old design in bringing up to 21st century standards. It didn't always quite work. "Just after the tunnel leading to the field, there is this huge stair cases that has at least 80, pretty steep steps," says an official with one leading team. "That's not something players are thrilled about attacking before a game — but afterwards! You actually see players so tired that they going back down that thing as long as possible!"

Berlin isn't the only stadium with curious infrastructure. In Frankfurt, the tunnel from the underground locker rooms exits the field by a trap door opening from the ground in the area just behind the team benches. "During the games, it's forbidden to open the stupid thing, so if a player or staffer needs to get to the locker room they have to exits at the corner of the field and take the long route," the official says. Though teams aren't too big on the trap door set up, they have made suggestions for putting it to good use. "They say the fourth referee should have to sit on it during the game. If he doesn't correct the mistakes his colleague makes on the pitch — ping! — you spring the trap door and send him flying."

And this being Germany, absolutely everyone involved has to be duly accredited and sporting ID. Even four-footed staff. When entering empty stadiums for training sessions, teams have notice security patrols sweeping the area for explosive with sniffer dogs — a personalized accreditation hanging from each and every fury neck.