Speeches
Federal President Horst Köhler's address at the opening ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Dear football fans at home and abroad, finally the tournament can begin! We are looking forward to four weeks of football, football and more football. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the players and guests from all over the world who have come to Germany.
Willkommen in Deutschland! Welcome to Germany! Bienvenue en Allemagne! Bienvenidos en Alemania! A time to make friends! Munich and Germany would also like to welcome all the fans watching at home. I would like to thank FIFA for placing their trust in Germany. I would also like to thank everybody who has helped in preparing for this World Cup, including all the volunteers. And, I would especially like to thank you - our dear friend Franz Beckenbauer! We look forward to seeing exciting games, lots of goals and fair play. May football bring nations closer together. I hereby declare the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany open.
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