Was it just chance that in the 2006 FIFA world cup that the host nation, Germany, played the first game, or do in all Wolrd Cups do the host nations play in the first game?
2006-12-25 11:46:18 · 13 answers · asked by Brian 4 in Sports ➔ Football ➔ Other - Football
the host country play the first game
2006-12-25 12:35:59 · answer #1 · answered by micho 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In all previous World Cups the defending champions have always played in the first game. However, because FIFA decided that the defending champions no longer qualify automatically for the next tournament (meaning that there's a chance that the champions do not qualify for the next tournament), FIFA decided that from 2006 onwards, the hosts will play in the first game, since the hosts are the only ones with automatic qualification.
As for Euro 2008, I think when Holland and Belgium hosted in 2000, Belgium played in the first game. So I suppose Austria and Switzerland have to decide between themselves who wants to play first.
2006-12-26 06:15:47 · answer #2 · answered by BeN 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
starting from 2006,the hosting country will play the first game ..before that like from world cup 1930-2002 the winner of the previous world cup play the first game not the hosting country..thats the right answer :)
2006-12-26 01:58:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not always in world cup 2002 france and sengal host the game and it was in korea and japan. yes sometimes the host of the world cup plays the opening game.
2006-12-25 23:19:03 · answer #4 · answered by Nicolas P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In World Cup and in continental cups it is always the host nation who plays the opening game.
I don't know for sure who it will be at the Euro 2008, organised jointly by Austria and Switzerland, but the opening game will be in Switzerland (Basel) and the final in Austria (Vienna). So I think the Swiss will play the opening game.
2006-12-25 19:59:48 · answer #5 · answered by corleone 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
usually the defending champions of the FIFA World Cup will begin the tournament, playing the first match, just like in 2002 when FRANCE v SENEGAL in Seoul, Korea Republic, BRAZIL v SCOTLAND in Saint-Denis, France in 1998 & GERMANY v BOLIVIA in Chicago, United States in 1994.
2006-12-26 08:47:08 · answer #6 · answered by foongwk140804 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In previous games the ex-champion played the first game.
2002 France
1998 Brazil ...
2006-12-29 19:01:45 · answer #7 · answered by archeraarash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember in 2002 and before it was the holders that played the first game i think. In 2002 the first game was France v Senegal
2006-12-25 20:29:08 · answer #8 · answered by novadeath69 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not Always, In 90 Argentia played Cameroon for the opening match.
2006-12-25 22:17:52 · answer #9 · answered by Carlos D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not neccessary....but host is always placed in group A...
hence there is more chance of host nation playing first match...
2006-12-25 23:26:27 · answer #10 · answered by junaid375 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋