The Swede visited the stadiums in Frankfurt and in M?nchen, venue for the Opening Match on 9 June 2006, before rounding off his tour at the Olympic stadium in Berlin which he described as "a masterpiece". The German capital's historic but totally reconstructed arena will stage the 18th FIFA World Cup Final on 9 July 2006. Commented Johansson: "This stadium is a successful blend of traditional and modern elements. The stadium has been modernised brick by brick, a quite extraordinary achievement. We all have an ongoing duty to preserve our heritage."

The previous day, Johansson was visibly impressed by the progress in constructing the new stadiums in Frankfurt and M?nchen. "The Frankfurt Waldstadion will be a real gem," the senior FIFA official declared as he surveyed the new 160 million Euro arena. The stadium will be officially inaugurated with the Opening Match of the FIFA Confederations Cup between Germany and Australia on 15 June 2005 before a comprehensive dress rehearsal for the 2006 finals comprising three further matches, including the Final on 29 June 2005.

Johansson was similarly unstinting in his praise after a tour of the stadium in M?nchen. "I'm really very impressed, and I can hardly wait to see how the fantastic interplay of colours comes across," he commented, also declaring himself entirely satisfied with a visit to the Trade Fair grounds in the city, location for both the FIFA Congress and the International Media Centre in 2006.

"I know the media will enjoy the best possible working conditions here, and I'm already looking forward to our FIFA Congress in M?nchen," Johansson remarked.

by OC 2006 FIFA World Cup