European Champions are a must for the World Cup

The President of the 2006 Organising Committee, Franz Beckenbauer, sent the following letter to the HFF President, Vassilis Gagatsis, on the occasion of Greece΄s participation in the Confederations Cup: «I would have liked to have said a personal farewell to your team before it departed from Germany. Unfortunately, there was no time. This is why I would like to take this opportunity to thank you from my heart for Greece΄s participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2005. It was great to have you here with us in Germany. In the name of the entire Organising Committee I would also like to thank the many Greek fans that really added to the tournament with their tireless enthusiasm and their peaceful enjoyment of the matches. They created a fantastic atmosphere in the stadiums and helped to arouse our anticipation of the World Cup next summer. When I visited the quarters of the Greek team, I was reassured that the team were very satisfied with accommodation and organisational issues. I hope that this impression lasted throughout the tournament. Please be so kind as to inform me of any suggestions for improvements you may have. I would like to wish Greece good luck and all the best for the remaining qualifying matches for the World Cup next year. It has to be said, the European Champions are a must for the World Cup. I therefore would be delighted if my tie, which I gave Otto Rehhagel as a welcoming present, brought the Greek team enough luck for them to return in summer 2006 to join us at the final competition of the 2006 World Cup.»