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There are now less than 1000 hours (41 days) before the World Cup Finals 2006 Germany kick-off, this time with Germany hosting the 'Greatest Show On Earth'.

The showpiece soccer tournament kicks-off on June 9, with the hosts Germany facing Costa Rica at 18.00 (local time) in the first match of the Finals.

The tournament runs for a month and features 32 teams from around the world, playing in a total of 64 matches, in 12 different stadiums.

Brazil are the favourites to retain their crown, but there will be no shortage of teams hoping to feature in the World Cup Final, to be played on July 9 at the Olymiastadion in Berlin.

Worldcuplatest.com will be bringing you all the latest news, teamsheets and features in the run-up to and during the World Cup Finals, following all 32 teams taking part in the 'Greatest Show On Earth'.

We have loads of new features on the site, with player profiles, team profiles and video footage of your favourite teams, as well as the latest, totally original World Cup news.

There are also almost 100 international friendlies to be played in the run-up to the Finals and we will be bringing you unrivalled coverage of all the friendly fixtures including the World Cup teams.

There are more features to come and we hope you will join us in the exciting build-up to the ‘Greatest Show on Earth!’