Just two days to go until the opening game of the 2006 soccer world cup and all Berlin ist getting ready for spectators and tourists flooding in. You’ll see broadcast screens popping up in all different locations, being it the pub next door or – as Adidas did it – building an entire stadium in front of the Reichstag that fits 6.000 people.

In the next couple of weeks, Berlin Metblogs will present you a variety of the different locations in Berlin that you can follow the action of the games. I’ll start out with the nearest of venues: my home couch.

My couch is a standard IKEA model, white upholstery, with an extra five cushions (three big, two small ones) that allow for custom fitting of your individual seating position. Five soccer fans can be seated comfortably, legs can be put onto the table in front of the couch. The table will easily hold up to 20 bottles of beer and some bowls of chips. Additional seating on the wooden floor can be made available upon request.

Games will be watched on my 10 year old Sony TV that still serves its purpose well. The 71cm screen will allow everybody in the room a good look from every angle. For the real stadium atmosphere, the TV is hooked up to the surround stereo system, so the neighbours will be able to follow the action – wether they want to or not!

Admission to this venue is by personal invitation only, so be sure to have a good relationship with the host.