Postcard from Berlin - 10 June

In this new segment, Bryce will be keeping our readers up to date on all the ups and downs of tournament life in Germany with first-hand accounts of all the action.

Aside from a few minor glitches, week one of operations at Bookable Offense World Cup Headquarters has been tremendous.

I arrived on Sunday and after a brief press junket with my lovely guide's family, I settled into our new downtown facilities on Monday. Unfortunately, perhaps due to a language problem (my Deutsch is still a work in progress), I have been outfitted with a bedroom and shower that are too small for me to stand up in, and our IT center features a computer that keeps dying every four minutes or so without warning. I've already instructed the head of our IT department to look into a solution that doesn't require me to file every report from this charming, smoke-filled internet cafe.

Despite those minor inconveniences, I have begun to explore the this summer's heart of the footballing world. Wednesday saw the kick-off celebration of Fan Fest here in Berlin, complete with appearances by Pelé, a former winner on "German Idol", Miss Brazil, and loads of German personalities and celebrities not even my local guide could identify. The thousands of fans that turned out were also treated last night to the musical stylings of Nelly Furtado, some Irish guy from a boy band, and much much more.

Those in attendance that night did miss out on the medley compiled from past German national teams broadcast on TV. In what might have been the best minute of television in the history of the universe, they proceeded to show clips beginning in 1974 until 1994 of studio sessions with uncomfortable football stars gathered around singing ridiculous songs to honor the host nations of that summer's tournament. Until you've seen German footballers wearing Mexican sombreros, you haven't really lived. Needless to say, our IT department will get to work on tracking down more footage as soon as the computer problem has been properly dealt with.

Earlier in the day, I also paid a visit to the fan zone located in the heart of the city. Aside from being treated to a sound check by that Irish guy, I also visited the Fan Globe, a huge football-shaped interactive experience complete with a replica World Cup Trophy as well as autographed memorobilia by the likes of David Beckham and Oliver Kahn.

The organizers have also constructed a mini-stadium with a couple thousand seats for viewing matches on big screens with your closest friends for just 3€. What a deal! I can't wait. Some match dates have already sold out, which means some fans will be stuck watching on giant screens outside for free instead.

As for the opening matches last night, while it seemed like the whole country was abuzz and glad the tournament would finally kick-off, the reaction after the game was fairly subdued. I think it was telling that the country did not seem to get too excited about what should have been a more comfortable opening victory. On the other hand, I did see a pair of German fans passed out on a bench at around 1:30 this afternoon, so someone did something right.

Slightly disturbing however, is the obvious lack of enthusiasm for today's games here in Berlin. I fear this might be a one team town so long as there aren't any matches being played here in the capital. Maybe if Rooney were playing they'd be a little more fired up. I've been sporting my England jersey all day without a single "Come on England!" Perhaps I just need to convince my guide that she would like to watch the games in the Fan Zones....

As for the game itself last night, I would point a finger at Arne Friedrich for the first Costa Rican goal as the worst play by the German defense. Otherwise, the Germans certainly showed how dangerous their attack can be down the left side. Bringing back captain Michael Ballack will provide an even more potent form of attack down the middle. They are still a flawed team, but perhaps more dangerous than my colleague gives them credit for.

And I would hate myself in the morning if I didn't pat myself on the back for the Ecuador prediction. Let's just call an end to Group A action and label me a genius. I fear I might have gotten too cute looking for potential upsets, but there's only one way to find out:

Let the games continue!

More technical difficulties aside, look for more from me here real soon.

Photos courtesy yahoo.com. Are you in Berlin and want to meet Bryce? Email him at bookableoffense@gmail.com.