Fighting to Host the Best World Cup Teams

German national soccer coach Jürgen Klinsmann got his way. His predecessor Rudi Völler, who had and still has close ties with Bayer Leverkusen, had negotiated a deal together with the German Soccer Association (DFB) to place the national team's quarters nearby Leverkusen.

It was a favor in return to Bayer for its long years of support of the German national team, particularly the financial help in bringing the World Cup to Germany. After all, Leverkusen wouldn't host any of the 64 World Cup matches.

Klinsmann didn't like the idea of placing his players so far away from the happenings and excitement of the World Cup. Last December, only three months in as head coach, he moved the team quarters to Berlin where his squad could get a true feel of the ambience of the World Cup.

For the inconvenience, Bayer's functionaries were given the rights to host two friendlies. Meinolf Spink, the pharmaceutical company's sports director, called the decision at that time "a little sad."

It was not only unfortunate for Leverkusen and Bayer, but also a blow in the attempt to jockey for a piece of the some 10 billion euros ($12.2 billion) expected to be generated by functionaries from FIFA, the world soccer body, and national soccer associations, plus millions of spectators -- and of course the players.

They will be pampered at their quarters, receiving massages, playing their favorite video games in their rooms or enjoying specially-prepared meals from home. The German team may not be eating sausages in the Leverkusen region but other teams must find a place to stay.

Brazil most sought after

If the home team rejects the region around Leverkusen, specifically the noble hotel "Schlosshotel Lerbach" in nearby Bergisch-Gladbach, it doesn't mean that the fight is lost. There are equally good, if not better teams, who might book their suites there. The current number one in the world, Brazil, would definitely be a prize catch.

The "Schlosshotel Lerbach" had the distinction of being the home of the selecao from Brazil during the Confederations Cup in June. It was a boon for the foothill region around the hotel.

"The teams' fans book their hotels in the region, travel, eat, drink and go shopping, buying everything from rolls to raincoats," Sprink from Bayer told the soccer magazine 11 Freunde. "Restaurant owners and retailers hear their cash registers ringing."

Businesses around Leverkusen hope that the team of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Co. decide to stay in Bergisch-Gladbach again. The chances of the Brazilians to get to the finals are not bad, which would mean a whole month of samba-dancing supporters swarming around their team -- and leaving their money behind.

Top caterers will prove their quality

The teams, the thousands of functionaries and the high-income guests must also be fed. One of Munich's top caterers, Michael Käfer, will have the pleasure of feeding them at stadiums around the country. Käfer, together with a French catering company and three other German ones, will be doing their best to satisfy the taste buds of up to 350,000 demanding, and wealthy, visitors.

"This is the biggest contract in the history of our company and it will be the biggest challenge," Käfer said.

A comment not to be taken lightly considering that the catering company has its own tent at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Yet, the Oktoberfest, for all of its charming qualities, does not attract the wealthy in large numbers. The World Cup makes for a one-time opportunity for companies, particularly German ones, to show just how much they appreciate their big customers. Quality food is part of it, yet it won't be easy for Käfer.

"Our workers have to be here two hours before work begins because of the extensive security checks," he said. "And only one company can deliver to the grounds, and that can happen 10 hours before a match at the latest."

That's difficult circumstances to offer the finest strawberries to some of the world's most choosy customers.