any thoughts?

Better them than South Africa.

I think Germany will be great hosts for the WC in 2002. I think England would have done a great job too, but... after the messes in Turkey and Charleoi...there was just NO WAY.

I would have prefered it to go to South Africa because I like the idea of the WC being held in as many different countries with as many different cultures as possible. Not only does the WC bring investment $$$$ to these countries and give them the opportunity and incentive to develop their infrastructure, ... (would Brasil have the Maracana or Mexico have Aztec Stadium, or Argentina Monumental, or France St. Dennis without having hosted the World Cup?...maybe not.) ... but the whole world gains by becoming more aware and familiar with that culture and its way of life. Not just the soccer fans ...the WC is soooooo big that everyone would have learned alot about South Africa and its cultural challenges and way of life. I think countries like South Africa, Uruguay, Brasil, Japan/Korea, ...yes, even Iran and/or Iraq, whether they are third world, first world or whatever should be given every chance to host it if they can show that they have reasonable facilities and can protect the public. I dont mean that they would have to have 6 stadiums the size and comfort of Old Trafford or the Rose Bowl...they should have credible stadia with good pitches. Diversity is the way to go...it is after all the WORLD Cup...not the FIFA Invitational Championship!!