Geneva gears up for major match

Huge interest
Whenever the two eternal rivals meet, the only 'friendly' thing about the match is the name. With both teams qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, interest is understandably huge in this latest encounter. Indeed, the Stade de Genève was quickly sold out, and up to 8,000 English supporters are expected to attend.

Strong contingent
The authorities in Geneva see the fixture as a perfect chance to practise measures for the EURO final round in Switzerland and Austria in three years' time, especially as the Stade de Genève is one of the EURO venues. Although they have not divulged the number of staff involved, a strong police contingent will be deployed with Geneva police spokesman Patrick Grunder claiming "we are well prepared".

Cities' support
Saturday certainly marks a key test for security in the country as a whole, as some 165km away, Switzerland meet Turkey in an eagerly anticipated World Cup play-off game. However, Geneva's authorities will not have to cope with the problem of organising the Argentina-England match on their own. They will also be given support from other cities, in accordance with plans being drawn up for UEFA EURO 2008™.

Co-operation first
Whenever England travel away from home, fans are always accompanied by spotters - specialised Scotland Yard agents familiar with sports events. Grunder said: "It is the first time we have worked on a level like this with spotters," he said. Most supporters arriving in Geneva should be from the official 'englandfans+' club. By coming to this game, they will earn extra points and increase their chances of obtaining tickets for England games in Germany next year.

Police respect
Geneva police will treat both fan groups with the utmost respect. They have also released information in Spanish, and these documents can be found on the Argentinian Football Association website. Geneva police's Patrick Pulh is looking forward to the tie: "We like football fans, no matter where they are from," he said. "We expect 8,000 English fans – rather than 8,000 hooligans. It is a good opportunity for us to see what will be required in a major tournament."

Special measures
For intruders or people who resist the public forces, special measures have been put in place. Such offenders can be held in custody for 24 hours. Security is obviously a major issue in view of the 2008 tournament. Recently, Swiss sports minister Samuel Schmid and Austria's interior minister Liese Prokop signed a preliminary treaty in Berne.