Football fever hits Gothenburg

By Jan Juhlin in Gothenburg

The city of Gothenburg has a long-standing tradition of arranging major events. Apart from UEFA Cup finals and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup finals, the city was also a key player in the 1992 UEFA European Championship.

Showpiece event
Jörgen Linder, the current mayor of Gothenburg, has welcomed the city's latest showpiece event as Valencia CF and Olympique de Marseille gear up for what promises to be a memorable UEFA Cup final.

Football tradition
"It's an honour for us," he said. "We're a relatively small town but we've got a good tradition of arranging grand events and I'm sure we'll be able to give everyone what they want in this case as well. Gothenburg is closely linked to football, not least by the achievements of IFK Göteborg, and I believe that people that come here will feel that connectivity."

High profile
In a compact place like Gothenburg the locals are well aware of the fact that the UEFA Cup final is in town. With banners and promotions decked everywhere, one could excuse the people if they felt that it was too much, but the bulk of populace remain positive. "It's good PR for our town, it might cost us some money, but overall it's positive," said Peter Johnson, a local football fan who was lucky enough to secure a ticket for the final.

Life and soul
Ronnie Waller, who has lived his entire life in Gothenburg, is also excited at the prospect of the match. "I think it's great. Our town usually blossoms during the summer months, and when a fantastic event like this is played at Nya Ullevi it means that the town comes to life."

Quality football
Lars Nielsen, who will be supporting Marseille this evening, added: "It's fabulous. As Swedish teams are having troubles in making a name for themselves in the European Cups, this is a good chance to see quality football. I'm sure that the atmosphere at Ullevi will be great."

Capital comparison
The city of Gothenburg is sometimes called little London, and given that the English capital also boasts a long-standing football tradition. Such a description seems justified with the eyes of Europe cast firmly on the city for tonight's big game.