Brazil at the 2006 FIFA World Cup World Cup, played Cameroon in the opening match; in 1994, Germany, winner of the 1990 World Cup, played Bolivia; in 1998, Brazil played Scotland and in 2002 France played Senegal). As of the 2006 World Cup, because of the change in the rules, with the last champion no longer having a secured berth in the competition, the opening match has become another privilege of the host nation (in the 2006 World Cup, Germany, as the host nation, played Costa Rica in the opening match). Despite being the returning champion, the Brazilian team debuted, against Croatia, only four days after the
2006 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee The former international striker should also represent Germany in the world. Chief organizer Franz Beckenbauer named more World Cup ambassadors, without exception of former professional football players, who officially accompanied their hometowns and World Cup host cities leading up to the World Cup: 2006 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee The 2006 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee (, OK) organized the World Cup in Germany. President of OK was Franz Beckenbauer, who also acted as the official representative and chairman of the German World Cup bid. First Vice President and Vice President of the World Cup Committee was Horst R. Schmidt,