Twenty-four hours. That's how long the whole process is supposed to last this Friday in Frankfurt for the drawing in the first phase of sales for World Cup tickets in Germany. The organizing committee is exceptionally pleased by the interest. The only thing that is less than satisfactory is, of course, the fact that not everyone will receive a ticket in the first phase.

"Even if the ticket supply were three times greater, we wouldn't be able to fulfil everybody's wish," said the committee's senior vice president, Horst Schmidt. "That is why we are encouraging everyone to take part in the following ticket phases."

Those who have submitted their order will be left in suspense for another two weeks following the draw. Around the end of April, letters will be sent out to both the winners and losers in what is one of the biggest lotteries in sports history.

Draw in multiple stages and highly supervised

Fans from around the world will be able to watch 64 matches in 12 German cities starting June 9, 2005. Despite the fact that only German fans are assured that their squad will be playing in the World Cup, all the matches have had an appeal for the soccer enthusiasts.

"Naturally, the most desired tickets are to the opening match, the final and the two semifinals," said Schmidt. "But we're happy that all the games are enjoying the fans' interest."

The draw is divided into almost 1,000 individual lotteries. There are draws for each game and that is divided into the different price categories. The first round will be drawn for the most expensive seats in the opening match at the Allianz Stadium on June 9, 2006. Another round will be held for so-called "Team Specific Tickets." The multiple drawings are supposed to take 24 hours to complete, and they will be observed by a notary public.

"An absolute equal chance for everyone is of absolute priority for us," remarked Schmidt.

There's always hope

When both the telephone lines and Web site for tickets were opened in February, the grumbling amongst the fans was great. Hundreds of thousands of the 3.3 million tickets are earmarked for guests of honor, the media and sponsors.

But everyone, particularly in Germany, should not see just doom and gloom. FIFA boss Joseph Blatter personally tried to calm the German fans' fears.

"There will be more tickets on the market in the second phase because 16 teams will be out of the tournament," Blatter promised. "The German fans will have access to more tickets."