Germany trails 3-0 in Cup goods

ORGANISERS of football's 2006 World Cup in Germany have added insult to injury after giving US giant Budweiser the rights to sell beer at matches.

In a land where sausages and cars are just as famous as the national tipple, there have been two more setbacks to national pride. McDonald's has won the sausages concession while South Korean sponsor Hyundai has got the contract to ferry VIPs and officials around in their vehicles.

'This is unbelievable - what is going on?' asked one newspaper.

Beer fans were outraged last week that all 12 World Cup venues would be forbidden from selling any beer other than Budweiser - which, because it uses rice in its brewing process, contravenes the German Purity Order of 1516.

Following an outcry from beer fans, shocked politicians are seeking talks with tournament organisers to reverse the situation or water it down.

'No German beer, no German wursts, no Mercedes or BMWs,' says Andre Schneider, a political commentator.

'Three -nil so far against Germany and the whistle hasn't even gone for the first game. What a farce.'