1. The 2006 World Cup will be watched by over 1 billion people around the globe.

2. A typical Costa Rican breakfast consists of black beans and rice Costa Rica – Group A

3. Football is the world’s most popular sport, played by over 240 million men and women both professionally and for fun.

4. The fact that it is such a global and inclusive sport makes football more than just another game.

5. Mexicans have two last names, one from their mother and one from their father. Mexico – Group D

6. The film industry in Australia is one of the largest in the world. Australia – Group F

7. This will be the 11 th time that the World Cup has been played in Europe. It has been played 4 times in South America, twice in Central America, once in North America and once in Asia.

8. South Africa had hoped to host the 2006 World Cup. They lost the bid to Germany by one vote. South Africa spent millions on its bid, but was expected to reap £4.4 billion from the event if it had been successful. It was also expected to create 129,000 jobs and contribute an additional 2% to the economy.

9. People who live in Argentina eat more beef per capita than any other people. Argentina – Group C

10. In Japan, it is considered rude to look at a person directly in the eye for more than a few seconds. Japan – Group F

11. Factories in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe produce footballs, boots and shirts for companies like Adidas, Umbro and Nike. During the high season, it’s common for women in Chinese factories to work 14 hours a day, 7 days a week, with one day off per month.

12. Time is relative in Tunisia. “Tomorrow” could mean next week. Tunisia - Group H

13. According to the Serbian Orthodox Church, each family is protected by a patron saint. Serbia and Montenegro – Group C

14. The World Cup is an opportunity to build on pupils’ interest in the countries that are playing and their people, cities and cultures.

15. Women in Saudi Arabia rarely interact with men outside their families. Saudi Arabia – Group H

16. “Children’s knowledge of global issues usually comes from disasters such as the Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the famine in Africa. Sport is a universal language and success doesn't happen often enough, so we need to let our children know there are things to feel happy and positive about.” A parent

17. All levels of education are free to the citizens of Croatia. Croatia – Group F

18. …..opening young people's minds and showing them that their way is not necessarily the only way……

19. Czechs remove their shoes before they enter someone’s house. Czech Republic – Group E

20. Every Swiss man who is “physically fit” serves in the army. Switzerland – Group G

21. The nation's love of sport can help bring education alive for pupils.

22. In France there are more pets than children. France – Group G

23. David Beckham. Manchester United. World Cup Final. There are few words or phrases that transcend linguistic and cultural barriers so effectively. The language of football is understood from the street markets of Vietnam to the rainforests of Brazil.

24. Instead of crossing their fingers for luck, Germans squeeze their thumbs. Germany – Group A and the host nation

25. If someone in Poland blinks both eyes at you, they may be expressing romantic interest ! Poland – Group A

26. The secret of football is its ability to be whatever you want it to be. It is the ultimate chameleon, weaving itself into the culture of countries that couldn't be more different; appealing to people who have almost nothing in common, but who each think of football as being their own personal passion. Given most youngsters' interest in the "beautiful game", it can be a highly effective learning aid.

27. If you are in Portugal and want to say that something is very good, pinch and shake your earlobe. Portugal – Group D

28. Sweden’s foreign policy is built upon neutrality and nonalignment. Sweden – Group B