The FIFA World Cup 2006 has begun in Germany, Friday 9th June 2006, with the hosts opening the tournament with an exciting 4-2 win over Costa Rica, in what was the highest-scoring opening match in the history of the World Cup Finals. However, as the largest sporting event in the world kicked off, Church groups were uniting in their condemnation of the possible flood of prostitutes entering Germany’s major cities.

Artistes and participants attend the World Cup 2006 opening ceremony in Munich June 9, 2006. (Damir Sagolj/Reuters)


Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann hailed his side's "incredible energy" after the World Cup hosts won their opening Group A game. However, the Methodist Church’s women are urgently seeking action to stop sex trafficking that will take place during the event.

Using the slogan “buying sex is not a sport,” the women joined forces with The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), and are aiming to highlight the appalling effects on the lives of vulnerable, young women.