Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, chief of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare with Franz Beckenbauer of Germany on his arrival in Riyadh on Monday. . (Reuters)

JEDDAH, 4 October 2005 — Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, president of General Presidency of Youth Welfare and Saudi Soccer Federation, yesterday received German football icon Franz Beckenbauer in his office in Riyadh.

Beckenbauer is in the Kingdom on the second leg of his globe-trotting tour of the 31 countries that will play in the World Cup next year. He was in Iran last week, the first stop in the itinerary.

During the meeting with Prince Sultan, Beckenbaeur, president of the German World Cup Organizing Committee, gave updates on the final preparations for the World Cup 2006 in Germany.

In his opening statement, Becenbauer expressed his happiness for being here in the Kingdom and congratulated the Saudi team for qualifying to the World Cup finals. He expressed the German government’s keen interest in making sure that the big event would succeed.

Beckenbauer gave a media briefing of the host country’s preparations with promotional film clips of the stadiums, public services and delegation centers where teams will be staying.

In the press conference, he expressed his confidence in the success of the biggest sporting spectacle and the good performance of the Saudis as well.

Earlier on Sunday, Prince Sultan held a private meeting with Beckenbauer. Prince Sultan said the Saudi team would most probably hold training camp in Frankfurt ahead of the World Cup kickoff although a final decision is to be made after the Dec. 9 draw. He said that the team will play 10 tuneup matches before the World Cup and hopefully duplicate the remarkable performance in USA 94.

Beckenbauer recalled having met Prince Sultan six years ago when he was campaigning for Germany’s bid to the host the World Cup in which Saudi Arabia supported Germany.

Mexico Stun Brazil to

Lift Under-17 World Title

LIMA, Peru — Mexico scored twice in two minutes to set up a stunning 3-0 victory over defending champions Brazil to capture the FIFA Under-17 World Championship on Sunday.

Tournament top scorer Carlos Vela put Mexico ahead with a low header in the 31st minute and Omar Esparza doubled the advantage soon after with a blinding right-foot volley.

Ever Guzman sealed the win in the 86th minute with a stunning solo effort. The victory in the 16-team tournament was Mexico’s first at any level in a FIFA world championship.