German organizers launch World Cup logo and slogan

German organizers and FIFA on Tuesday launched "The Celebrating Faces," the logo of the 2006 World Cup designed to convey what they hope will be the happy nature of soccer's showcase event and the hospitality of the host nation. "We are going to have a great tournament here," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said after the 30-minute ceremony at Schalke's new, state-of-the-art arena, one of the stadiums that will be used at the 2006 event. The logo depicts three smiling faces, designed to symbolize the numbers 06 for the year of the World Cup, a referee's whistle and German colors, all integrated into the emblem above the trophy given to the winner. The presentation came on the eve of the exhibition match between Germany and the Netherlands in Gelsenkirchen. Dutch soccer officials also attended the ceremony and were given a banner with the logo, with German hosts expressing hope that their neighbors will qualify for the tournament.