Socceroos happy with accomodation

While Germany is abuzz with the excitement of the FIFA World Cup™ kicking off in just two days time when the host nation plays Costa Rica in Munich, you could be forgiven if you thought the Australian players were in a different country, such is the serene and quiet surroundings of their base in Friedrichsruhe.

While Germany is abuzz with the excitement of the FIFA World Cup™ kicking off in just two days time when the host nation plays Costa Rica in Munich, you could be forgiven if you thought the Australian players were in a different country, such is the serene and quiet surroundings of their base in Friedrichsruhe.

Arriving at their base for the first three weeks of the tournament, the idyllic surroundings at the renovated castle will allow the players to relax, unwind and not get caught up too much by the events that will be taking place across Germany.

"It's great that amid the World Cup craziness which is going on we can just sit back and listen to the birds," said tough defender Lucas Neill.

"There's no people around, there's loads of security around and there's loads of places to walk. You don't hear a single thing at night, so it's just a total peaceful haven."

Since being confirmed as the Australian base, the operators of the renowned Wald & Schlosshotel have pretty much catered for everything the players and staff may need for their stay.

For Mark Schwarzer, he can-t think of a better place to stay and prefers the quieter surrounds of their accommodation than that of a hotel in a city.

"I think it-s a good thing, being away from the limelight; being away from the hustle and bustle of a bigger city," he said after training in Oehringen.

"It gives you the opportunity to really focus on the job at hand and you are able to come to a place like this (Oehringen) and train and concentrate on the job we have do."

They will certainly not be complaining about the food they receive, with Wald & Schlosshotel owner and head chef Lothar Eiermann, regarded among the best chefs in Germany.

The hotel used to be the former summer residence and hunting pavilions of the princely Hohenlohe family and with its famous cuisine, first class accommodation and picturesque surroundings, the players and staff certainly have the ideal venue to launch their assault on the World Cup finals, starting with Japan on June 12.