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SHANGHAI : Preparations are in full swing in Shanghai to host 12 of the Olympic soccer games.
Other preliminary round matches will be played in Tianjin, Qinghuangdao and Shenyang, before the event heads to Beijing for the knock-out stage.
Security is tight around the Shanghai stadium as the city will host nine soccer matches for men, and three for women.
Special fences have been erected around the stadium to prevent any unauthorised or non-ticket holders from entering the grounds, and businesses located on the stadium compounds will be closed for a month starting from July 20.
The city will also host two quarter-finals and two semi-finals, and officials said tickets for the semi-finals have already been sold out.
So far, about 440,000 tickets have been snapped up, and the first match between Australia and Serbia will take place a day before the official opening.
Officials are putting the final touches to the stadium, with the media centre fully equipped to offer foreign journalists every convenience during the matches.
Liu Cheng Hong, Executive Office Director, Shanghai Olympic Hotel, said: "As the appointed hotel for media reception, Shanghai Olympic Hotel pumped 80 million yuan to renovate the hotel's lobby, rooms and dining areas.
"All the staff are ready for the reception task. We are fully prepared for room accommodation, dietary requests and logistical support."
Journalists will also enjoy 24-hour free Internet access and newly-renovated recreational facilities.
Transport is not a problem, as the Shanghai Olympic Hotel is located next to the stadium.
To date, the hotel has already seen 60 bookings from foreign media. - CNA/ms
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