The World Cup organising committee(OK) confirmed on Thursday that the draw for the 2006 finals, running from June 9 to July 9, would be broadcast to a total of 145 countries with 850 national and international journalists covering the event.

West Germany's 1990 World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus, who won a record 150 caps for his country, will be one of eight footballing greats to help make the group draw which will take place between 21:20(20:20 GMT) and 21:50(20:50 GMT) local time on December 9.

Germany's female supermodel Heidi Klum will help present the event while Colombian pop star Juanes will provide entertainment.

The 32 qualified teams will be drawn into eight groups of four and OK vice-president Wolfgang Niersbach saluted the quality on show.

"There could hardly be a better collection of nations," said Niersbach."Apart from Uruguay all the previous champions are here and our motto of'welcome to all friends accross the world' will have its first test on December 9."

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)