12 June 2006: Thousands of fans arrive by tram at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, the venue of the qualifying match between the USA and the Czech Republic. over 300 tons of steel are suspended above them, overarching the area for 72 meters without supports; an elegant, slender steel truss frame with transparent figured glass panels.

It is a beautiful summer's day. As yet, the platform roof seems but a bold feat of civil engineering - but once the sun has set, it will become a shining landmark.