Beyond the showpieces on the pitch, football lovers are enjoying just basking in the German sun.

Thousands of Swiss fans descended on the southwestern German automobile city of Stuttgart several days before their national team was set to kick off their World Cup journey against a more renowned French squad.

And anxious waiting soon turned into a party at the fan camp set up just a few minutes walk from the World Cup stadium.

(CRI reporter Xiaohong with Swiss football fans)

Barbeque, German beers, lots of sunshine and, above all, new friends, have made this year's World Cup journey a pleasant and memorable one.

"We just met them yesterday, and we party together. Everybody is a friend here."

Stefen Frey came to Germany with a group of friends. They all left Zurich, Switzerland to follow their national team. And now, their group continues to grow as more and more new acquaintances join them in their celebration. They're happy their team split the opening game against the more favored French, and believe they'll go further.

Sidelined from the football match, the Swiss are also enjoying the rich variety of food that Germany offers. Frey's friend Karin Zihlmann said the price here is cheaper than that in Switzerland; so there is much to appreciate.

"Everything is okay. Everybody is nice. Everybody is in a good mood. We are having lots of fun."

Yes, indeed. No conflicts, no hooligans; just football and friendship; that's what the World Cup is trying to bring about.