Gelsenkirchen police prepairing to England-Portugal match

Police have estimated that as many as 70,000 England fans are expected in the city for Saturday's match, along with another 15,000 Portugal fans. Some 120,000 Germans are also expected to watch Germany play Argentina at the public viewing area on Friday evening.

Photo: Gelsenkirchen police prepairing to England-Portugal match

If Germany beats Argentina, it could lead to taunting of England fans, much like in Stuttgart last weekend.

More than 500 people were arrested in Stuttgart before a second-round match between England and Ecuador after two violent outbursts. Police said that the violence was precipitated by some England and Germany fans taunting each other, the AP reports.

In a nod to the scores of England fans that have followed the team since the beginning of the World Cup, officials will open a site just for them, mirroring similar efforts in Cologne.

Gelsentrab Park, typically used for horse racing, is being equipped with a giant viewing screen to accommodate the expected England fans. The track will be able to accommodate 40,000 fans. A second area, near German league soccer club Schalke 04, can hold between 20,000 to 30,000.