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Stefan Szymanski says the benefits are not as great as thought.

Germany's hosting of the World Cup of Soccer in 2006 should give its stagnant economy a much-needed boost.

Stefan Szymanski, a professor at Tanaka Business School at ImperiaCollege in London, said that while hosting the World Cup can bring a direct business boost to hotels, restaurants or shops, it doesn't mean the hosting city or region will see an overall economic benefit.

"This story that there is a benefit to economies as a result of sporting events just isn't true sometimes," he said.