Millions of people in Shanghai will watch the 2006 World Cup's first game at midnight tonight, but only a few will stay up late to watch following matches, according to an online survey.

The Shanghai SMMAIL Administrative Center survey polled almost 7,000 residents who registered with the government-run Website.

Because the World Cup is being held in Germany, soccer fans here will have to stay up late to catch the games.

Some loyal fans have even asked for several days' leave over the course of the World Cup, but 52 percent of people surveyed said this won't affect their daily life and they will still go to work on time every day.

"Compared with the World Cup games, I think my work is more important," said 25-year-old programmer, Zheng Jingxiang. "And I will only watch the games between my favorite teams."

Ji Hui, who works for a local charity foundation, said she would watch the first game between Germany and Costa Rica because she had received an invitation to go to a soccer fans' party tonight.

"But I'm not going to wait up for the midnight games every day," said Ji. "It's too tiring, and not every game is so attractive."

(Shanghai Daily?June 9, 2006)