Why were there few collectible pins at WM 2006?

[mjlee22]

I went to Japan about 2 weeks after the 2002 World Cup and collected lots of cute pins. I just returned from the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and I was surprised that I only saw maybe 3 different pins for sale, and they were all very plain and ugly.

Does anyone know why pins weren't sold at this World Cup? Is that the decision of the host country, or are pins too passe? Scarves and flags were very popular items in Germany. I didn't see any patches for sale, not even the Fifa patch that you see on all the uniforms. Of course, there were lots of jerseys and t-shirts around. But I thought I'd see more collectible accessories.

Just curious if I am collecting the wrong thing :-)
-mj

[WLDBIL6]

I was disappointed also. I actually brought a dozen U.S. Flag pins and hoped that there would be people interested in trading, but I didn't see anyone else with pins. Instead I just gave the pins to some kids at the games.

[avocats]

I was disappointed also. I actually brought a dozen U.S. Flag pins and hoped that there would be people interested in trading, but I didn't see anyone else with pins. Instead I just gave the pins to some kids at the games.


ditto

is Europe different pin-wise somehow?