Up to 150,000 football fans could be attracted to the city

Police estimated that as well as more than 70,000 at the Millennium Stadium, similar numbers again were packed into the city centre's pubs and clubs.

Meanwhile, a man suffered serious head injuries after being attacked outside a city centre pub on Friday night.

Police were called to a disturbance near the City Arms pub at 2245 GMT.

Three men were injured with one still being treated at the University Hospital of Wales.

He is "stable" and not in a life threatening condition.

The 41-year-old from Winchester, Hampshire, was visiting the city although police could not confirm if the men attacked were football supporters.

Police have not yet arrested anyone in connection with the assaults and inquiries are continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cardiff Central CID.

A mobile police station is being set up on Saturday evening to help curb excesses from binge-drinking.

The showpiece match - first played in Cardiff in 2001 - is expected to return to London to be staged at the redeveloped Wembley stadium in 2007.

Liverpool beat West Ham on penalties, after an exciting match finished 3-3 after extra time.

West Ham fans enjoy the Cardiff atmosphere

Russell Goodway, chief executive of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, described the event as "tremendous for the people of Cardiff".

Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Mr Goodway, the former council leader, said the FA Cup showcased a 'magnificent' city.

"It would cost Cardiff �100m to get the kind of coverage it receives from hosting the FA Cup," he said.

"This event is seen in 134 countries around the world and you are getting 90 minutes of coverage with all the build up before and the commentary afterwards," he added.

"A city small like Cardiff in a small country like Wales could never ever have hoped to get that sort of global exposure without it costing an absolute fortune."

'Reassure people'

In the city centre, a mobile police station has been brought in to cope with the thousands of football fans watching the final in pubs and clubs, swelling numbers in the city centre to up to 150,000 fans.

It will be used to search people for drugs and issue fixed penalty notices to anyone committing any crimes related to binge drinking.

The South Wales Police Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (Amec) will man the mobile station from 1800 BST on Saturday night.

Sergeant Andy Miles, who is head of Amec in Cardiff said: "This weekend is possibly the busiest we have in Cardiff.

"Hopefully it will reassure people who are out and send a message to people so they think twice before causing trouble."