The long-awaited 2010 FIFA World Cup is about to kick off on home turf. Flags are flying, vuvuzelas are blowing, and the nation seems to be getting into the spirit of things. But, before we begin the road to the finals, let’s take a minute to look back at the previous World Cup and the champions that were Italy, and perhaps let’s have a guess at who will claim that revered title this time round.
31 teams participated, along with the host nation Germany, in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Italy defeated France in the final to claim their fourth World Cup title – only one fewer than Brazil, and the first time they managed to win a World Cup match on penalties. They won 5-3 in a tense penalty shootout, after extra time had ended in a 1-1 draw.
It wasn’t the ‘prettiest’ of finals though, with the most memorable moment being when France’s Zinidine Zidane viciously bashed his head into the chest of Italian defender Marco Materazzi. It meant a career ending disgrace for Zidane and a regrettable finish to the beautiful game’s 2006 World Cup. However, the sweet feeling for Italy supporters, when their team managed to make France’s send off even more ugly during the penalty shootout, will not be forgotten.
Now all eyes are turned to South Africa, where the world’s largest, most coveted football extravaganza is once again about to begin. Held across eight provinces and nine host cities, close to half-a-million visitors are expected to grace the shores of Mzansi to experience the show firsthand. What will be the unforgettable moments of this year’s event? Will Bafana Bafana make us proud? Who will be crowned the soccer world champions of 2010? All will be revealed in just over a month.
South Africa coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, tips his native Brazil to be the winners, but could Italy, ‘The Azurri’, come back to lift the trophy once again and equal Brazil’s five victories? EURO Champs 2008, Spain, could also create some havoc for opposing teams, and let’s not forget Argentina, England or last World Cup’s runner-ups, France. Three-times World Cup champs, Germany, with their grit and determination, may also stand a good chance. In any event, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is sure to be a spectacular affair and history will be made with South Africa becoming the first African nation to host a football World Cup. South Africa’s time has come. Now, let the games begin!
See: Things To Do In Cape Town
Fanfare, celebrations, preparations and other important information
While all 32 teams are preparing for their upcoming games – practicing their dribbling, shooting and passing techniques, here are a few pointers for you fans out there on how to get geared up and ready to present yourself as a respectable spectator at this year’s event. Firstly, you HAVE to learn how to do the diski dance, so as to start feeling the rhythm of how the game is played SA style. Next, learn to sing the South African national anthem. This is the one song you do not want to mess up on if you’re to be called a self-respecting Bafana Bafana supporter. And finally, learn how to blow a vuvuzela – the iconic noise-making horn of South African football fans. For the next month, the sound of the vuvuzela will be ringing around the world.
Remember to check out our site for information on road closures for host cities during match days. You don’t want to find yourself stuck in traffic when you could be watching a game. Also have a look to see whether there are any low airfares you can take advantage of during the World Cup. Finally, take a squiz at our handy South Africa travel tips for World Cup visitors.
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