Tag Archives: 2010 world cup

World Cup 2010 Jabulani Official Soccer Match Ball

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Jabulani means to celebrate in Zulu, one of the 11 languages of South Africa, and the design of the Jabulani has 11 colors to honor those 11 languages, in addition to the 11 communities of South Africa and and the 11 players on a team. The 11 colors also honor the fact that this is adidas’ 11th FIFA World Cup ball. Constructed with eight new thermally bonded, spherically shaped, 3 D EVA and TPU panels, the Japbulani is perfectly round and has been equipped with a new Grip’n’Groove technology. Grip’n’Groove is a textured treatment that ensures the Jabulani flies straight and true. The Japbulani is designed for never before seen power, swerve and control. It’s a ball truly worthy of the best in the game.

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Let The Game Begin

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Let The Game Begin

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South Africa, are you ready?

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

South Africa, South Africa, are you ready?” Black Eyed Peas will.i.am shouted to the 30-000 strong crowd 12 minutes into the live broadcast – and from that moment, the first-ever FIFA World Cup Kick-Off concert hit its stride and the pace never let up. Dressed in glitzy military-themed costumes, Black Eyed Peas ran rapidfire through a medley of hits: “Where Is The Love,” “Pump It,” “Meet Me Halfway,” “Boom Boom Pow,” and “I Gotta Feeling” – the latter’s refrain of “tonight’s gonna be a good, good night” setting the tone for a rare display of stadium-sized international music talent. The live broadcast had opened with a statement of African past and present, with veteran South African jazzman Hugh Masekela segueing from his classic “Grazing in the Grass” into the late Miriam Makeba’s signature song, “Pata Pata” – this time featuring young Afro-soul multi-award winner, Lira on vocals. The potency of Africa’s talent was plain to see: whether it was Benin’s Angelique Kidjo in full vocal throttle on the “Malaika/Afrika” medley with Grammy Award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, Mali’s Amadou & Mariam’s transporting “Welcome To Mali,” and “Africa”, the intoxicating sound of Mali’s desert Blues outfit, Tinariwen, South Africa’s Afro-folk favourite Vusi Mahlasela, previously unannounced South African kwaito (township house) hitmakers Big Nuz and DJ Tira, The Parlotones’ full-throttle rock or the deft guitarwork of Mali’s Vieux Farka Toure, Africa claimed the spotlight with passion, energy and no small amount of talent. But it was the collaborations that really stole the hearts of the crowd: among the raft of pair-ups was Alicia Keys and swampy South African art-rock outfit BLK JKS in a version of the late Brenda Fassie’s decade-old hit song “Too Late For Mama”, and John Legend riffing off Kidjo before heading off into several of his hit songs including “Green Light.” Thankfully, appearances by dignitaries – including FIFA president Sebb Blatter and South African President Jacob Zuma – were kept to a minimum, with more time given over to 1GOAL, the global education program to provide education for 72 million children around the world. 91-year-old former President, Nelson Mandela, was saving his energy for Friday’s opening match between South African and Brazil at Soccer City (Soweto), but the mainly South African-flag waving crowd were delighted to see another of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize winners on stage. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who still stays in his township house near the stadium when he’s in Joburg, joked he was only there to give the crowd “time to rest.” Dressed head-to-toe in the colors of the national South African football team, the peace activist said “You can feel it. You can touch it,” before welcoming the world in multiple languages and getting the crowd to join in praising Mandela. The international artists wore their support for Africa boldly: Juanes sported an Adidas jacket in the colors of the South African flag for his set which included a collabo with BEP’s Taboo. Alicia Keys exhorted the crowd not to “forget to love each other,” and then plunged into “No One.” “Johannesburg it’s such a beautiful night today,” she said before introducing BLK JKS. “It’s our moment,” cried rapper K’Naan, clutching a Somalian flag – his version of “Wavin’ Flag” (Celebration Mix) a show highlight that caused a riot of multi-colooured flag waving in the crowd. Shakira provided the show’s crowning moment, the Colombian singer launching first into “She Wolf” before delivering a show-stopping performance of “Hips Don’t Lie” with South African hip-hop artist Tumi Molekane who had performed earlier in the evening as part of the pre-broadcast show. And when the first notes of the official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song, “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” were heard and Shakira’s South African collaborators – Afro-pop outfit Freshlyground – appeared, the crowd erupted into an unceasing cry of delight. “Ngiyabonga Mzansi,” (“thankyou South Africa”) Shakira said in closing. After that, all that was left to do was for the performers to gather on stage to jointly (and loosely!) sing “Everyday People”. The Sly & The Family Stone song makes a heartfelt plea for peace and equality and proved a fine end to a night of global football and music unity. The 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off concert was available in the U.S. (and other international territories) as a live stream on vevo.com and it was broadcast by Univision. The concert will air in primetime on ABC, Friday, June 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. #

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Buy everything you can think of, including "traditional" art

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Buy Buy World Cup

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Buy everything you can think of, including "traditional" art

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World Cup Analysis

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

GROUP A France Mexico South Africa Uruguay FAVORITE Very few teams are playing better at the moment than Mexico. Recently beat Italy on neutral ground. SLEEPER Uruguay hasn’t done much since winning the World Cup in 1930 and 1950. Has the talent to make some noise. KEY GAME Uruguay vs. France, today: The winner will keep pace with Mexico, who draws South Africa first. BEST PLAYER French attacking midfielder Franck Ribery helped Bayern Munich win Bundesliga and German Cup titles and reach the Champions League final. THE SKINNY It’s rare to find a World Cup group where the host country is the worst team of the four, but that’s the case with South Africa this year. Mexico, buoyed by some young players, appears to have finally come into its own. France, a finalist in 2006, will be in a battle with Uruguay to advance, and Uruguay, with forwards Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, may have the edge. GROUP B Argentina Greece Nigeria South Korea FAVORITE The world’s former No. 1 team, Argentina, has one of the easier brackets. SLEEPER This year’s South Korea team isn’t as strong as the 2002 squad that made the semifinals but doesn’t need to be in this group. KEY GAME Nigeria vs. South Korea, June 22: Nigeria plays Argentina first and will need to make up points. BEST PLAYER Lionel Messi, Argentina The reigning World Player of the Year. THE SKINNY Unless coach Diego Maradona has a complete meltdown, Argentina should easily advance. After that, talent will have to carry the Argentines because Maradona will probably be outcoached in every game in the knockout stage. Nigeria and South Korea are not as strong as past World Cups, but they only have each other to worry about because Greece shouldn’t be a factor. England striker Wayne Rooney, tight head, wirePaul Ellis/AFP/Getty ImagesEngland’s Wayne Rooney GROUP C Algeria England Slovenia United States FAVORITE In Fabio Capello, England finally hired the right coach. SLEEPER Underrated Slovenia upset Russia in a playoff to get here. KEY GAME England vs. United States, Saturday: Loser will need to win two straight. BEST PLAYER English forward Wayne Rooney was the second-leading scorer in the English Premier League. THE SKINNY England and the U.S. are clearly the best teams, but they play first and that’s a problem. The loser will face two must-win situations to advance, and if the winner of the Algeria-Slovenia game decides to put 10 players behind the ball and play for two ties, that could be difficult. The best scenario for the U.S. — whether it wins, loses or ties against England — is for the Algeria-Slovenia game to end in a tie. GROUP D Australia Germany Ghana Serbia FAVORITE Germany has just too much pedigree for this group. SLEEPER Serbia has the best defense of the four teams. KEY GAME Serbia vs. Ghana, Sunday: The first game of the group sets the tone. BEST PLAYER For a defender, Germany’s Philipp Lahm attacks as well as he defends. THE SKINNY Germany, even with all its injuries, is the class of the group, but then it’s a toss-up between three teams for one place. Of the three, Serbia has the best defense, but Australia has the best goalkeeper in Mark Schwarzer. Ghana, without injured midfielder Michael Essien, its best player, will have the support of a continent, but may not be able to recover if it loses its opening game to Serbia. GROUP E Cameroon Denmark Japan Netherlands FAVORITE Have you looked at the talent on the Netherlands’ roster? Of course, isn’t that always the case? SLEEPER A consistent second-tier European team, Denmark could make a run into the second round. KEY GAME Denmark vs. Cameroon, June 19: Both teams will lose to the Netherlands and beat Japan, so this one could determine which country escapes the group. BEST PLAYER Goal scoring by Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) helped Inter Milan and FC Barcelona win the past two Champions League titles. THE SKINNY The Netherlands, despite recent injuries, should win the group while Japan, which has never won a World Cup game outside its own country, doesn’t figure to do much. That leaves Denmark and Cameroon. Eto’o has a chip on his shoulder following critical comments by Cameroon legend Roger Milla, but the Danes can’t be overlooked. GROUP F Italy New Zealand Paraguay Slovakia FAVORITE The defending champion Azzuri might be getting older, but Italy will still be kicking in South Africa. SLEEPER Slovakia will play lock-up defense and look to counterattack on offense. KEY GAME Paraguay vs. Slovakia, June 20: The second game for both. One may need to win, one may need just a tie. BEST PLAYER Gianluigi Buffon of Italy was the best goalie in 2006 World Cup. Not much has changed. THE SKINNY Italy, a notorious slow starter in major tournaments, has no excuses this time. This group couldn’t be easier for the defending champs. Paraguay, despite the loss of forward Salvador Cabanas, who was shot in the head (but survived) in Mexico Jan. 25, is the next-best team. Paraguay’s only problem is that it plays Italy first. Slovakia and New Zealand will have trouble scoring goals. Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, with broken arm, wireIssouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty ImagesStriker Didier Drogba is practicing with Ivory Coast, despite a broken right arm, and apparently will try to play in the World Cup. GROUP G Brazil Ivory Coast North Korea Portugal FAVORITE If Brazil, the world’s top-ranked team, isn’t the favorite, there should be an investigation. SLEEPER Even without star striker Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast will be tough to beat. KEY GAME Ivory Coast vs. Portugal, June 15: The loser will probably have to beat Brazil to advance beyond pool play. BEST PLAYER Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal was 2008 World Player of the Year. THE SKINNY This was the Group of Death, but the injury to Drogba (broken right arm) takes a lot of the juice away — and was the best news Portugal could have had. Five-time champion Brazil (first) and the unknown North Korea (last) seem certain of their place. The battle was always going to be Ivory Coast-Portugal, but Drogba’s injury gives Portugal a definite edge. GROUP H Chile Honduras Spain Switzerland FAVORITE Spain has only lost once in the past four years, albeit in the Confederations Cup last year in South Africa (to the United States). SLEEPER Chile finished second to Brazil in South American qualifying. KEY GAME Switzerland vs. Chile, June 21: Chile will be 1-0, Switzerland 0-1 when they play. BEST PLAYER Playmaker Xavi Hernandez of Spain can score goals just as easily as he sets them up. THE SKINNY Spain should roll into the knockout phase and could even rest some players along the way. Chile may be without leading scorer Humberto Suazo (hamstring) in its opener, but fortunately that’s against Honduras, so it shouldn’t matter. Switzerland, which played four games in 2006 and was eliminated without allowing a goal, has shown poor form lately but has the talent to advance. SECOND ROUND Mexico over Nigeria England over Serbia United States over Germany Argentina over Uruguay Netherlands over Paraguay Brazil over Chile Cameroon over Italy Spain over Portugal Chile and Paraguay are two of the sleepers of the tournament and could have advanced under other circumstances, but not against these opponents. CONCACAF gains the world’s respect. QUARTERFINALS Netherlands over Brazil England over Mexico Argentina over United States Spain over Cameroon CONCACAF’s great run is over, although the United States gives Argentina a tough game, possibly losing in overtime. SEMIFINALS Netherlands over England Spain over Argentina Netherlands finally exposes England’s back line and goalkeeper David James cannot stop the Dutch assault. Spain has too much talent for Argentina to overcome. FINAL Netherlands over Spain The Dutch finally lose the tag of the best team never to win a World Cup. ON TV FIRST ROUND Today South Africa vs. Mexico, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Uruguay vs. France, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Tomorrow South Korea vs. Greece, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Argentina vs. Nigeria, 10 a.m. (ESPN) England vs. United States, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) Sunday Algeria vs. Slovenia, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Serbia vs. Ghana, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Germany vs. Australia, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) Monday Netherlands vs. Denmark, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Japan vs. Cameroon, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Italy vs. Paraguay, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday New Zealand vs. Slovakia, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Ivory Coast vs. Portugal, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Brazil vs. North Korea, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday Honduras vs. Chile, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Spain vs. Switzerland, 10 a.m. (ESPN) South Africa vs. Uruguay, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday Argentina vs. South Korea, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Nigeria vs. Greece, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Mexico vs. France, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2) June 18 Germany vs. Serbia, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) United States vs. Slovenia, 10 a.m. (ESPN) England vs. Algeria, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2) June 19 Netherlands vs. Japan, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Australia vs. Ghana, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Denmark vs. Cameroon, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) June 20 Paraguay vs. Slovakia, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Italy vs. New Zealand, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Brazil vs. Ivory Coast, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) June 21 North Korea vs. Portugal, 7:30 a.m. (ESPN) Switzerland vs. Chile, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Spain vs. Honduras, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) June 22 Mexico vs. Uruguay, 10 a.m. (ESPN) France vs. South Africa, 10 a.m. (ESPN2) Nigeria vs. South Korea, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2) Greece vs. Argentina, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) June 23 United States vs. Algeria, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Slovenia vs. England, 10 a.m. (ESPN2) Ghana vs. Germany, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Australia vs. Serbia, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2) June 24 Slovakia vs. Italy, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Paraguay vs. New Zealand, 10 a.m. (ESPN2) Denmark vs. Japan, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Cameroon vs. Netherlands, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2) June 25 Portugal vs. Brazil, 10 a.m. (ESPN) North Korea vs. Ivory Coast, 10 a.m. (ESPN2) Chile vs. Spain, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Switzerland vs. Honduras, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN2) SECOND ROUND June 26 Match 49: Group A winner vs. Group B second place, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Match 50: Group C winner vs. Group D second place, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) June 27 Match 51: Group D winner vs. Group C second place, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Match 52: Group B winner vs. Group A second place, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) June 28 Match 53: Group E winner vs. Group F second place, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Match 54: Group G winner vs. Group H second place, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) June 29 Match 55: Group F winner vs. Group E second place, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Match 56: Group H winner vs. Group G second place, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) QUARTERFINALS July 2 Match 57: Match 53 winner vs. Match 54 winner, 10 a.m. (ESPN) Match 58: Match 49 winner vs. Match 50 winner, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) July 3 Match 59: Match 52 winner vs. Match 51 winner, 10 a.m. (Ch. 7) Match 60: Match 55 winner vs. Match 56 winner, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) SEMIFINALS July 6 Match 58 winner vs. Match 57 winner, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) July 7 Match 59 winner vs. Match 60 winner, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) THIRD PLACE July 10 Semifinal losers, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7) FINAL July 11 Semifinal winners, 2:30 p.m. (Ch. 7)

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Final 2010 World Cup Bafana 23 Men Squad

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Benni, Moon miss out Earlier this morning that the West Ham United striker Benni has been omitted, along with right-back Bryce Moon. Another surprise casualty is goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez , while Franklin Cale and Innocent Mdledle also miss out. Parreira confirmed the news at a press conference this morning. Reaction will follow. Final Bafana Bafana squad : Goalkeepers : Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United) Defenders : Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk, Belgium), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates) Midfielders : Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham, England), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala (both Kaizer Chiefs), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Steven Pienaar (Everton, England), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia) Strikers : Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Bernard Parker (FC Twente, Netherlands) 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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Final 2010 World Cup Bafana 23 Men Squad

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Bafana & Denmark Friendly match overview

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

With the clock ticking down towards June 11 and the showdown against Mexico at Soccer City looming closer, Bafana Bafana now have the team to compete at the World Cup finals. That is the assessment of head coach Carlos Albert Parreria after his side had scored a record 5-0 win over minnows Guatemala in a one sided warm-up friendly played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on a cold Monday night. “It does not matter whether the opposition is not so strong. It is never easy to score five goals and that is something we have never done before,” said Parreira. “Technically we were not so good but we created chances and killed off the opposition. I could not have asked for more in that respect.” Parreria added Bafana, with one friendly left to play against Denmark on Saturday, are ready for the World Cup, which kicks off at the new Soccer City on June 11 when the hosts tackle Mexico in the opening Group A match. “We have a team. We have a shape and most importantly, we have an identity as South Africans. We now play the ball on the ground and keep possession. “We go into the World Cup with confidence and the spirits high. Our fitness level and physical condition will be as good – if not better -than any side in the World Cup.” Parreira will fine tune his side against Denmark at Atterdigeville’s Super Stadium on Saturday (2.15pm). Parreria said he was satisfied with the four matches Bafana have played in the last two weeks as he intensified his preparation programme. Bafana thumped Thailand 4-0 in the first match at Nelspruit on May 16, followed that up with a 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium with Bulgaria and then defeated Colombia at Soccer City last Thursday before clobbering Guatemala. Since taking charge of the ailing Bafana last November, Bafana are unbeaten in 11 matches. Parreira has weaved his magic in seven months in charge and while he is right about the 5-0 win not being Bafana’s best performance, he assessed the friendly matches saying: “Our 1-1 draw against Bulgaria was our best display so far. “The 2-1 win over Colombia the toughest and this one (Guatemala) the biggest. We have improved throughout the campaign, especially the players who have been with me on both the camps to Brazil (in March) and Germany (in April).” Parreria will name his final squad of 23 players for the tournament on Tuesday morning as per Fifa rules. At present Parreira has 28 players in his squad. Parreria caused a lot of speculation by not playing controversial striker Benni McCarthy during Monday’s match, preferring to use Bernard Parker and veteran Siyabonga Nomvethe, as his second half substitutes. Parreria would not be drawn on whether McCarthy (32) will be part of his World Cup plans: “There was nothing wrong with McCarthy. I say nothing more until I announce the squad.” However, with only four strikers in his squad, Parreira is unlikely to send the West Ham United striker home, despite the fact he has been battling with a weight problem since he joined the camp earlier this month and has played only 20 minutes against Colombia. Parreria also said his star midfielder Steven Pienaar, who had a storming match against the Guatemalans, and the other overseas based players, will have to adapt. “I have played Pienaar in a couple of positions in the midfield to see where he is best suited to Bafana. The reason we have a shape and foundation is because I did not chop and change the players for every match and that shape stays for the World Cup.” It was a special night for Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena (29) who became the first Bafana player to reach 100 caps. Said the Portsmouth defender: “This was a big night for me. “It was a great honour being the first South African to win 100 caps and it means a lot to me.” He dedicated his 100 caps to his mother and Jomo Sono, the Cosmos coach, who spotted his talent as a raw 17-year-old. Mokoena also said Bafana were raring to go. He said the big difference with the new-look team is the attitude of the players. “The positive attitude of the players is fantastic and we are now making it easy for ourselves by scorning goals.” Striker Katlego Mphela scored two penalties but otherwise did not have a great night and his indifferent form is another reason for Parreria to keep McCarthy in the squad. The other goals came from Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Surprise Moriri and Parker. Source – Sapa Bafana Intentional Friendlies Bafana 2 – 0 Jamaica 28 Apr 10 Bafana 4 – 0 Thailand 16 May 10 Bafana 1 – 1 Bulgaria 24 May 10 Bafana 2 – 1 Colombia 27 May 10 Bafana 5 – 0 Guatemala 31 May 10 Denmark Intentional Friendlies Australia – Denmark 1 – 0 01Jun 10 Denmark – Senegal 2 – 0 27 May 10 Austria – Denmark 2 – 1 03 March 10 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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Fifa Fan Fest Spot – Durban

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Durban is South Africa’s year-round sun, sea and sand destination. This is one city where a mid-winter celebration can still take place on the beach. In 2010, FIFA World Cup™ spectators can expect the city’s biggest beach party yet at the FIFA Fan Fest New Beach is the location for the 2010 FIFA Fan Fest™ in Durban , a sandy stretch on the city’s prestigious Golden Mile, close to beachfront hotels and a short distance away from the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the city’s brand new official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ venue, which will host 7 matches including a semi-final. Some 25 000 people will congregate at this central beachfront fan park, which will be fenced off and secured through the combined services of the South African Police Services and Durban’s Metro Police force. The beachfront is currently undergoing extensive remodelling with repaving of the promenade, development of beachside facilities, road upgrades and landscaping. The Durban FIFA Fan Fest™ promises live screenings of all the tournament’s 64 matches, watched on mega-screens against a backdrop of the waves of the Indian Ocean. In between matches, there’ll be food and drink stalls and live entertainment – the city promises a rock concert atmosphere. Thi s Durban FIFA fan park has the advantage of being in close proximity to a string of restaurants and pubs along the beachfront promenade. The city is at a crossroad of cuisines – traditional African fare in this Zulu heartland mingles with pungent Oriental spices contributed by a sizeable Indian population, and then fuses yet further with European influences. In addition to the official Durban FIFA Fan Fest™ location, there will be 2 additional public viewing facilities, in the KwaMashu and Umhlazi neighbourhoods. The first venue can accommodate 15 000 spectators and the second some 10 000. All venues offer free entrance. Source – www.southafrica.net 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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Fifa Fan Fest Spot – Durban

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Bafana continues winning streak 1-0 over Denmark

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

By Nthambeleni Gabara Pretoria- Bafana Bafana continued their winning streak by beating 36 ranked Denmark 1-nil at the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday. The goal was courtesy of Mamelodi Sundowns striker, Katlego “Killer” Mphela, who has been in fine form since Bafana began their FIFA World Cup preparations. It was Mphela’s 14th goal for the national team. Today’s victory extended Bafana’s winning record to 12 unbeaten matches. It was visible from the beginning of the match that the home team was full of confidence and hungry for a victory. Duo Siphiwe Tshabalala and Kagisho Dikgacoi sent a fantastic cross to unmarked Teko Modise in the box in the 28th minute which showed that the Danish defence had run out of steam, however, the Orlando Pirates playmaker headed the ball wide. Bafana looked good in the first half and kept ball possession and when they controlled the ball in the middle of the park, they continued to dominate, while the visitors lagged behind. In the second half, the Danish players tried to take control but lost focus. Reneilwe Letsholonyane had a chance with the ball after brilliant moves by teammates Tshabalala and Modise and unleashed a grass cutter 28 metres from the box, but Anderson was well-positioned to palm the ball away. In the 76th minute the Danish keeper brilliantly saved a close range shot from Mphela. In the dying minutes of the game, Bafana’s number one goal keeper, Itumeleng Khune denied the Danish team an equalizer. He saved a close range shot, which drew loud applause from the hundreds of fans that were present at the stadium. A delighted Carlos Alberto Parreira who has pledged to make South Africans proud during the World Cup said a win against another World Cup qualifying team shows that his boys are ready for the tournament. “To me this is a special win because we’ve just defeated an experienced side with full of quality players. We played with confidence and personality. The path that we took to prepare the team for the tournament proved to be the right one today. “This is a job well-done for the players and I am happy about their performance and the good results. We are ready to fight for our position at the World Cup. Everybody has to respect us,” he said. The team’s skipper, Aaron Mokoena, said it was a tough match for Bafana, but their victory boosted their morale. Source -BuaNews 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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Bafana continues winning streak 1-0 over Denmark

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FIFA World Cup Opening Concert Orlando

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

OPENING DAY musical concert of World Cup 2010 is going to be the most watched concert of the world, and the person who is going to do song samba is Shakira. The FIFA World Cup opening ceremony is going to be musical double feature this week. Top stars including Shakira will perform on Thursday and a secret performance just ahead of match on Friday. The concert will be broadcast live from the heart of the Johannesburg Soweto Township’s 40,000 capacity Orlando Stadium at 1800 GMT. Soccers fans from across the world have already booked their tickets to watch Shakira in opening concert of FIFA World Cup 2010 singing official song “Waka Waka” with South African pop group Freshly Ground . Among others who are going to rock Johannesburg are Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys and John Legend . Top African musicians including Angelique Kdjo from Benin, The Parlotones from South Africa and Amadou and Mariam, the blind musical duo from Mali. But there is a surprise element from FIFA for the world just before the opening match between host South Africa and Mexico. Lebo M, the Soweo-born musician behind Broadway’s “The Lion King,” is the producer of 25-minute performance at Soccer City Stadium. Nelsen Mandela has picked a song “Hope” to play at opening by rocker Russ Ballard and Chris Winter. Source- Public88 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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FIFA World Cup Opening Concert Orlando

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