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FIFA World Cup South Africa – 2010

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

The stage is set for football lovers for the biggest event in history of the sports where teams from 32 countries are going to battle hard to prove their worth. FIFA World Cup 2010 is being played in South Africa, from June 11 to July 11, 2010 and football fans have already gathered there to watch the thrilling game and the rest are glued to different media channels to find what is happening. The passion for Football is certainly sweeping every one in Pakistan this time, particularly the sportsmen and the youth. In addition to conventional media, Pakistani football fans are going online to find all sorts of information about the championship, including multimedia content such as brief video clips of stars and highlights from games from earlier championships. Many Internet sites have sprung up which are reporting each and every thing about the World Cup. “The hype this time is of an entirely different order,” says Zahir Khan, footballer and a student in Business and Information Technology. Earlier football fan frenzy started when the 18 carat gold FIFA World Cup

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Waka Waka

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

Shakira will be in 3D this weekend when the FIFA World Cup Official 2010 video is released . This will be the first time ever that millions of people will see a 3D performance video at the same time around the world. Shakira sings Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) as the Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song. Yesterday, the official release of the 2010 FIFA World Cup video was released complimenting this song and giving viewers around the world a chance to catch the FIFA World Cup fever. The song, focusing on the host country of the region, gives the chance to see more of the country and bring together the world under one sport. The vivid colors of the area are seen in the clothes as well as video for the sport. The world is bracing for an exciting time of World Cup fever. Teams have been arriving in South America over the week with hundreds of fans already present. Bracing for one of the largest events means having the world come together and scream every time a goal is scored.

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Waka Waka

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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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Parreira to make announcement today

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

Parreira Squad Announcement South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira makes planned World Cup squad announcement after a last-minute friendly against Guatemala was arranged for the South African team. He will now make the announcement on Today at 9:00, cutting a current 28-man squad by five. It is the penultimate World Cup warm-up match for the hosts, who have gone 10 games unbeaten since Parreira returned as coach last November. South Africa will play Denmark in their last World Cup warm-up in Pretoria on Saturday. Who will it be. Source -MTN Football.com Starting line up for the Guatemala match , Polokwane, 31 May 2010 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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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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Fifa Fan Fest Spot – Pretoria

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

FIFA Fan Fest™ Tshwane/Pretoria T shwane/Pretoria’s rich and colourful heritage is reflected in the city’s myriad of museums and monuments and is punctuated by contemporary arts and craft markets, making the city alive with a unique blend of new and ol d. Tshwane/Pretoria is the administrative cap ital of South Africa. The city hosts the second largest number of embassies in the world, as well as various foreign missions, trade delegations, consulates and international aid organisations. The Union Buildings house the administrative centre of the country and are the setting for presidential inaugurations, including that of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela. The sandstone buildings provide an example of fine architecture, with the extensive gardens offering a beautiful view over the city. The Tshwane/Pretoria FIFA Fan Fest™ will be based at Centurion Cricket Ground, just outside the city. The Cricket Ground has been the host to numerous large sporting events in the past, and will provide various onsite facilities for visiting fans. With both seating and standing options, viewing the games on the 50sqm screen couldn’t be more comfortable, with entertainment between games that will bring you to your feet The FIFA Fan Fests™ unique characteristic will be the fusion of African culture and food with that of countries from around the world, represented in this city by over 100 embassies, many of whom are participating in the festivities Key Facts: Venue Centurion Cricket Ground Capacity 30,000 Opening Dates 11 June – 11 July (Match playing days) Opening Hours 10:00 to late Distance to Stadium 13km Distance to Airport 35km to OR Tambo International Airport How to Get There? Centurion Cricket Ground is located just off the major highway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, so the site is very easily accessible Parking will be available in the vicinity of the venue Source – Fifa.com 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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Blatter Praises South Africa for Preparations

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

Pretoria- With four days to go before the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is more than ready to host the spectacle, says President Jacob Zuma. “South Africa is more than ready. For us the World Cup has already begun,” President Zuma told journalists on Sunday. The president said the country has been preparing for the tournament since 15 May 2004. He acknowledged the role played by FIFA President Sepp Blatter for his confidence in South Africa’s ability to host the World Cup in the face of doubt and Afro-pessimists. “It is clear that millions of our people have waited for years and look upon the tournament with hope, pride and a sense of belonging,” said the President who also acknowledged that the South African flag has become the most popular item on shopping lists auguring well for nation building. “This explosion of national pride is a priceless benefit of the World Cup tournament,” he added. The president added that the national team, Bafana Bafana, is ready and in fighting form ahead of Friday’s first game against Mexico. Yesterday th e national team beat Denmark 1- nil in Atteridgeville after beating Guatemala last week 5-nil. Blatter who accompanied Zuma to the briefing said: “”It was a long way to come with FIFA’s World Cup to Africa and to connect it with South Africa to make it an African World Cup. It was a long way to come but we did it. It’s an African World Cup and all the world.” Blatter will be bestowed with the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo tomorrow at the official welcome dinner hosted by government. “It is now all systems go. Well done South Africa! Well done FIFA, well done to the world! Let the games begin on Friday! ” remarked Zuma. Source-BuaNews 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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World cup fans turn to cellphones

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

World Cup soccer fans turning more to cellphones (Reuters) – The billions of fans of soccer’s World Cup , globally the premiere sporting event, will increasingly turn to mobile phones to track the action, according to a Nielsen survey released on Thursday. More than half of the 27,000 people surveyed in 55 countries plan to follow the popular soccer tournament, which is played every four years and begins in South Africa on June 11, Nielsen said in a survey provided to Reuters. Twenty-one percent said they would get information about the tournament on their mobile device and 9 percent would download an application to track the action. “This event is the biggest in the world of sports by far,” Roger Entner, Nielsen’s senior vice president for mobile insights, said in a telephone interview. “In 2010, mobile is really starting to be a medium for soccer fans worldwide to connect with the game.” The popular FIFA soccer tournament drew more than 700 million TV viewers when it was last played in 2006, including more than 120 million U.S. viewers who watched at least one minute of World Cup telecasts, Nielsen said. While this is the first such Nielsen survey, Entner said the numbers using cellphones to follow the event will be far higher than 2006. “The last World Cup , there was no iPhone,” he said of Apple Inc’s ( AAPL.O ) popular smartphone introduced in 2007. U.S. smartphone penetration has surged to 22 percent from 3.8 percent four years ago, he said. In France, Germany , Italy, Spain and the UK the rate has grown to a range of 21 percent to 36 percent from 4 percent to 10 percent in 2006. With more powerful, faster devices and networks, those growth trends will only continue with widespread mobile video and TV being the next step, Entner said. Of those surveyed, 51 percent said they intend to follow the tournament, including 84 percent in Brazil, 83 percent in Argentina, 76 percent in South Korea , 75 percent in Italy and Portugal, 69 percent in Zambia and almost two-thirds of the people in China, Nielsen said. “It’s mind blowing. It really shows how it is a global phenomenon,” Entner said. “We see some of the highest intended usage rates actually coming out of the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific Rim.” Countries with high planned cellphone use to access World Cup information include Venezuela (27 percent), United States (23 percent) and Brazil (21 percent), Nielsen said. In fact, in every country in the Middle East and Africa where people were surveyed, the rate was between 22 percent and 30 percent. “People intend to use mobile to supplement their hunger for information about the game,” Entner said. “If you can’t watch the game live, you’re going to follow it through your mobile device.” The rates in Europe were far lower — 3 percent in soccer powers Germany and Spain — which Entner thought made sense given most of those countries were in the same time zone as the World Cup and had a higher penetration of TV sets, meaning fans could watch the game live more easily. Finally, 34 percent of those surveyed picked Brazil as the likely Cup winner, easily outdistancing Argentina, England and Germany . Entner is rooting for his native Germany but has picked Brazil. (Reporting by Ben Klayman; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) Source – Reuters See this story on your cellphone http://tiny.cc/mobiza or http://tiny.cc/2010mobi 2010 World Cup Blog for the Fans

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