FIFA World Cup 2010: Africa's dream come true
FIFA World Cup 2010: Africa's dream come true
The once unimaginable idea of a FIFA World Cup played on African soil, in contemporary stadiums telecasted live to soccer fans in all corners of the planet will become a reality this Friday.
When South Africa`s players line up at the 90,000-capacity Soccer City arena to face Mexico in Friday`s first match of the FIFA World Cup 2010, the continent, the host country and the soccer world will see a crucial moment in their respective, entwined stories.
The event, 16 years since South Africa emerged from apartheid into a democratic state, will vindicate the dream of FIFA president Sepp Blatter who stood by the young nation when cynics said the FIFA WC 2010 could never go ahead here.
It will also realise the dreams of Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of the local organising committee, who has spent the last 16 years of his life working towards this moment.
It could signify the beginning of social changes in South Africa, a country of surprising natural beauty who's past and present has been scarred by the darker side of the human spirit - warped politics, heinous crime and deep-rooted poverty and prejudice.
As Jordaan told reporters in an interview this week: "For me it will be a dream come true. It`s a great moment in the World Cup`s 80-year history."
"People said no African country could ever deliver this event. But we are showing that we can`t just match what others have done but that we can do even better. Now the doubters are the believers." Make your eyes relaxed with 50mw Laser Pointer NZ Luxury Accommodation - Making the Most of Your Holiday Ibiza Holidays - The Paradise in Spain Cosmetic Surgeons - Why You Don't Have to Leave the Country Explore South Africa Further With Luxury South Africa Holidays North East Tour - Explore Beauty of Darjeeling Kalimpong and Gangtok Learn Tourism Management with Distance Learning MBA Courses Grand Rajasthan Tour: Get Experience during the Trip to India A tourist's Guide To National Parks In Ethiopia, Africa! Saints overcome slow start to capture first Super Bowl title in franchise history The Four Most Significant Things to Consider Regarding Medical Tourism: Philippines Leading ten Need to-Haves for Spring Fashion: From Fedoras to Stuhrling Watches Central London Office Review and Outlook for 2010