FIFA considering video replay technology

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated that the organisation is open to the use of video technology for replays after the summer 2010 World Cup. Earlier Blatter has expressed serious reservations about such usage saying that it would interrupt the game's flow. The Guardian reports that Blatter said that, "I'm not absolutely against it. If the technology is ready to adopt, then I am in agreement. If the security of the system is guaranteed then we will introduce it. But it will not be ready for the 2010 World Cup. But in any case it will be studied in March, at the next meeting of the International Football Association Board, the international body which establishes football rules and is the only one that can change them." Blatter was talking to the Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick.

Thierry Henry's controversial handball assist of the game-deciding goal in the World Cup qualifying match against Republic of Ireland prompted a wave of requests to consider the use of technology and additional referees. The additional referees will not be used during the World Cup although that experiment is being currently tried out in the Europa League.

Source: euFootball.BIZ

FIFA happy with World Cup ticket sales

The international football governing body FIFA has expressed satisfaction with the different phases of tickets sales for the World Cup scheduled for summer of 2010. FIFA is angry with media reports that have emphasized the crime in South Africa and made it seem like a possible deterrent to fans. FIFA feels the fact that the demand being less than what it was in Germany four years ago is affected by factors such as distance for many European fans.

There are limited flights to South Africa and the air tickets are also relatively more expensive. These are big considerations according to FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke. Valcke was very critical of recent news reports in England and Germany. "It's sad that every morning when you wake up people are saying you should not go to South Africa ... it's insane and it is completely wrong." He feels that every country, including the United States and Britain, has security concerns. "Where can we organise the World Cup? On the moon? Where there is no-one? Don't kill the World Cup before the World Cup has taken place."

The organisers are sensitive to the issue of crime. South Africa does have one of the highest rates of violent crime with their being 50 murders a day. A police force of 40,000 is being mobilised specially for the tournament. Jordaan, however, feels that the reports are exaggerated and points out that South Africa does attract millions of tourists every year and that it has successfully hosted cricket and rugby fans in recent years. He feels that, "Some things that you read have no basis in reality anywhere. We are happy where we are. The teams are happy where they are, they are coming."

In the third phase of the ticket sales that ended last week 1.2 million applications were received from 192 countries and this bring the total applications to 2 million. There are 3 million seats for sale totally. South African fans account for 80 percent of the applications and most of the overseas demand is from fans in the US who have requested 50,000 tickets. Britain's applications stand at 41,529 and Germany, with lower than usual demand, is at 15,000. Recent reports that have spoken about low demand are factoring in only the ticket sales through national federations rather than providing a complete picture, say the officials. Danny Jordaan, the CEO of the South African organising committee said, "Since the draw (on Dec. 4), we have seen a flurry in terms of ticket sales ... the sales have gone very well, we are extremely delighted." Six matches including the two semi-finals and finals are oversubscribed.

There is also the feeling that the ticket sales among poor black South Africans will pick up once the counter cash sales points open in April and the bank and Internet sale points may not have been accessible to them.

In reporting low ticket sales earlier this month, the German soccer federation had said that security concerns and high travel costs may be affecting sales but also said that this pattern of sales is typical for how it happened with other distant locations such as South Korea and Japan.

Source: euFootball.BIZ

South Africa seek to reassure ahead of World Cup

With the kick-off of the World Cup a mere five months away, South African officials have attempted to allay fears concerning criminal activity in the country.

On Tuesday, South African Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said that there was nothing friendly between police forces in the country and criminals.

Speaking at a news conference, he added that two were no friends, and that they were out to get them, always tightening the screws around them.

He said that South African law enforcement officials were preparing themselves for any eventuality, from petty crime to large scale criminal operations.

Mthethwa police will have eyes everywhere, under the stones, in the air and on the sea.

Police National Commissioner Bheki Cele said the country is said to have recruited an additional 41 000 police officers for the World Cup, making it one of the largest police forces in the world in relation to its population.

Cele said that in the United Kingdom, there are 140 000 policemen for a population of some 60 million inhabitants. In France, the numbers are 147 000 officers for 60million inhabitants; meanwhile, in South Africa, it will be 186 000 police officers for 47million people.

According to Mthethwa, a strong police presence at World Cup venues will act as deterrents for criminals who would otherwise target the more than 450 000 spectators expected at the month-long event.

South Africa has experienced a notoriously high crime rate over the last decade. Every day, about fifty people are murdered – a number greater than figures seen in the United States, which has a population of 300 million people and is more than six times more populous than the African nation.

South African World Cup organisers have repeatedly offered assurances about safety concerns, claiming that the country had made a huge investment in security with a budget of more than R2,4-billion.

Meanwhile, travel industry specialist have still urged football enthususast to make their bookings as early as possible, explaining that prices would otherwise skyrocket. They’ve urged visitors to exercise common sense and to avoid obvious traps such as apparently distressed motorists on highways. Despite a relatively high crime rate, South Africa is still considered to be stunningly beautiful.

Written by Sarah Pool · Filed Under General, Sport, Travel 

Fifa braced for losses from South Africa's hosting of 2010 World Cup

Matt Scott
The Guardian

Fifa expects to make a marginal loss on the 2010 World Cup, in contrast to the £178m profit it made in the 2006 tournament year. A senior Fifa source yesterday told Digger that the governing body expects to be called upon to underwrite "a few thousand dollars" in overall losses in South Africa this year.

But that is a much happier picture than the one Fifa painted eight months ago, when releasing its accounts for the 12 months to the end of 2008. To guard against financial risks, Fifa has been hoarding cash since the 2002 World Cup and by January 2009 it had exceeded its £500m equity target by £63m.

A statement read: "At the halfway stage in the 2007-2010 period, Fifa had already achieved its objective of increasing equity to at least £500m by the end of 2010. Nevertheless, a definitive assessment of Fifa's equity can only be carried out once the 2010 Fifa World Cup has been successfully staged."

At that point Fifa was concerned about the financial impact of the potential postponement or relocation of the tournament. The source stressed that this was only a possible financial consequence and that enormous losses are "out of the question" now. The true picture of Fifa's finances will be made clear within the coming weeks with the release of the 2009 accounts, but the source underlined that the organisation's equity is now "far above" the £500m target. Which will no doubt come as a considerable relief to football associations around the world.

Budget blues

Fifa's South Africa experience might now be a happy one, but not all of its World Cups break even. There is relief in Zurich at the latest independent audit of the under-17s World Cup, which revealed losses relating to that tournament, in Nigeria last year, to be considerably less than the $30m (£18.5m) first feared. Now they are said to stand at $10m (£6.2m), which is still going some on a budget of $18m (£11m).

Green shoots for County

Haydn Green, the now-departed saviour of Notts County, is set to have a say in the club's affairs from beyond the grave. It is believed that Green laid down detailed criteria for all future investment at the club. Green's estate is understood still to have a major influence in how deals are structured, as the freeholder to the Meadow Lane stadium the club lease. And given its experience at the hands of Munto Finance, the last investors the club's chairman, Peter Trembling, brought to the table, do not be surprised if the estate stipulates that all creditors must be paid off in full before it gives a green light. That is, after all, what on Wednesday the high court directed should happen.

Online own goal

The Remote Gambling Association, an online bookmakers' body, has released a report pointing out the value of the industry's financial input into sport. "[It] provides €3.4bn (£2.9bn) per annum to EU sport alone," it said. But hold on, haven't we seen this figure before? That's right: in an RGA report two months ago that stated 92% of the money flowing back to sport from gambling comes out of statutory levies and lottery awards, with only €200m from sponsorship and donations. Small wonder the Sports Rights Owners' Coalition, a pressure group calling for the levy principle to be widened to sports other than horse racing, had a view. "This is a spectacular own goal by the betting industry," said a spokesman. "We'll be using their research to make the case to the UK government for a fair return for sport."

Charlton in box seat

One name the Football League might consider as its new chairman, to succeed the outgoing Lord Mawhinney, pictured, is that of Eddie Charlton. The highly respected banker (they do exist) made it on to the short list for the Football Association chairmanship in 2007, but was beaten to the post by Lord Triesman. With the League this time keen to look beyond Westminster it should be encouraged that the talk in the City is that Charlton is keen on taking up the Gloucester Place role

Ghana looks to World Cup after U-20 success

Ghanaians clad in the national colors of red, gold and green celebrated long into the night on Friday as excitement over the national team's penalty shootout victory over Brazil in the final of the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt brought the West African nation to a standstill.

Ghana's victory, 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw which they had survived since the 37th minute with 10 men, was the first ever by an African side in the tournament. Earlier, many football fans had converged in churches hours before the game to pray for divine intervention.

But the triumph, coupled with Nigeria's disappointing performance in the tournament, may be the clearest signal yet that the balance of power in West Africa may have tilted from Nigeria to Ghana once again.

Last month Ghana's Black Stars, featuring players like Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien and Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari, became the first African side to qualify for South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Nigeria are in danger of missing the World Cup for the second time running. The Super Eagles trail Tunisia by two points in Group B ahead of their last group qualifying matches on November 11 when both countries face tricky away fixtures.

Until 2006, Ghana was regarded as the continent's sleeping giants, having dominated African football in the years after it became the first independent sub-Saharan African country over five decades ago. By contrast, it took Nigeria -- Africa's most populous country -- another three decades to establish itself among the continent's top national sides.

It was not until Ghana's first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006 that the four-times winners of the African Cup of Nations regained some of their lost glory.

It signaled not only Ghana's long-awaited arrival at football biggest global gathering but also a fulfillment of a prediction in 1990 by Cameroon legend Roger Milla that the world had not seen the best of African football until the Black Stars made it to the World Cup.

As continental champions in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982 and with Ghanaian legends including three-times African footballer of the year Abedi Pele and former Eintracht Frankfurt and Leeds United star Anthony Yeboah both rated in their time among the world's best players, Milla knew Ghana had the qualities to match some of the world's best.

Youth success at the FIFA under-17 championship in 1991 and 1995, two appearances in the final of the under-20 championship in 1993 and 2001 and an Olympic bronze medal in Barcelona in 1992 emphasized Ghana's abundance of talent and unfulfilled promise at the highest level.

At Germany 2006, Ghana became the only African survivor after the preliminary round, surprising the bookmakers with victories over the Czech Republic and the U.S. before losing 3-0 to Brazil in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggested.

Ghana's squad for next year's World Cup in South Africa will likely include the cream of the team that impressed in Germany, including Essien and Muntari, as well as some of the brilliant youngsters who sparkled this month World Youth Championship in Egypt; notably Golden Ball and Golden Shoe winner Dominic Adiyiah, Ransford Osei and Andre Ayew, the son of Abedi Pele.

Following the side's masterful display in Egypt and relatively easy World Cup qualifying campaign, the Black Stars will carry both Ghanaian and African expectations on their shoulders as they bid to improve on the quarterfinal places achieved by Cameroon and Senegal in 1990 and 2002 respectively.

With a population of around 140 million and a reputation for producing stars such as Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Chelsea's John Obi Mikel, the outstanding qualities of Nigerian football are beyond question.

But African football observers believe poor administration by the Nigerian Football Federation and the resultant instability in the technical direction of the team has undermined the development of Nigerian football and resulted in its dwindling fortunes at the world stage.

Nigeria emerged as West Africa's leading side in 1980 by wining the African Cup of Nations, a feat they repeated 14 years later in Tunisia. The Super Eagles made their World Cup debut in the U.S. in 1994 and qualified for both France 1998 and Japan/South Korea 2002.

Like Ghana, Nigeria has shown promise at youth level, winning U-17 World Cup titles in 1985, 1993 and 2007, and winning Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

As host of this year's FIFA Under-17 championship, Nigeria will be hoping to draw inspiration from Ghana's performance in Egypt to retain the title on home soil next month.

At continental level, the once powerful Super Eagles are anything but super. Since reaching the final of the 2000 African Nations Cup, Nigeria has failed make any meaningful impact despite parading highly-talented squads.

For three successive tournaments Nigeria finished in third place before crashing out at the quarterfinal stage of the 2008 edition in a 2-1 defeat by Ghana.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, the 39-year-old president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), believes the country is reaping the dividends of a professional approach through the implementation of a five-year business plan, which has attracted massive injection of cash through corporate sponsorship from kit sponsor Puma and mining, banking, brewery and telecommunication firms.

"When we took over in 2005 we realized that one of the biggest problems we faced was the availability of timelines of funds needed to prepare the teams adequately, provide the necessary incentives for the players and numeration for the technical staff," Nyantakyi says.

"The availability of funding timely and an autonomy for the federation has helped us execute our plans effectively and this is showing in our recent impressive performances."

Beyond monetary considerations and administrative stability, Ghana is also reaping the rewards of years of investment in youth football which has produced players like Essien and Muntari -- and now new kid on the block Adiyiah and others.

For now, the country seem to have regained bragging rights as the superpower in West Africa.

Source: edition.cnn.com

Free Booze in Tamale

Some drinking spots in the Tamale metropolis opened their bars to members of the general public to drink free of charge as part of the celebrations of the Black Satellites' victory in the just-ended FIFA under-20 World Cup last Friday.

One bar owner, Akosua Mensah, told the Ghanaian Times that she decided to offer free drinks in appreciation of the great performance by the Satellites in conquering the world.

She said Friday's victory with 10 players, over mighty Brazil enhanced the unity of Ghanaians.

A half-stripped reveller, Alhassan Musah, suggested that the victory of the Satellites should be celebrated for three continuous days.

Thousands of residents, including women, men and children poured into the streets to celebrate the victory, dancing to the tune of traditional Shum and Simpa music in a carnival atmosphere.

Matthew Ayoo writes that thousands of football fans, mostly the youth poured into the streets to celebrate the victory singing praises to the players and dancing to brass band music.

‘Satellites have made Ghana proud’. ‘Satellites are the winner’ ‘Ghana is world champion’, were some of the statements on the lips of most of them.

The fans brought traffic on the principal streets to a halt as motor cyclists displayed intricate riding skills and drivers tooted their horns in the late-night celebration.

Many more fans went on a drinking spree

Popular Drinking spots like K.G., Prisons Canteen, Quainoo Spot and First and Last Drinking Bar, were filled to capacity.

Some of the people expressed the hope that Satellites victory would inspire the senior national team, the Black Stars, to win the world cup in South Africa come next year.

Ibrahim Alhaji Mohammed, reports from Bolgatanga that the entire town went agog with excitement as soon as the breathtaking penalty kick by Ghana's Black Satellites entered Brazil’s net.

The principal streets were taken over by jubilant soccer fans, some of whom rode motorcycles and bicycles and drivers tooting.

Mr Bata Ali Yussif, a teacher, told the Times that although he was not a football fan the honour that the Satellite have brought to the nation by beating Brazil to lift the trophy compelled him to join in the celebration.

He urged the senior national team, the Black Stars, to emulate their younger brothers by working hard to conquer the world at the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa.

Mr. Seth Adongo, a carpenter, said as a football enthusiast, he was very proud of the Satellites and urged the Ghana Football Association to keep the Satellites team together and groom them into the Black Stars team in future.

Mr. Samuel Ayine, a taxi driver, congratulated the Satellites and the technical bench on their achievement and urged them not to be complacent but work hard to win got their bikes damaged.

This notwithstanding, the jubilation continued deep into the night.

Source: news.myjoyonline.com

South Africa World Cup 2010 Bits and Pieces

We have rounded up a few facts about South Africa's preperations to host the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Here are quick facts about South Africa:

It’s a fact!

We are the second country in the world to have hosted the cricket, rugby and football world cups.

STADIUMS

The new stadiums are the most spectacular in the world and they will collectively seat more than 570 000 people.

• The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban has a steel arch 105 m above the middle of the pitch, and by using a cable car, spectators will enjoy a stunning view of the Indian Ocean.
• Soccer City in Johannesburg takes the form of a calabash, a traditional African drinking vessel. The outer skin area spans 43 000 m2 and will be constructed from wholly natural energy-efficient material. It is the biggest stadium in Africa, seating almost 95 000 people.
• The Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit is situated in a region known for its wild beauty and animals, close to the Kruger National Park. Its signature feature is the 18 roof supports that resemble giraffes. Stadiums in townships are being upgraded, some as training venues. These include:
• Orlando Stadium, which has been completed ahead of schedule, and Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto
• Rand, Cecil Payne, Rabie Ridge and Ruimsig stadiums in Johannesburg • HM Pitje, Super and Giant stadiums in Tshwane/Pretoria
• Sesa Ramabodu Stadium in Rocklands, Cape Town
• Princess Magogo, King Zwelithini and Sugar Ray Xulu stadiums in Durban
• Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.

Did you know?

Some R25-million will be invested in club development across sporting codes, especially in poorer communities, to unearth and nurture our sports talent, and improve our sports competitiveness.

Some R212-million is being invested in school and community sport over the period to 2010.

The Schools Programme will bring the FIFA World Cup™ ethos of fair play, healthy lifestyles and multiculturalism to 12 million schoolchildren through sports, arts and culture.

TRANSPORT

Some R11.7-billion is being invested in the transport infrastructure programme to ensure the smooth movement of fans, teams and media. The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ transport projects are an integrated part of government’s overall investment in transport, which is revolutionising our transport system for the long-term benefit of commuters and the economy.

Our roads, rail and bus-route upgrade will provide an integrated transport system. This includes innovations like Rapid Rail and bus rapid transit systems, which include special public transport lanes and interchange nodes for commuters to switch from one form of transport to another. The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will pioneer the use of integrated electronic ticketing, which will see commuters using one ticket to access buses, trains and taxis.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES

The satellite teleport and telecommunications infrastructure for the World Cup will support transmission capacity of 40 gigabytes per second and will be used after 2010 to provide broadband services.

The International Broadcast Centre in Johannesburg will be the media nerve centre, receiving broadcast transmissions from the stadiums and distributing them across the globe.

The media nerve-centre includes a “farm” of satellite dishes covering an area of 5 000 m². The cumulative television audience for the 2010 event will reach about 26,9 billion.

Did you know?

South Africa’s 2010 World Cup official slogan is KE NAKO. Celebrate Africa’s Humanity™. “Ke Nako” is a Sesotho, Sesotho sa Leboa and Setswana word for “it’s time”. It is a call to celebrate Africa as the origin of humanity and as a contributor to every sphere of human endeavour.

TOURISM AND ACCOMMODATION

For the first time in history, FIFA is contracting non-hotel accommodation, such as national parks, bed-and-breakfasts, lodges and guest houses.

South Africa already has 80,000 graded rooms – more than enough to cover the number of 55,000 required by FIFA.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES

The country will have free primary healthcare at official venues, 24-hour emergency medical services and international and local surveillance measures for disease outbreaks. The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will accelerate the improvement of South Africa’s emergency medical services:

• two well-equipped communications centres worth R37 million are being established in each province for real-time co-ordination of emergency vehicles to the nearest available emergency centre
• some R8 million is being invested to upgrade emergency centres
• medical helicopter services will be extended to all provinces
• 450 vehicle ambulances will be replaced.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Nothing will be left to chance in securing the events and our country. This investment will continue to assist the police in their crime-fighting initiatives long after the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is over:

• Some R665 million will be spent on procuring state-of-the-art equipment, including crowd-control equipment, unmanned aircraft, helicopters, 10 water cannons, 100 BMWs for highway patrol and mobile body armour.
• Four high-tech mobile command centres will receive live footage from the airplanes and other cameras.
• A dedicated force of 41,000 officers will be deployed specifically for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Did you know?

For the World Summit on Sustainable Development, South Africa pioneered a security model that has been acknowledged as a new international benchmark – and has since been adopted by the United Nations as its model for large events.

ACCESS TO SOUTH AFRICA

• Some R1.5-billion is invested in upgrading the ports of entry, and preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ are improving immigration procedures for the smooth entry and exit of people in and out of the country.
• We will have event-specific visas that will enable ticket holders to enter the country with ease.
• This includes speeding up immigration processes at ports of entry through “fast-track” lanes and advanced passenger processing in which travelers are checked before they board the airplane to their destination.

Source: sa2010.gov.za

FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 Facts

South Africa's national football squad

The country's football team is known as Bafana Bafana - "the boys, the boys" in isiZulu - a name that comes from the fans' cry that went up during the squad's triumph at the 1996 African Cup of Nations, hosted in South AFrica. Other than winning that tournament, Bafana Bafana has twice qualified - in 1998 and 2002 - for the FIFA World Cup since the end of South Africa's sporting isolation.

Why South Africa was awarded the 2010 World Cup

FIFA decided that the 2010 tournament would be hosted by an African country, with five countries - South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya - in the running. In 2004 the organization’s inspection committee announced that South Africa had the potential to organize an "excellent" World Cup - compared to Egypt and Morocco's potential to organize "very good" World Cups, Tunisia's potential to organize a "good" World Cup, and the probability that Libya would "face great difficulties in organizing a World Cup to the standards required".

Economic benefits

It has been estimated that the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 will create some 129 000 jobs, contribute around R21-billion to the country's gross domestic product and another R7.2-billion in government taxes, with the 350 000 visitors spending a some R9.8-billion in the country.

Use of the FIFA logo

Only accredited FIFA partners and sponsors are allowed to use the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 logo in their publicity and advertising.

Tickets

Some 3-million tickets will be available for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010's 64 matches. One third, or a million, will be allocated to South African football fans, another million to international visitors, and the third million to sponsors, teams and the "FIFA family". Tickets are likely to go on sale in 2008.

What is a vuvuzela?

Some would say its South Africa's national musical instrument. It's a big plastic trumpet, brightly colored, and is blown with gusto by all fans at every football match in the country. The sound it makes is something between the bellow of a constipated elephant and the buzzing of a giant swarm of baritone bees, but South Africans like it.

Travelling to South Africa

Time zone

South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). During June and July, when the 2010 tournament will be held, South African time is the same as that in continental Europe, and an hour ahead of the UK. So matches that kick off at 9pm here should be comfortable viewing for Europeans, but will be in the middle of the day in the US and early in the morning in Australia.

Transport

The host cities are all linked by air and train routes, and South Africa has a number of first-rate tour bus companies. The country’s road infrastructure is excellent, so it's a viable option to rent a car.

South African public transport is not up to the standard of New York or London, but there are options. The most popular form of public transport is the minibus taxi. By 2010 a massive recapitalization plan, currently underway, is likely to have replaced the old vehicles with larger and safer small buses.

Most of the host cities have Metrorail train and Metro bus systems, and there are numerous meter cab companies.

Accommodation

"The hotel sector in South Africa is first-rate," the FIFA inspection team said in its country report. "There are enough hotel rooms to accommodate everyone taking part in the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010, including media representatives and fans from around the world, both in the main towns ... and in the other towns suggested as 2010 FIFA World Cup venues."

Other options are the many bed & breakfast establishments in and around all the host cities, and over 150 backpacker lodges.

Communication

With a network that is 99% digital and includes the latest in fixed-line, wireless and satellite communication, South Africa has the most developed telecommunications network in Africa. The country's three cellular operators provide telephony to over 30-million subscribers - more than half the population.

Safety

Yes, there is crime in South Africa. But you really don't need to do much more than take all the usual sensible precautions. Know where you're going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, and lock your doors at night.

"As long as people attending the 2010 FIFA World Cup ... keep within certain boundaries, they should not encounter any trouble," the FIFA inspection team said in their country report.

"The Inspection Group received an excellent, comprehensive work schedule from one of the high commanders of the national police, covering stadiums, media centers and main hotels, which will doubtless satisfy every requirement for the event."

Water

South Africa’s water is of a far higher quality than that of many developed countries. High-quality tap (faucet) water is available almost everywhere, treated to be free of harmful microorganisms and both palatable and safe to drink straight from the tap. Johannesburg's water, for one, is as good as anything you'll get in a bottle.

Health

"On the whole, the health system has excellent facilities and perhaps one of the best private health systems in the world, drawing on modern technology and highly qualified specialists and medical staff," the FIFA inspection team said in its report.

"We have to add that there are fully equipped infirmaries with adequate first-aid facilities to meet every need in the stadiums proposed for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010."

Currency

South Africa's unit of currency is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. With a favorable exchange rate for many international currencies, South Africa is an inexpensive destination.

Banking

South Africa has a world-class, sophisticated financial sector, abreast of all the latest technological trends. Banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers (ATMs) are widely available. All major credit cards can be used, foreign banks are well represented, and banking can be done by ATM, internet or phone.

Host cities

Nine South African cities have been selected to host the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010.

Johannesburg

The economic hub of Africa, Johannesburg is a bustling, sprawling city of contrasts, spread across the small but densely populated province of Gauteng.

• Population (City of Johannesburg Metro): 3 225 810
• Province: Gauteng
• Map coordinates: 26° 08’ S, 28° 14’ E
• Altitude: 1 694 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadiums: Soccer City and Ellis Park
• Websites: www.joburg.org.za, www.joburgtourism.com, www.gauteng.net

Cape Town

South Africa's oldest and loveliest city lies in Table Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, in the south of the Western Cape Province. Beautiful buildings, the nearby wine lands, long white beaches and a rich cultural life make Cape Town South Africa's most favored tourist destination.

• Population (City of Cape Town Metro): 2 893 251
• Province: Western Cape
• Map coordinates: 33° 59’ S, 18° 36’ E
• Altitude: 42 meters
• Nearest airport: Cape Town International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Green Point Stadium
• Websites: www.capetown.gov.za, www.tourismcapetown.co.za

Durban

A warm subtropical place and the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is a major tourist destination and the busiest port in South Africa.

• Population (EThekwini Metro): 3 090 117
• Province: KwaZulu-Natal
• Map coordinates: 29° 58’ S, 30° 57’ E
• Altitude: 8 meters
• Nearest airport: Durban International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Durban Stadium
• Websites: www.durban.gov.za, www.kzn.org.za

Tshwane/Pretoria

Pretoria, in the Tshwane metropolitan municipality, is the administrative capital of South Africa, lying north of Johannesburg in the province of Gauteng. Over 150 years old, it is a place of grand monuments, delightful architecture and lovely open spaces.

• Population (City of Tshwane Metro): 1 985 984
• Province: Gauteng
• Map coordinates: 25° 44’ S, 28° 11’ E
• Altitude: 1 330 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
• Websites: www.tshwane.gov.za, www.tshwanetourism.com

Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth

Known as the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth lies in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan municipality on the windswept Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape Province.

• Population (Nelson Mandela Bay Metro): 1 005 776
• Province: Eastern Cape
• Map coordinates: 33° 59’ S, 25° 36’ E
• Altitude: 60 meters
• Nearest airport: Port Elizabeth Airport
• World Cup stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
• Websites: www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za, www.ectourism.co.za

Mangaung/Bloemfontein

The former capital of a Boer republic and now capital of the Free State, Bloemfontein - the name means "flower fountain" - is a pretty city with thousands of rose bushes and some poignant memorials. It forms part of the Mangaung local municipality.

• Population (Mangaung Municipality): 645 438
• Province: Free State
• Map coordinates: 29° 06’ S, 26° 18’ E
• Altitude: 1 351 meters
• Nearest airport: Bloemfontein Airport
• World Cup stadium: Free State Stadium
• Websites: www.mangaung.co.za, www.dteea.fs.gov.za

Rustenburg

Its tranquil Jacaranda-lined streets belie the fact that the Rustenburg area in North West province is one of the world's most heavily mined regions, with a wealth of platinum underground.

• Population (Rustenburg Municipality): 395 539
• Province: North West
• Map coordinates: 25° 34’ S, 27° 9’ E
• Altitude: 1 153 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
• Websites: www.rtbcc.co.za, www.tourismnorthwest.co.za

Mbombela/Nelspruit

Nelspruit is the capital of Mpumalanga province, lying in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River, about 330km east of Johannesburg. It is part of Mbombela local municipality.

• Population (Mbombela municipality): 474 803
• Province: Mpumalanga
• Map coordinates: 25° 26’ S, 30° 59’ E
• Altitude: 671 meters
• Nearest airport: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Mbombela Stadium
• Websites: www.mbombela.gov.za, www.mpumalanga.com

Polokwane

The capital of Limpopo province is ideally situated near the border of the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park.

• Population (Polokwane Municipality): 508 271
• Province: Limpopo
• Map coordinates: 23° 52’ S, 29° 27’ E
• Altitude: 1 230 meters
• Nearest airport: OR Tambo International Airport
• World Cup stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
• Websites: www.polokwane.org.za, www.golimpopo.com

Stadiums

World Cup matches will be held in 10 stadiums, two in Johannesburg and one in each of the remaining host cities. The 10 stadiums will together host 64 matches and seat more than 570 000 people during the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010.

Soccer City

• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Capacity: 95 000 seats
• Status: major upgrade
• Construction began: February 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-round, one second-round, one quarter-final, and the final match

Ellis Park

• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Capacity: 61 000 seats
• Status: minor upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: July 2007
• World Cup matches: five first-round, one second-round and one quarter-final

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

• Location: Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape
• Capacity: 46 000 seats (42 000 permanent)
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: March 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-round, one second-round, one quarter-final, and the third-place play-off

Green Point Stadium

• Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Capacity: 68 000 seats (55 000 permanent)
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: March 2007
• Due for completion: December 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds, one second-round, one quarter-final and one semi-final

Durban Stadium

• Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
• Capacity: 70 000 seats (54 000 permanent)
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: October 2008
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds, one second-round and one semi-final

Loftus Versfeld Stadium

• Location: Pretoria, Tshwane metropolitan municipality, Gauteng
• Capacity: 50 000 seats
• Status: minor upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: September 2007
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds and one second-round

Free State Stadium

• Location: Bloemfontein, Mangaung local municipality, Free State
• Capacity: 48 000 seats
• Status: upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: September 2007
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds and one second-round

Royal Bafokeng Stadium

• Location: Rustenburg, North West
• Capacity: 42 000 seats
• Status: upgrade (complete)
• Construction began: September 2007
• World Cup matches: four first-rounds and one second-round

Mbombela Stadium

• Location: Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
• Capacity: 46 000 seats
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: February 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: five first-rounds

Peter Mokaba Stadium

• Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
• Capacity: 45 000 seats
• Status: new construction
• Construction began: March 2007
• Due for completion: 30 October 2009
• World Cup matches: four first-rounds

Source: mediaclubsouthafrica.com

Inside Soccer: Hungary, Gabon chase FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 spots

Qualifying matches for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 resume in full force this weekend following a summer's slowdown of activity to allow most players to focus on preseason club training and competitions.

A number of intriguing matchups will take place through Sept. 9 as qualifying for the tournament enters its final critical months.

Here's a review of key games through Wednesday:

UEFA - Of the 46 matches scheduled for European teams, the most intriguing take place in Group 1. Hungary, a once dominant soccer nation that finished runner-up in 1938 and 1954, has not competed in a World Cup since 1986. The team holds the record for most goals scored in a FIFA World Cup final (27) in 1954 during its peak years.

Hungary sits in second place in Group 1, three points behind leader Denmark and four points ahead of Portugal and Sweden, the two teams they will play before next Wednesday.

Third place Portugal sits in a precarious position with only nine points and with three of its four remaining games against Denmark and Hungary (twice). Portugal's fate could clearly be defined by this time next week. Two losses would eliminate them from any chance of qualifying for the finals and would mean one of the world's top players, Christiano Ronaldo, would miss the tournament.

In Group 2, Greece and Switzerland are tied atop the table with 13 points, but Greece is ahead on goal differential. The two will play Saturday in Switzerland. Greece, the 2004 European Championship winners, has not played in the World Cup finals since 1994.

Group 6 leader England could clinch a spot in the World Cup finals with a win Wednesday over Croatia, which trail in second place by eight points with both teams still to play three games. England has not lost in 2010 qualifying.

In Group 7, leader Serbia will host France Wednesday and will try to expand its five point lead over the 2006 finals runner-up. A loss would force France, the 1998 champion and 2006 runner-up, to win its remaining three games to have a chance to win the group.

CONMEBOL - South American teams will play 10 games by Wednesday, with the most attention focused on Argentina vs. Brazil on Saturday.

Argentina sits in fourth place with four games remaining. Two wins, including over qualifying leader Brazil, should guarantee them no lower than their current position and the last automatic qualifying spot for the finals. But Argentina must also face second place Paraguay away on Wednesday.

Since Argentine legend Diego Maradona took over as head coach in November, Argentina has two wins and two losses in 2010 qualifying, including 6-1 to second to last place Bolivia.

To inspire passion in his players, Maradona has moved the match against Brazil from Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, the normal site for home World Cup matches, to Central Stadium in Rosario, the home town of the team's most dynamic player, Lionel Messi.

Unlike in Monumental Stadium, Rosario's fans sit up against to the pitch, increasing the environment's intensity.

Second-place Chile is the surprise of South American qualifying and with two of its four remaining games against lower half teams Colombia and Venezuela, the team should reach its first finals since 1998. They will travel to play Brazil on Wednesday.

CONCACAF - The United States stands the best chance of the top three teams in the region of helping themselves in the two games all teams will play through Sept. 9. The Americans host fifth place El Salvador Saturday and travel to last place Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday.

The Americans have never lost to El Salvador in World Cup qualifying and that should not change on Saturday. The U.S. beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in a final round qualifier in January at home. At least one win is critical; two wins would provide a comfort zone for its last two qualifiers against first place Costa Rica and second place Honduras.

Mexico, a point behind the United States in fourth place, will play away at Costa Rica on Saturday and then will host Honduras Wednesday. The Mexicans need to win one of those games to have a chance for an automatic qualifying spot (top three).

CAF - Halfway through the final qualifying round for African nations, two situations offer some surprise. Gabon, which has never advanced to a World Cup final, leads Group A by two points and Algeria, which last appeared in the World Cup finals in 1986, leads Group C by three points.

Gabon's lead is a bit misleading. They've played only twice and have yet to face traditional powerhouse Cameroon. The two will face each other Saturday and Wednesday (one game was rescheduled from June following the death of Gabon president Omar Bongo). Cameroon has played in five of the last six World Cup finals and faces likely elimination with a loss in one of the two games.

Ghana sports a five point lead in first place in Group D and a win over last place Sudan on Sunday would create a likely advancement to the finals.

AFC - Four teams from Asia - Australia, Japan, North Korea and South Korea - have already qualified for the World Cup finals, but another Asian team can still advance to the finals in South Africa. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia both finished in third place in their groups and the two teams will play each other starting Saturday in Bahrain. The second game will be played Sept. 9 in Saudi Arabia. The winner will play Oceania winner New Zealand later this year to fill one slot in the finals.

Johnson's U.S. role diminished - The U.S.'s preliminary roster for its World Cup qualifier Saturday against El Salvador will again exclude 25-year-old forward Eddie Johnson, once considered a young National Team star with much promise. Are Johnson’s chances of making the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 team fading?

Johnson last dressed for the Americans in a World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago in April but did not play. He was on the roster for two semifinal round World Cup qualifiers last September, but played only 23 minutes in a 3-0 win over Trinidad. Johnson started in matches against Poland, England, Spain and Argentina from March through June 2008 and last scored for the U.S. in a 4-1 loss to Argentina in June 2007.

The U.S. matches Saturday and Wednesday will likely determine the team's FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010 fate, so it behooves head coach Bob Bradley to roster his most reliable forwards. Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies earned Bradley’s confidence with strong performances at the Confederations Cup in June; Conor Casey of the Rapids leads MLS in scoring this season with 11 goals; Brian Ching has scored seven goals for Houston this year and scored a goal for the Americans in July against Honduras in the Gold Cup. Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake has 10 goals this season, but boasts just one cap and will not likely dress for the game.

Johnson is back with Fulham in the English Premier League after playing on loan last season with Cardiff City. He’s played in one of three Fulham games this season and along with Donovan is the only other pure striker candidate who has played in a World Cup (two games in 2006) for the U.S.

Bradley is likely waiting to see what kind of season Johnson puts together in Fulham before bringing him back to the Natoinal Team, which probably would not happen until next year. If the Americans qualify for 2010 after its next two games by Wednesday, Johnson would be wise to focus on his time with Fulham rather than suit up for two remaining U.S. qualifying games that have little relative significance.

Source: universalsports.com

Ghana qualifies for the FIFA South Africa World Cup 2010