FIFA World Cup 2010

The 19th FIFA World Cup in South Africa took place on 11th June until the 11th July 2010. It was an event that drew the worldwide attention and focus on the small country at the southern end of Africa. Politics and the whole economy prepared for a national feast that should join the different peoples in a fragmented country up. The matches were played in ten stadiums, including the Soccer-City Stadium, able to host circa 84 thousands fans. One year before, in 2009, the Confederations Cup was successfully staged as a final test that showed South Africa's abilities to organize such an important event of this size. First step, done. Entire investions of a volume of 825 millions US-dollars signalised the interests in the possibilities of advertising for products even in a underdeveloped country like South Africa. All this brought South Africa the publicity they had needed. During the tournament problems showed up because of a high criminal rate and bad transport system but they couldn't stop the swelling proud of the South Africans to be member of this state. South Africa's national team being cut after the group stage also had no impact on the fantastic atmosphere in a poor country that let the people forget their problems for a while and support any team of Africa, great groups of fans just walked around the towns using Vuvuzelas and making a noise not to miss. In the end, nearly everyone was happy about the tournament being hosted in South Africa, according to the spirit that united the nation, but on the other hand the short-termed finacial profit was on the side of the FIFA and the buildings companies that had constructed the needed infrastructure. On the long-term, many tourists have explored South Africa as an interesting country and surely will think about a repeat of their journey, even without the World Cup going on. Over all, it was an exciting tournament that showed the proud of the nation of South Africa.