The 2010 FIFA World cup will kick off in South Africa on June 11 and will run for one month. South Africa is hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time. South Africa’s national team will play against Mexico in the opening match.
The 2010 FIFA World cup will kick off in South Africa on June 11 and will run for one month. South Africa is hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time. South Africa’s national team will play against Mexico in the opening match.
Fans held a rally in Johannesburg on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Photo: Johannesburg’s residents walking in the streets.
Photo: Johannesburg’s residents walking in the streets.
Football fans have already started betting; England, Spain, Brazil and Germany are among the tournament’s favorites.
Photo: Employees at Johannesburg’s betting office working on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Photo: Employees at Johannesburg’s betting office working on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The host team is made up of very experienced football players: only one player (defender Anele Ngcongca) is younger than 24, while 32-year-old Macbeth Sibaya, an FC Rubin Kazan midfielder, is the oldest player on the team.
Photo: Employees at Johannesburg’s betting office working on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Photo: Employees at Johannesburg’s betting office working on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The English national team is among the favorites, although many believe that it will be difficult for them because of a weak defense. Nevertheless, they are almost obliged to qualify for the quarterfinal matches, as they have done in recent tournaments.
The German national team is always considered a favorite in any tournament, no matter what state the side is in. But this time the team, headed by coach Joachim Loew, has every chance of lifting the cup. The team’s renowned discipline, strong players and qualified coach give them a chance as good as anyone’s.
The Spanish national team is top rated and considered a serious contender. The Spaniards will definitely qualify for the second round, but to become champions, they will have to go through the tournament’s next round, where they are likely to face the Portuguese team, famous for its unpredictability.
As for the Brazilian team, despite all of their positives, the team does not seem invincible and it can not boast as many big-name stars as some of the other teams. Of course, “the eternal champions” must qualify for the second round. It won’t be a surprise if they win the championship, but if not, it wouldn’t be a great sensation either.
