Just as in the 2002 FIFA World Cup ™ in Japan and the Republic of Korea was a defining moment in the history of Asian football, and 2010 promises a similar turning point for Africa.
This view was expressed today in Japan's Junji Ogura, FIFA Executive Committee members, who spoke at a press briefing to update the packed Tokyo of Japanese and international media on the preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. With some of the best clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup, it is a good opportunity to FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke, the executive director of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee Danny Jordaan, South Africa, Japan, Ambassador Gert Grobler and Ogura briefly turn Spotlight on South Africa in 2010.
"Then, in Japan and Korea, the first FIFA World Cup in Asia, and especially one of the organizers, the international media was a bit worried whether we can do that," Ogura said. "Asian people are too worried whether the World Cup will be successful or not. Japan and Korea, not on time, have a great back in world football. But South Korea reached the semi-finals, Japan for the past 16 years and was a successful event. Due to these factors, in Asia, people were so happy and honored. He raised the confidence of Asian nations and led to an increase in football in Asia. "
This passion for the game in Asia is clearly evident in Japan's thriving J. The League, with the FIFA President's comments on the atmosphere in the stands with Gamba Osaka, mostly young fans during yesterday's FIFA World Club Cup victory over Adelaide United. Ogura said the first FIFA World Cup in Asia, not only leads to the development of Asian countries and economies, but also to build a life and friendly relations between Asia and the rest of the world.
As an example, he pointed out that hosting Cameroon contributed to the relationship, which continued in the strong economic and social ties, with the Lions neukrotimoy well supported when they return to Japan. "This kind of exchange of great friendship that is the 2010 FIFA World Cup will spread and I am confident that it will be very successful."
There is no doubt South Africa is ready. We are on the way. There are no red flags. We work every day so it will be one of the greatest events in the world.
FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke South Africa in 2010.
For Blatter, in South Africa in late 2008 organizers have made significant progress in their preparation, it was another opportunity to state unequivocally that FIFA flagship tournament will be held on African soil. "I am very happy that I can tell, the 2010 FIFA World Cup will finally be on African soil in multi-cultural South Africa, he said." If there are people who still doubt it, I say: 2010 FIFA World Cup will be in South Africa. "
Memoirs have been raised from Blatter uttering these words, when it opened, as South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts on May 15, 2004, and although much has happened since then, his vision remains the same. He said: "We are very proud to bring the World Cup in this country and at the end of the day, say that we already knew that. The World Cup in South Africa will show the world that South Africa and Africans are able to organize the most popular sports competition the world. "
Grobler and Jordaan said relations between Japan and South Africa were very strong, with the former insisting that the concerns of Japan and the other on security at the World Cup have been taken very seriously. He said that the Government of South Africa's R1.3 billion was invested in security measures and training of 41,000 additional police officers.
"Security for any major event is the most important aspect, and we take very seriously," said Jordaan. "We want a result that everyone is coming to South Africa in 2010 to return as tourists are returning."
Valcke said South Africa would be transformed the country since 2010, and that FIFA was absolutely confident in the ability of countries to host the tournament. "South Africa is not ready today. No country in the 18 months before the World Cup. But there is no doubt South Africa is ready. We are on track. There are no red flags. We work every day, that he is one of the greatest events in the world."
The focus now turns to 2010 in Japan
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