Argentina's Messi Dream Knitting in Africa

Striker national team (England), Argentina and Barcelona's Lionel Messi has won everything, wealth, big names, and titles. However, it all has not made him worthy of a legend. The reason only one, Messi has not tasted the World Cup trophy.

Many of the rate, season 2009-2010 season will be Messi. Although considered less nationalistic time, a number of people believe will bring Messi Argentina 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, it was all people's opinions. How about Messi own opinion? Here is an excerpt Messi interview with FIFA.

Q: Lionel, we now know the draw for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Can Argentina became the champion?
A: We have to do things step by step, calm and focus to every game. If we want to pass along the road, we must first win the match, before thinking about winning the championship.

T: Argentina performing during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in South Africa. How do you see the state of the team now?
A: We just started a new phase with the national team. Now, the qualification has been completed and we felt a bit more relaxed. We will begin to see the big about how the team should play. We have time from now until the final round to work and grow. I think we will see significant opportunity.

Q: You've felt the Spanish football team and also played with several members of their national team. How their chances at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, do you think?
A: In my mind, Spain is currently the world's best teams. They played the best football team, get the best results, and none of their safe. They have great confidence now and it's important for every team that will play in big tournaments.

Q: Speaking of Barcelona, you will play in the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. How big is your desire to win this event?
A: This is one title that has never achieved Barcelona and this is one of Barcelona's most desirable player. This was also the last tournament in 2009 and we want to end this year with full color. Personally, I really want it because it will help me to continue to grow. This is a great reward for me to stay at Barcelona and won trophies playing in the World Cup next summer.

Q: Do you know a lot about your opponent candidates in Abu Dhabi? A: Honestly, I do not know. However, when the time comes, the coach will make us know everything we should know. What is clear, as the people of Argentina, I knew little about Estudiante. They're a team that likes to play beautiful football and they also had several top players. They also often do pressings and do it well.

Q: Barcelona play beautiful football, too. Are Barcelona the best team ever you defend?
A: I do not know. I was lucky enough to be involved in the team when we won the Champions League in 2006. We have some brilliant players such as Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto'o. I'm lucky to be on that team and that is a happy moment because we own that makes it beautiful. Players we have and what we have achieved. This team is fantastic and also the present. The composition of the team that won the second era of many things and I can not choose which is best.

Q: last question. You've won the Ballon d'Or and the "FIFA Player of the Year" will be announced in the coming weeks. Will this be the end penantianmu?
A: I hope so. This is the third time I've had that opportunity and I hope, for once, fortune favor to me (laughing).
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Messi, Perfect in the Middle Injury

Due to injury, Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, could doubt for his club to defend the Club World Cup stage, in Abu Dhabi, 9 to 19 December 2009. However, he instead was able to bring his team won this event, so that was crowned the best player Club World Cup in 2009.

Messi was injured in a duel against Dynamo Kiev, in advanced Champions League group stage, mid-week. As a result, he was absent in a duel versus Espanyol in the Primera Division advanced, late last week.

However, persisted Messi leaving for Abu Dhabi. There, he underwent special training to speed recovery. Finally, he could perform in the semifinal and led his team's 3-1 win over Atlante. Barca then advanced to the finals, meet Estudiantes La Plata.

Facing Estudiante, Barcelona got behind 0-1. However, Pedro managed to score goals penyama in the 89th minute. Barcelona finally confirm himself as the champion, after Messi scored the winner at minute 110.

Club World Cup title in 2009 this is achieved by the sixth trophy in Barcelona this year. That is the highest number of trophies that can be won a European team in one year. This is certainly a record for Barcelona, the end of last season's filings with the first Spanish team, which won a treble winner.

Messi's name later became one decent forward. In the final game, he rarely moved forward to the front. For whatever reason, obviously it gives an opportunity peer team, including Pedro to move forward to fill line of attack. That ultimately success is determined by a tally Barcelona, it shows the importance of the role of Messi for Barca, especially while in Abu Dhabi.

Hard work and suffering of Messi for any injury to hold a degree paid for by the best players the best World Cup FIFA Club World, which is granted by FIFA's Technical Study Group. Messi's degree will increase, if he was elected FIFA Player of the Year, which will be announced at FIFA's Monday (12/21/2009).
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Without Rooney, England Shearer doubts Kans

Former England captain Alan Shearer, not sure of "The Three Lions" will be world champion if no reinforced Wayne Rooney. Rooney is currently the British forces.

Although Rooney has been played back, the British people still wonder about the actual conditions experienced by Manchester United's striker. Rooney, who scored 34 goals for Manchester United this season, a footstool under coach Fabio Capello because he's the only striker in England's most fertile moment.

Problems will arise if the injured ankle ahead of relapse Rooney World Cup in South Africa. Even if Rooney is off to South Africa, physical condition and appearance are still to be proven in the field.

"If Rooney in there, we have a chance (champion). If not, we will be trouble," said Shearer told The Sun. "Rooney is a superstar. He is Messi, like Kaka. Emit Rooney of the British team and they will not be the same."

"I'm not saying they can not win without him. We've got some very good players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand. However, every country needs a player like Rooney's great to have a chance. If all players played well, we were somewhat Rooney was lucky and we can go far, "added the former Newcastle United striker.

Shearer had also been a British foothold in the World Cup. He contributed 30 goals in 63 appearances with the "Three Lions". But Shearer was never enjoy the world champion.
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Platini: France World Champion Odds

Former France captain Michel Platini, not sure if "Les Bleus" could be a champion at the 2010 World Cup. France squad for the current generation is not their best.

In South Africa, France who qualify through the play-off phase in Group 1 along with hosts South Africa, Mexico, and Uruguay. If you pass the group phase, the team "Rooster" is likely to deal with Nigeria or Argentina in the round of 16 large.

Platini believes his country will qualify from group stage. However, in the autumn phase, Thierry Henry and his friends will have trouble.

"I do not see them winning, I think they will pass the first phase," said UEFA President to the media groups in France, Friday (23/04/2010).

"France is not the best team in the world, they are not in the big three. They like Argentina, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, which is hard to beat," said Platini, who led the European champions France in 1984.

Platini revealed, one of which becomes a big barrier for France in the tournament this time is the absence of players who really stood out. "There are some good players in the squad. However, I make it clear, there are no great players. I think the French have lost their great generation," added Platini, the more a candidate Spain, Brazil, and England.

The best teams of France is over a decade ago, when "Les Bleus" world champion in 1998 and Euro 2000. At that time they have a great playmaker in Zinedine Zidane, midfielder Didier Deschamps, Laurent Blanc and central defense.
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Capello Allow Friends Dating

No excuse for the English national team players to not have fun at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Coach Fabio Capello will liberate the players through their free periods with family and their spouses.

Capello has indicated a change in attitude was not solely to entertain the player, but adds team spirit and togetherness. Previously, Capello has warned his players to focus one hundred percent in the tournament. One way to prohibit his wife or partner accompany the players coming players in the game.

Ban was unjustified. Four years ago, the cast of "The Three Lions" are allowed to bring a spouse or termed a Wag (Wives and Girlfriends) accompany them at the stadium and off the field. England then failed in Duniaa Cup in 2006, and the media blame the Wag for players deemed to have been breaking the concentration.

"The spirit of the team really important," Capello told The Independent. "Along with Lippi, we talked about their last victory (in German), when the players go through during holidays, the players and their families live together," said Capello after the exchange of ideas with coach Marcello Lippi's Italy.

"After every game, they make a barbeque. It created a tremendous enthusiasm to the team. It's the little differences sometimes make big changes when it brings victory. The coaches need to understand what is best," explained the Italian coach.

Capello then tells how team spirit can change the strength of the players collectively. When I was a train Real Madrid, Capello Don also made a similar change. At that time, "the Los Galacticos" failed to win the league for three years and the cause is a player who is less harmonious relationship.

"In the locker room, there are three distinct groups: a group of South American players, a group from Spain, and others," explained the former Juventus coach. "I have to work very hard to undermine the group differences and unite us. Kuat I have to make decisions and ensure there are spirit in the team, when the team found spirit, they win. The spirit is one of the most important for the team. You must have a passion bagus to win. "

In the next World Cup, England are in Group C along with the United States, Algeria, and Slovenia. If you qualify as group winners, "St. George Cross" will meet the runner-up Group D, which is filled by Germany, Australia, Serbia, and Ghana.
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Want to Watch the World Cup? Prepare USD 5000 Per One Match

Want to watch World Cup 2010 directly on the place of origin, South Africa? Reaching your pocket and spend money at least USD 50 million. However, with the money for it, you can only watch one match. It was "only" for the match Spain vs. Honduras classmate in Group H, one of the least attractive group.

There are plus and minus watching football on the ground. Plusnya, you must not only witnessed the entire incident on the field without anyone to edit as if watching on television, but also can record and feel the pulse of everything that happens in the stadium. Through television, you certainly are not so clearly capture the sound of firecrackers that sounded bang Croatia fans during their team's German brushing 2-1 at Euro 2008 fireworks or smoke that makes them spicy eyes when Croatia lost to Turkey in the same tournament quarterfinals.

In short, the atmosphere of involvement in an atmosphere that becomes excess pertandinganlah while watching football on the field directly. One more thing that should not be overlooked is the experience. Value minus the direct watch football on the field is not able to enjoy the reruns and the details of the game, it usually exploited to burn the television viewers' emotions. At the stadium had been prepared two big screens behind the wicket, but usually does not show that screen controversial things that could fuel the anger of supporters. If it does not look carefully throughout the 90 minutes or more, then watch directly at the stadium could mean losing important moments.

Back to the matter of costs directly watch the World Cup, how to buy tickets to watch this World Cup? FIFA, the organizer of the 2010 World Cup, and South Africa have actually opened the ticket sales in advance through their site (www.fifa.com). Currently, the phase of ticket sales through the site that FIFA had entered the fourth phase, until 7 April. Outside of that route, the World Cup ticket purchases can be made through the authorized agent designated by FIFA. For Indonesia and the Asia (minus China and Japan), the agent held "Ticket Station."

Related to that, Director of Marketing "Ticket Station" Sudjadi Sudjianto, Tuesday (3/16/2010), held a press conference at the Office of KONI, Jakarta, to explain about the sale of tickets to watch the World Cup. Services offered to watch the World Cup is clearly different from watching a football game, other games, which will not be comparable to watching football in Indonesia.

Three packages are offered a suite class (watching from the solarium, complete with buffet, wine, etc.); business class (first class tribune seats, can eat and drink, but in a separate room), and class pavilion (with angle of view not as good as the first and second package).

Sudjadi admitted, his side still have stock of all tickets of a total of 52 games, starting from the opening match on June 11 until the final July 11. How much does it cost? Cheapest price is 5600 U.S. dollars or approximately USD 50.4 million (the exchange rate of Rp 9000 per U.S. dollar). That's the price of one share class tickets to watch the party pavilion Spain vs. Honduras. Details, other than to buy a ticket, it also costs for transportation fare Indonesia-South Africa PP, four-star hotel accommodation, meals, tours, hotels and other accommodations for 5 days and 3 nights.

If you want to watch a group stage game which is more prestigious, it costs another. There are six games that FIFA is categorized as a big-match party, namely the opening party of Mexico vs. South Africa (Johannesburg), England vs United States (Rustenburg), Germany vs. Australia (Durban), Brazil vs Côte d'Ivoire (Johannesburg), Cameroon vs Netherlands (Cape Town), and Portugal vs. Brazil (Durban). Sudjadi not itemize the price of big parties watching the match.

For business class, it's certainly more expensive. Price 6 days 4 nights package for two matches (vs. Danish Dutch and Brazil vs. North Korea), for example, pegged 8955 U.S. dollars (nearly USD 81 million). That is just the group stage. Prices of other life-death round again and certainly more expensive. For a similar package of business class, to watch two matches at the Stadium last 16 of the Soccer City and Ellis Park (both are in Johannesburg), 10 535 dollar ticket price (about USD 94.8 million).

Price semifinals two parties that was held in two days that are not simultaneously in Cape Town and Durban dibanderol about 17,000 U.S. dollars (about USD 153 million) for business class and 22 000 U.S. dollars (nearly about USD 200 million) for the class suites or commensurate with house prices type is in the region Pamulang, South Tangerang.

Well, how about your choice: watch the World Cup direct to South Africa or simply watching on television will broadcast the entire game directly?
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Wine Tasting In South Africa During the World Cup

The World Cup is only a year away with the scheduled start date set in June 2009. The World Cup is similar to the Olympics in that it brings people together from all over the world for a rollicking good time. This World Cup is also a chance to experience the wines of South Africa.

Nobody is looking forward to the World Cup more than the wineries of South Africa. Wine has been produced for hundreds of years in South Africa, but it was a local business only during the years of Apartheid when international embargoes were in place. The embargoes ended with Apartheid, but South African wine has never really seemed to catch on. This is a mistake as there are many excellent vineyards in the country.

South African wine is unique because most of the grapes produced are based on cross-breading of various vines. This makes the varietal claims of the vineyards fairly humorous as it seems every grape is a mix of two or more competing vines. Regardless, the result is a bevy of unique wines that are often like nothing you’ve tasted before.

The best of the wines in South Africa are the Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinotage. Despite the names, each is the result of a cross-breading program. The Chenin Blanc can be hard to find because the name is not used in the country. Instead, ask for “Steen.” The Pinotage is uniquely South African and excellent. It is a cross breading of Pinot Noir and the Cinsault grape of France. All and all, these are wines you do not want to miss.

Should you go to South Africa just to taste the various wine offerings? Probably not. It is a long, expensive trip for most people of the world. Going for the World Cup, however, makes sense. When your team inevitably gets bounced out, you’ll have a side trip to take with the promise that you’ll experience a new vintage that will have you taking notes in your wine journal and pasting labels from bottles!
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World Cup 2010 – Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Well, England, Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, Paraguay, Ghana, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Korea DPR have qualified, so has host South Africa, for the 2010 World Cup. That’s 11 teams with dreams to win the title so far... What about Argentina? Does it have a chance or will it miss the soccer fiesta for the first time in 40 years? Let’s take a look...
Argentina’s coach, former legend Diego Maradona, who gave the soccer shirt 10 an iconic status back in the day, prayed for divine intervention hoping that his team reaches the 2010 World Cup at South Africa. After a 3-1 defeat against rival Brazil, that too, on home ground, things don’t look too good for the Argentineans. It was their first defeat at home after being defeated 5-0 by Colombia 16 years back. But Maradona stood his ground, repeating, "The bearded one (God) saved me many times before - and I hope he will do so this time."

Having lost to Paraguay as well, Argentina now stand fifth in the continental group, a place below the final qualifying berth. Ready to take on Peru on home ground, plus a make or break match against Uruguay, Argentinean fans are keeping their fingers crossed, as is their coach. "We have to get it into our heads that these two games are crucial to our hopes and we can't keep giving things away such as we did against Brazil," said Maradona. Recently, while on a slimming course in Italy, fans surrounded him, complaining that a World Cup without Argentina just wouldn't be the same... He is said to have responded, "Don't worry, Argentina will be there." So, it’s a match against the Peruvians and another crucial game against arch rivals Uruguay that’ll decide Argentina’s fate. Both Argentina and Uruguay could be vying for fifth place in the South American qualifying group, making it a critical match.

Meanwhile, Brazilian coach Dunga has earmarked a 24 man team before the South American group’s final two games, hoping to give more players experience. Brazil will soon play Bolivia, followed by Venezuela. Dunga explained, "We have two games ahead and the first one is very wearing, but we'll try to do our best in Bolivia... Despite we have already qualified, we're Brazil and we have to win always. We try to keep the group and give chances to some new players."

Spain’s soccer uniform number 6, Xavi Hernandez, feels that England is a strong candidate that can come in the way of Spain's World Cup dreams. Backing England as one of his favorites to win the 2010 World Cup, the midfielder feels that, "England were the big absence from Euro 2008 and I expect they are itching to show they can win the World Cup. They will be among our biggest rivals along with Brazil, Italy and Germany. And we might see a surprise this time from an African country like Ivory Coast. They look very strong to me right now." Let’s see how the cookie crumbles... Only time will tell.
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World Cup Football Tour 2010

With the 2010 world cup approaching, the excitement is building and people are starting to plan how they will view this global spectacle.
There are various world cup holidays available on sale now, but those in the know will beg borrow or steal a place on the ultimate World Cup Holiday the Xtreme Gap 2010 world cup football tour. This exclusive one off tour has limited places available and when tickets go on sale they are expected to sell out fast.
This customised tour in a specially equipped overland truck is a fully inclusive overland tour taking in the best of South Africa and tracking the big games around the country during the month of the world cup. Johannesburg for the opening ceremony, Semi Finals in Cape town and the 2010 world cup final. Share the experience of being at the first ever African world cup as the partying reaches fever pitch in 8 different host cities. Check out the animals on Safari in 3 fantastic nation parks, and dare to try some extreme sports on route (like the worlds highest bungee jump off bloukrans bridge, or surfing with legends in Jeffries bay.
The tour taking in Cape town during the semi finals, will see the beautiful city come alive with an incredible atmosphere, Vuvuzelas trumpeting all around table mountain.
Although flights are not included, all transport, accommodation and game park activities are, making this an incredibly good value to experience the world cup in its entirety.
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Flights to Cape Town - Affordable Prices for FIFA World Cup 2010

Soccer world cup 2010 has been scheduled to be held in South Africa. Cape Town has gain popularity in terms of tourism due to its sporting and cultural events. One of such grand sports event FIFA world cup 2010 will be held in Cape Town. This grand event will be held between 11th June 2010 and 11th July 2010. Cape Town is one of the hosting cities in South Africa.

An estimate of more than 75,000 visitors will be visiting Cape Town from UK. Matches in Cape Town will be held in Greenpoint Stadium. This stadium has the capacity of more than 70,000 spectators. People of Cape Town have done lots of preparations for both the players and visitors for the FIFA world cup. Cape Town is a diverse city and is regarded as the melting point for various different cultures in South Africa.

We offer a wide range of cheap airfares and cheap flights for your travel to Cape Town. With us you can book cheap flights to Cape Town with various airlines. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways, Emirates, Qatar, etc are our partner airlines with which you can book your flights to Cape Town online at cheap prices. Airfares are not only cheap for economic class but also very cheap for business and premium class.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways are the direct flights to Cape Town. All flights to Cape Town depart from London Heathrow Airport and will arrive at Cape Town International Airport.

British Airways departs from London, Heathrow at 19:20pm and arrives at Cape Town Airport at 08:50am.
South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic leaves from London, Heathrow at 20:15pm and reach Cape Town at 10:25am

Qatar leaves from London, Heathrow at 20:30pm and reaches Doha at 06:10 am and then from Doha it departs at 06:45am and reaches Cape Town at 17:40pm (next day arrival).

Emirates leave from London, Heathrow at 20:00pm and reaches Dubai at 06:45am and then from Dubai it departs at 08:35am and reaches Cape Town at 16:15pm (next day arrival).

With us you will also get a wide range of cheap packages also, if you choose packages your problem of getting a cheap accommodation will be solved. There are various other things that we offer for your convenience.
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FIFA World Cup 2010- Johannesburg some cheap flights to Johannesburg

Planning to watch FIFA World Cup 2010, you have chosen the best option to have a break from your hectic schedules. It will be full of excitement and lots of fun. FIFA world cup is going to be held in South Africa. It will be the 19th world cup scheduled to be held in the largest cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Orkney, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria (two venues), and Rustenburg of South Africa.

You can go there by getting a cheap flight deal to South Africa. You can explore its beautiful cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, etc. You must visit Johannesburg. It is the provincial capital of Gauteng and the wealthiest province in South Africa.

Johannesburg is served by OR Tambo International Airport for both domestic and international flights. On visiting Johannesburg you will get the opportunity to explore Cape Town and Durban as these places are easily reachable from here.

FIFA world cup is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010. Some of the matches are also scheduled to be held in Johannesburg.

Book your cheap flights to Johannesburg to watch this world cup. Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg Planetarium and the Apartheid Museum are worth to visit.

You can get cheap flights to Johannesburg by asking quotations, off season bookings, advance booking, negotiation, bargaining and various other methods. You can enjoy the world cup and can visit the both on the same trip. It will cost you less and reduce a large amount of expenses on your travel.

It costs around 370-400 GBP for flights to Johannesburg from various locations around the world. Some of the flights offering services to Joburg are Etihad, Iberia, Emirates, Air France and KLM.
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World Cup 2010 match Schedule

Group Matches
Date Time Match Stadium
11.06.2010 16.00 A1 vs. A2 ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City
11.06.2010 20.30 A3 vs. A4 ›› Cape Town - Green Point
12.06.2010 13.30 B1 vs. B2 ›› Johannesburg - Ellis Park
12.06.2010 16.00 B3 vs. B4 ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
12.06.2010 20.30 C1 vs. C2 ›› Rustenburg - Royal Bafokegen
13.06.2010 13.30 C3 vs. C4 ›› Polokwane - Peter Mokaba
13.06.2010 16.00 D1 vs. D2 ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
13.06.2010 20.30 D3 vs. D4 ›› Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld
14.06.2010 13.30 E1 vs. E2 ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City
14.06.2010 16.00 E3 vs. E4 ›› Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State
14.06.2010 20.30 F1 vs. F2 ›› Cape Town - Green Point
15.06.2010 13.30 F3 vs. F4 ›› Rustenburg - Royal Bafokegen
15.06.2010 16.00 G3 vs. G4 ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
15.06.2010 20.30 G1 vs. G2 ›› Johannesburg - Ellis Park
16.06.2010 13.30 H3 vs. H4 ›› Nelspruit - Mbombela
16.06.2010 16.00 H1 vs. H2 ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
16.06.2010 20.30 A1 vs. A3 ›› Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld
17.06.2010 13.30 A4 vs. A2 ›› Polokwane - Peter Mokaba
17.06.2010 20.30 B2 vs. B4 ›› Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State
17.06.2010 20.30 B1 vs. B3 ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City
18.06.2010 13.30 D1 vs. D3 ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
18.06.2010 16.00 C4 vs. C2 ›› Johannesburg - Ellis Park
18.06.2010 20.30 C1 vs. C3 ›› Cape Town - Green Point
19.06.2010 13.30 D4 vs. D2 ›› Rustenburg - Royal Bafokegen
19.06.2010 16.00 E1 vs. E3 ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
19.06.2010 20.30 E4 vs. E2 ›› Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld
20.06.2010 13.30 F4 vs. F2 ›› Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State
20.06.2010 16.00 F1 vs. F3 ›› Nelspruit - Mbombela
20.06.2010 20.30 G1 vs. G3 ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City
21.06.2010 13.30 G4 vs. G2 ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
21.06.2010 16.00 H4 vs. H2 ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
21.06.2010 20.30 H1 vs. H3 ›› Johannesburg - Ellis Park
22.06.2010 16.00 A2 vs. A3 ›› Rustenburg - Royal Bafokegen
22.06.2010 16.00 A4 vs. A1 ›› Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State
22.06.2010 20.30 B2 vs. B3 ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
22.06.2010 20.30 B4 vs. B1 ›› Polokwane - Peter Mokaba
23.06.2010 16.00 C2 vs. C3 ›› Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld
23.06.2010 16.00 C4 vs. C1 ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
23.06.2010 20.30 D2 vs. D3 ›› Nelspruit - Mbombela
23.06.2010 20.30 D4 vs. D1 ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City
24.06.2010 16.00 F2 vs. F3 ›› Polokwane - Peter Mokaba
24.06.2010 16.00 F4 vs. F1 ›› Johannesburg - Ellis Park
24.06.2010 20.30 E2 vs. E3 ›› Rustenburg - Royal Bafokegen
24.06.2010 20.30 E4 vs. E1 ›› Cape Town - Green Point
25.06.2010 16.00 G2 vs. G3 ›› Nelspruit - Mbombela
25.06.2010 16.00 G4 vs. G1 ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
25.06.2010 20.30 H2 vs. H3 ›› Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State
25.06.2010 20.30 H4 vs. H1 ›› Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld
Round of 16 Matches
Date Time Match Stadium
26.06.2010 16.00 1A vs. 2B ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
26.06.2010 20.30 1C vs. 2D ›› Rustenburg - Royal Bafokegen
27.06.2010 16.00 1D vs. 2C ›› Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State
27.06.2010 20.30 1B vs. 2A ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City
28.06.2010 20.30 1G vs. 2H ›› Johannesburg - Ellis Park
28.06.2010 20.30 1E vs. 2F ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
29.06.2010 16.00 1F vs. 2E ›› Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld
29.06.2010 20.30 1H vs. 2G ›› Cape Town - Green Point
Quarter Finals
Date Time Match Stadium
02.07.2010 16.00 5 vs. 7(C) ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
02.07.2010 20.30 1 vs. 3(A) ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City
03.07.2010 16.00 2 vs. 4(B) ›› Cape Town - Green Point
03.07.2010 20.30 6 vs. 8(D) ›› Johannesburg - Ellis Park
Semi Finals
Date Time Match Stadium
06.07.2010 20.30 A vs. C(1) ›› Cape Town - Green Point
07.07.2010 20.30 B vs. D(2) ›› Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium
3rd Place Match
Date Time Match Stadium
10.07.2010 20.30 Loser 1 vs. Loser 2 ›› Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay
Finals
Date Time Match Stadium
11.07.2010 20.30 Winner 1 vs. Winner 2 ›› Johannesburg - Soccer City

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Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, situated in Tshwane/ Pretoria, is one of the oldest stadiums in South Africa. The stadium has been used for major sporting events since 1903, and the first concrete structure, which could accommodate only 2,000 spectators, was built by the City Council of Pretoria in 1923.

Since 1948 it has undergone perennial upgrades. It has been used for both rugby and football matches and is home to one of the country's top rugby teams, the Blue Bulls. Loftus Versfeld is in the heart of Tshwane/Pretoria and currently has a seating capacity of 50,000. It has hosted many significant matches including during the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 1996 CAF African Cup of Nations. It is now used by Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United as their home ground.


South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, achieved its first ever victory over a European side at this venue when they beat Sweden 1-0 in 1999.
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Royal Bafokeng Stadium

The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is one of the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The stadium is named after the Bafokeng people who live in the area.

In 1999, the Bafokeng won a legal battle, which entitled them to 20% on the platinum which is mined on their historical land. Hence, they have shares in platinum mining in the area. Upon completion, the stadium will seat 42,000.

The South African national team played a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Bakino Faso in 2001, and won 2-1. It has been host to many Premier Soccer League games despite Rustenburg not having its own team.

The stadium is only a 25 minute drive to Sun City and 30 minutes to the Pilansberg. It is 12 kilometers from the Rustenburg city centre.
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Peter Mokaba Stadium

Named after one of the renowned sons of the struggle and emancipation of South Africa against the apartheid regime, the Peter Mokaba Stadium holds much historical significance in South Africa. Peter Mokaba was born and bred in Polokwane and was renowned for his fighting spirit and for his inpirational leadership.

The design of the largely concrete structure is inspired by the locally iconic Baobab tree, with the steel structure supporting the roof plane gathered together at each corner of the stadium and supported by giant ‘trunk' structures which accommodate vertical circulation ramps and service cores.


The stadium was built next to the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in the Limpopo Province. The newly-built Peter Mokaba stadium is situated approximately 5km from the city centre, with a total seating capacity of 45,000.

Former African player of the Year, Didier Drogba made his international debut for Côte d'Ivoire in a memorable and decisive CAF African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the home side prevailing 2-1.
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Mbombela Stadium

The Mbombela Stadium is one of the newly-built stadia for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and it takes its name from the local municipality which incorporates the city of Nelspruit. Mbombela is siSwati (one of the 11 official languages in South Africa) and literally means 'many people together in a small space.'

The stadium, with a capacity of 46,000, is located in the city of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga Province. It is situated approximately seven kilometers from the city centre and 12 kilometers from the nearby Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. The ground also enjoys a close proximity to various game parks, giving spectators the opportunity to see the wildlife during rest days.


The Mbombela comes as a welcome addition to football life in Nelspruit, and will leave a legacy of the beautiful game for all the people of Mpumalanga. Before the Stadium's construction, Nelspruit had no top football venue to host international matches.
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Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, set on the shores of the North End Lake is the first football dedicated stadium in the city or surrounding areas. The stadium, one of the newly-built stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, was completed a year prior to the commencement of the world's greatest show on earth - a major milestone for the city.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will host the match for third place , and a quarter-final amid a total of eight matches during the FIFA World Cup. The stadium has an eye-catching, unique roof-structure and a spectacular view, overlooking the North End Lake.

Before the construction of this multi-purpose venue, all international football matches were played at the Eastern Province rugby stadium, the EPRU Stadium. The playing field is going to be of natural grass with the outer /surrounding area to be artificial turf. One of its first major test events was the coveted Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs - a game that attracts capacity crowds in South Africa.
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Free State Stadium

Home to some of the country's most fanatical group of supporters, the Free State Stadium is likely to be the centre of attention during the FIFA World Cup™. The stadium was given a plush new look for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup . It hosted the memorable semi-final match between Spain and USA where the latter secured one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by sending the European champions packing in front of a capacity crowd.

The Free State Stadium was upgraded from a capacity of 38,000 to 45,000 during the refurbishments. The stadium has hosted numerous major football and rugby union matches, and Bloemfontein's natives are renowned for their passion for sport. While the former played second fiddle to the latter for decades, football's popularity explosion - aided by the emergence of Bloemfontein Celtic - is changing this. The Celtic fans are known as Siwelele, a Sotho term.
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Durban Stadium

The newly-built Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban will host one of the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The ground epitomises the architectural innovation on display in South Africa and takes its design inspiration from the South African flag, with its grand arch representing the unity of this sport-loving nation. The two legs of the arch on the southern side of the stadium come together to form a single footing on the northern side, symbolising the new unity of a once-divided country.

The 70,000-seater has been specifically designed as a multi-purpose venue and an amphitheatre complete with a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch. From this vantage point, visitors can experience spectacular panoramic views of the nearby shoreline and the city. The roof is attached to the arch by 95mm-diameter steel cables. Each seat of the stadium is spacious and comfortable, providing a clear line of sight to the pitch.

It is a world-class and multifunctional arena located in the heart of the Kings Park Sporting Precinct. Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium will be the jewel in the crown of the Kings Park Sporting precinct. The entire area will feature additional sporting arenas and facilities as well as restaurants, shops, play areas for children and a pedestrian walkway linking the stadium complex to the beach.

The stadium was built on the site of the old Kings Park Stadium. Moses Mabhida, the ground's namesake, was born in Thornville near Pietermaritzburg on 14 October 1923 into a poor family who were later forced off their land. In 1963, Mabhida was asked by Oliver Tambo while working in Prague rallying support from the World Federation of Trade Unions, to come back to Africa to develop the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He underwent military training and became the chief political instructor of new military recruits. He later served as the commander of MK.
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Green Point Stadium

One of the most artistic football venues in South Africa, the newly-built Green Point Stadium is situated in one of the much sought-after areas in the city of Cape Town. Green Point Stadium is one of the two semi-final venues for the FIFA World Cup™.

This multi-purpose venue is also going to be used to stage major events and concerts. Fans will be a stone's throw from the ocean and the mountains of Cape Town will also provide the backdrop for matches. The location is ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. The new stadium has been partly built on land that was previously used as a golf course.


The stadium, which has an exterior that is covered with noise-reducing cladding has a capacity of 70,000 and is scheduled for completion in December 2009. The Green Point Common, on which the new 2010 stadium is being built, was originally much larger than what now remains, and included most of the land between the sea and Signal Hill, stretching from the city centre towards Sea Point.

Cape Town has another world-standard stadium, Newlands, but this is primarily used as a rugby union venue. Post FIFA World Cup, the Green Point Stadium is likely to be used by some of the Cape Town-based professional football outfits that include Ajax Cape Town and Santos.
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