By AFP
November 18th 2009 @ 2:14am
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South Africa preps for spotlight in World Cup Draw
A newly confident South Africa is polishing up for the global spotlight during the World Cup draw in two weeks, eager to show it’s ready for the games that on Sunday will be 200 days away.
Many of the doubts that once confronted the nation have long since quieted, dispelled by the successful hosting of the [...]
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Robbos said | November 18th 2009 @ 5:59am | Report comment
The excitment builds. I cannot wait for December 4th.
Art Sapphire said | November 18th 2009 @ 12:20pm | Report comment
By this time tomorrow we will know the names of all 32 nations that will be competing in the 2010 World Cup.
There are 6 spots that need to be filled. Here are my predictions as to what will happen in the qualifying games tomorrow.
Egypt 1 – Algeria 1
This extraordinary one off game played in Khartoum, Sudan will I go down to penalties. The Pharoahs to win this one 5 – 4 in the shootout.
In the other games –
France 2 – Ireland 0 ( 3 – 0 Aggregate)
France to qualify
Ukraine 1 – Greece 1 ( 1 – 1 Aggregate)
Greece to qualify on the away goals rule
Slovenia 1 – Russia 1 (2 – 3 aggregate)
Russia to qualify
Bosnia 2 – Portugal 1 (2 – 2 Aggregate)
Portugal to qualify on the away goals
Uruguay 2 – Costa Rica 1 (3 – 1 Aggregate)
Uruguay to qualify
Its going to be pretty tense tomorrow morning.
MM said | November 18th 2009 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
AFP have submitted an article frankly not worth the paper or bytes on pc is has occupied.
Abstaining from being pedantic and commenting on each point – the following:-
Who-ever works of stats as a reliable source of data analysis re: the issues covered in today’s terms needs a re-induction to stats which are not fully collective, thus do not adequately represent the truth.
The article is entirely misplaced to the title.
Just as many countries ask selected persons like myself for the truth and more realistic articles regarding sport which is not well publicized – to be more to the point – SANITISED…. yes indeed – so do celebs from all walks choose South Africa as their preferred holiday destinations – and the list can go on. Further, before quoting the killings / murders or how-ever you would like to percieve same – have you checked the crime in Washington, Sydney etc adequately?
Normally media thrive on some sensationalism, this article looks like it was a “have-to-do-job” on a 24/24 fullout day – i.e. anything will do.
Yes there is crime – so there is to different yet no less frightening intensities elsewhere in the world.
Don’t downsize the capability and size of cities – why? I was personally mortified at “the largest super-store” in a few first world countries being only on average with medium-sized towns in South Africa – yes – it’s not fiction but fact.
Equally, just as the article dismisses the infrastructure – so comparatives were witnessed in other first world countries where people concluded via the media only that these were similar to a small mining village. Rather pathetic. And definitely not what I have witnessed in South Africa where there is a world in one country – it’s in the eye and mind of the beholder…?
Or is it? Very much so. Fact.
As for the infrastructure – do your homework. One cannot compare it with the USA for example, yet it lacks nothing the USA (for e.g.) has by and large.
I envy the quality of life, freedom and dynamic spirit contained in South Africa and have no doubts about it being my favourite country for tours as well as the months I have stayed there meaning that by actually living there, it’s not an illusionary dream merely resulting from a vacation, but total reality.
There are negatives – however the article is not balanced at all.
A pity it was incorporated in DAILY ROAR.
Rob said | November 19th 2009 @ 1:15am | Report comment
“As for the infrastructure – do your homework. One cannot compare it with the USA for example, yet it lacks nothing the USA (for e.g.) has by and large.”
accept for maybe little things like buses and trains…..Its basically impossible to travel around most of SA without a car
As for “envying the quality of life”…..well I guess you couldnt see the townships from your hotel bar.
MM said | November 20th 2009 @ 3:41am | Report comment
Rob – you have a point.
There are adequate and pleasant flights at highly competitive rates.
Best of all – whereas in many countries road travel isn’t considered unfortunately – it is a way of life it seems to me in South Africa – the beauty and making a holiday out of the travel alone is memorable. So many different, diverse stop-overs – few places where there isn’t some interest or attraction. When I’m there I try to avoid flying because going by road is as said, a holiday of it’s own. But it depends on personal preferences.
There is no need to justify on your comment about seeing the townships – I’ve witnessed worse in other countries who are the first to deny same. If your outlook is that prejudiced – a great pity for you.
Otherwise, If you’re also going out there for the big games – hope you enjoy it which-ever way.
Marcel said | November 19th 2009 @ 1:09am | Report comment
The stadia look really inpressive….lets hope our bid committee gets the picture and understands that giving a few old cricket grounds a lick of paint wont do the job
David said | November 19th 2009 @ 4:28pm | Report comment
Bring Guus back! no disrepect to pim but Australia has been struggling and Guus is a much better coach!