2010 FIFA World Cup

2010 World Cup South Africa

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Mon, 03 May 2010 08:08:24 +0000

The 2010 World Cup sees the biggest sporting event tournament on Earth come to Africa for the first time. 31 nations from around the globe will head down to join the host nation in competing for sport's biggest prize.

This site is an un-offical site where you will find statistics and information about the tournament for players, referees, matches, stadia and much more.

Thousands of fans from all over the world will soon be making their way down to South Africa to join the excited locals for what is sure to be a memorable tournament. It kicks off in Soccer City when South Africa play Mexico on 11th June 2010.

The 64th match of the tournament will be the World Cup Final, again at Soccer City on Sunday 11th July 2010.

Visiting South Africa

South Africa is an amazing country to visit at any time and it is hoped that the World Cup will help promote tourism to this amazing country. Most visitors arrive by air into Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban and from there head on to explore "The Rainbow Nation".

Most people know Cape Town and the Kruger National Park but there is so much more on offer to the visitor. The Drakensberg mountains offer a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities while further to the east are the historic battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War. Heading out to the coast, is the city of Durban with it's magnificent beaches.

The province of Mpumalanga has some of the finest scenery in South Africa including th Blyde River Canyon.

The Western Cape is one of the most popular areas to visit with the magnificent Garden Route, whale watching from the shores at Hermanus and of course, the mother city "Cape Town".

Arrests Over World Cup Mini-skirt Stunt

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:52:51 +0000

Sky News are reporting that 2 people have been arrested following a marketing stunt at the Holland v Denmark game in Soccer City, Johannesburg.

More than 30 female fans turned up at the match as part of an advertising campaign by Bavaria NV. Only official FIFA partners are allowed to advertise at the World Cup and Bavaria NV is not one of them.

The women gained entry to Soccer City with tickets provided by ITV pundit and former professional footballer, Robbie Earle. Earle has since been sacked by ITV.

Read the full story here>>

One Night In Turin

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:40:51 +0000

Twenty years ago, Italy hosted what is considered by many fans, the best world cup tournament. There were so many stories such as the rise of Italian striker Toto Scillachi who burst onto the scene to take the tournament Golden Boot with 6 goals. Even today, Italian fans remember Notti Magiche di Totò Schillaci (magical nights of Toto Schillaci) even though they lost in the semi finals on penalties to Argentina.

However for England fans, this was a special time. In the late 1980s and 1990, football in England was in the gutter. Club sides were banned from Europe, there was no money to attract foreign stars to the league and violence followed the national team where ever they played. There was talk England would be kicked out of the tournament. The press were slating the team at every opportunity about their perceive lack of ability. Society was troubled with Poll Tax riots and unemployment while on the international stage, the Berlin Wall was falling and Nelson Mandela took his historic walk to freedom.

Under the management of Bobby Robson and with players of the calibre of Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne, England departed for Sardina where they would play their group matches. Sardina had been deliberately chosen for England in an attempt to control their fans. England were joined by Ireland, Holland and Egypt. The group was tightly contested but in the England England made it to the knock out stages. Meanwhile, on the mainland, the tournament was in full swing. Holders Argentina had lost the opening match to Cameroon and now England and their fans were about to join the party. The last 16 match against Belgium could have been lost in normal time as Shilton has his post rattled. As it looked as if penalties were on the cards. Gazza chipped a ball into the box, Platt swiveled and the ball was in the net. England were in the quarter finals.

Their opponents would be Cameroon who had shocked Argentina in the opening game. Many people thought an upset was on the cards but extra time and two penalties from Lineker saw England through to the semi-finals. They were the first penalties England had been awarded for 16 years and now a team many journalist thought not fit to be on the world stage were in the semi finals. Their opponents who be the old enemy - West Germany. No English team had ever progressed so far on foreign soil.

Meanwhile, off the pitch there were plenty of problems with supporters. 246 were deported (curiously, the exact number of seats on the airbus that took them home). Stories were abound that journalists were paying people to start trouble and of Italian police were rounding up anyone they wanted regardless of any involvement in trouble. There were also false stories of players involvement with an Italian waitress. The manager and squad close ranks and the mental toughness they had already showed was strengthening.

The semi-final would be played in Turin. The home town of Juventus was still mourning the death of 37 supporters at the European Cup Final in Heysel against Liverpool. If there was one city in Europe with a reason to hate the English, it was Turin. England supporters rolled into town and on to the match. This was a high tension match. Was this to be England's night? The first half was tight but it was level at half time. Into the second half, West Germany took the lead with a wickedly deflected free kick. The clock kept ticking and time was running out when Paul Parker launched a ball into the box. It fell kindly to Lineker and the scores were level. The dream was still alive.

England went into extra time for the 3rd time in as many matches and the pattern of the game was the same. Both teams hit the post and then disaster for Gascoigne. He over ran a ball and his enthusiasm to regain possession got the better of him. He dived into a challenge and missed the ball. Berthold crashed to the ground and the ref waved a yellow card. It was Gascoigne's second of the tournament and he would not play in the final if England made it.

For a few minutes, it looked like Gazza's head had gone but he focused and drove England on. It was to no available and the game went to penalties. The first few penalties were scored by both sides and now it was the turn of the icon of English patriotism - Stuart Pearce. Pearce has a England flag flying in his garden and was a goal scoring defender. Penalties were his thing. He stepped up and struck the ball but disaster. It struck the keepers legs. West Germany scored and now it was up to Chris Waddle. He strode up with the look of a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. The stadium went quiet and 30 million people back in England prayed.

He struck the ball well...too well and it sailed over the bar. The dream was over.

Gazza cried and football changed forever.

West Germany went on to win the final and 6 weeks after they left England, the team returned. Instead of the ridicule that endured when they flew out, now they were greated by 300,000 fans.

"One Night In Turin" is available from Amazon from 31st May 2010.

Crocband Nation England Essential Footwear For England Fans

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:28:35 +0000

Support your nation with the new Crocs™ Crocband Nation shoe! Featuring the same sneaker style of the original Crocband clog with your favourite nation’s colours overlaid on the upper.

The Crocs™ Crocband Nation clog features:

Stunning digital prints and colours highlight the countries competing in the world cup soccer in the summer of 2010.
Fully-molded Croslite™ material construction provides lightweight comfort.
Sneaker-inspired sporty midsole band.
Croslite™ material heel strap for secure fit.

More Info / Buy Now>>

Dunga names Brazil squad

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Thu, 13 May 2010 08:04:49 +0000

Brazil manager, Dunga has named his 23 man squad who he will take to South Africa. Ronaldinho is the most notable absentee while Alex (Chelsea) has earned a call up.

See the full squad here: Brazil 2010 World Cup Squad

South African Airlines Blows Whistle On 2010 World Cup Price Fixing

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:16:09 +0000

South Africa’s Competition Office has launched a probe into the alleged price fixing collusion attempt of several airlines catering to travelers of the planned 2010 Football World Cup.

The Commission has stated investigating several national airlines and British Airways’ Comair. South African Airways (SAA), which blew the whistle on the unfair practice, has asked for leniency from the authorities.

Despite denials of any investigations by most service providers in question the competition office has named BA Comair, , One Time, Mango Airlines, OneTime Airlines, South African Airways, SA Airlink and SA Express.

The airlines are said to have agreed to increase fare prices by as much as by 200% during the peak season of the 2010 World Cup, while another probe has been launched against hotels that plan to increase their rates by as much as 400% for the same season.

Source: Budapest Report (http://www.budapestreport.com/2010/02/01/south-african-airlines-blows-whistle-2010-world-cup-price-fixing/)

Alexandra Township Preparing To Host Football For Hope Festival In July

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:50:55 +0000

Once known as 'Dark City' because of its gun-toting gangsters, Alexandra township will become a shining light for the world when the Football for Hope Festival takes place there from July 4-10 this year.

Yesterday, the township reached an important milestone with inauguration of the official site for the festival.

Among the many guests attending the site inauguration were Johannesburg's member of the mayoral committee for community development, Bafana Sithole, 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa CEO Danny Jordaan and Streetfootballworld Managing Director Jürgen Griesbeck.

"For the first time, the social dimension of the game will be celebrated as an official element of the FIFA World Cup," said a statement from FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who could not be present at the inauguration due to other commitments.

"We hope that the eyes of the world will be on Alexandra and we will create new heroes for this community.

"More than most, South Africans understand the importance of social development and the power of sport to influence positive social change, so the Football for Hope Festival is a key initiative for us.

"The world's best footballers will be in South Africa for the FIFA World Cup, but we believe the equally deserving footballers and incredible stories from around the world also warrant global recognition and we encourage people to come and attend the festival in Alexandra," said Jordaan.

"From the minefields of Cambodia to the slums of Nairobi, football can bring hope to the lives of young people," said Griesbeck.

"This festival will be a celebration of the people who dedicate their lives to helping others in their community using the game we all love."

Thirty-two teams of boys and girls from disadvantaged communities worldwide will gather in Johannesburg for a festival of education, culture and football during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The young people are selected for their contribution to building a better future in their communities.

Source: Goal.com (http://goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/03/27/1850518/world-cup-2010-alexandra-township-preparing-to-host-football-for-)

Oct. 25, 2009: 2010 World Cup Qualifying - Thank You Fans

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:45:03 +0000

The U.S. Men’s National Team wants to extend a big thank you to the fans from all over the country who traveled, cheered and supported the team throughout 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

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Charlize Theron auctions off kiss at OneXOne charity auction

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:25:04 +0000

Charlize Theron took part in a live auction last night which ended with more than the audience had bargained for. The actress was set to participate in a charity auction last night at the OneXOne charity event. However, when fellow actor Jeremy Pivon’s prize began to outbid Charlize Theron’s, the actress took matters in to her own hands. Ms. Theron was scheduled to auction off an all inclusive trip to the 2010 World Cup being held in South Africa which would also include tickets to the matches

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Capello warns England players to show respect or forget World Cup

rob.atherton@bbmexplorer.com (2010 World Cup) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:55:06 +0000

LONDON - England manager Fabio Capello has warned his players to stick to rules and show respect or forget about the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The no-nonsense Italian boss is cracking down on discipline as he prepares the squad for South Africa. And, he has hinted that any player who breaks his notoriously strict [...]

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