And the games begin:
Africa's first ever world cup tournament
11 June 2010
After a colourful, festive and imaginative display at the World Cup Celebrations yesterday South Africa and Mexico battled it out for the opening game.
The hero of the day, proving himself as an excellent goalkeeper, as he blocked all but one of Mexico’s attempts to score a goal, was Itumeleng Khune. The second Bafana hero was Siphiwe Tshabalala who scored the goal that brought Bafana Bafana in tie with Mexico. Although the game ended in a draw South Africa has proved their skill and potential that they could get further than previously expected in this Soccer World Cup.
The celebrations in the week leading up to the opening game included a Giant Vuvuzela equipped with loudspeaker / blasting device to signal each time a goal is scored. It was erected above Buitengracht Street in Cape Town with an electronic clock underneath which counted down the days until the Soccer World Cup. Also the giant Wheel of Excellence ferris wheel was erected in the Waterfront and sparkled brightly at one of Cape Town's main intersections in a festive fashion on par with the upcoming events.
On Wednesday 9 June at midday radio stations prompted South Africans all over the country to take to the streets and blow their vuvuzelas to mark the start of the celebrations. Airports were packed as flights landed with thousands of people from all over the world who had come to see the games.
On Thursday 10 June, the day before the opening match, Bafana Bafana took part in the celebrations parade in Sandton, Johannesburg where more than 150 000 people turned up in Soccer shirts waving South African flags. The Thursday evening celebrations rocked in Soweto’s Orlando Stadium with the likes of Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira. The sky lit up as it all ended in fireworks and cheers from an ecstatic crowd.
But most impressive was the opening ceremony before the match on Friday 11 June.
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