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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
5

South Africa Proves World Cup Ready

Critics hushed by successful Confederations Cup

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(Newser) – With the just-completed Confederations Cup a success, South Africa has passed its dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup, Nicolas Brulliard writes for GlobalPost. The African nation faced more scrutiny than any previous host, but that now appears overblown. Enthusiastic fans turned up despite the winter chill, and the nation’s high crime rate didn’t affect the games. The main drawback was Johannesburg’s poor public transportation.

Many fans arrived late, or not at all, because of the city’s traffic. Some games were also poorly attended. The president of soccer’s international governing body gave South Africa a 7.5 out of 10 for its performance, noting that logistics still need work before the world’s most popular sporting event hits next year—but praising the nation’s hospitality.

Fans cheer during a Confederations Cup Group A soccer match between South Africa and Spain last month.
Fans cheer during a Confederations Cup Group A soccer match between South Africa and Spain last month.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South African fans hold up a poster as they wait for the start of a Confederations Cup match last month.
South African fans hold up a poster as they wait for the start of a Confederations Cup match last month.   (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
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This event has produced the most diverse audience in any sporting event in this country.
- Danny Jordaan, chief organizer
of the Confederations Cup

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5 comments
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IN RESPONSE:
Mr.C
Jul 2, 09 12:39 AM CDT
you'll burn in hell for your hate
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
anchower
Jul 2, 09 2:42 AM CDT
Someone needs to "verminate" you, shitdick.
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+2
Laugh
Jul 2, 09 1:25 AM CDT
South Africa is quirky in some ways but they'll make it. The African sun is addictive. Reply
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0
Michael_CT
Jul 2, 09 2:36 AM CDT
And you'd be stupid if you thought you were coming just for Soccer. Cape Town is such a great place to be in. Reply
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hungrydave
Jul 2, 09 8:21 AM CDT
Now they just need to ditch those vuvuzelas aka plastic horns. At least for non-South Africa matches. Reply
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+2
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