The stage is set for what promises to be the “most exciting World Cup ever” when the tournament kicks-off in South Africa next year.
The first hosts and winners of the FIFA World Cup, Uruguay, became the last of the 32 countries to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, completing one of the strongest line-ups in the tournament history.
The Uruguay flag was amongst the 32 flags that took their place of pride at a flag raising ceremony at South African Football Association (SAFA) house in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The ambassadors and embassy representatives of the 32 countries raised their flags outside SAFA house, metres from the soccer city stadium at which the tournament’s opening and final matches will be played on 11 June 2010 and 11 July 2010 respectively next year.
“We congratulate all the teams that have now qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. For us this is a very emotional day. After all the years of hard work that have gone into preparing for this momentous event, it is now a tangible reality.
“The finalisation of the 32 participating countries is a major milestone and we would like to warmly welcome all of them to Africa’s first World Cup. Our country and our continent cannot wait to receive the players and their multitudes of fans who will descend on South Africa next for what is sure to be an unforgettable event,” said Dr Danny Jordaan, the Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa.
Jordaan was ecstatic at the calibre of teams that have qualified for South Africa 2010, which is set to showcase the world’s best footballers in state of the art, modern stadiums.
“All the major countries in world football have qualified for the tournament, as well as a number of countries that are very capable of causing a major upsets. We’re particularly delighted that the giants of African football, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria, join hosts South Africa in what is a formidable line-up of African participants. Now it is no longer a case of asking whether the stadium will be ready. They are and they will be beautiful cathedrals which will host the best footballers in the world,” said Jordaan.
The draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup will take place on 4 December 2009 in Cape Town.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
20 November 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
