So, we have won the FIFA rights to host the Soccer World Cup in four years time, and we are all preparing for the big event. But, I would like to know what you think about having the event in Africa (the continent)... and specifically in South Africa (the country)...
2006-07-10 04:58:16 · 9 answers · asked by MeerKatje 3 in Sports ➔ Football ➔ FIFA World Cup (TM)
SA President Mbeki said the World Cup would make a huge contribution to South Africa's efforts to improve the lives of all its people, and give additional impetus to the development of the continent as a whole.
"In return for these irreplaceable benefits, we owe it to Fifa and the rest of the soccer world to prepare properly for 2010," Mbeki said.
2006-07-10 05:23:21 · update #1
It's kind of strange. FIFA wanted Africa to host, as a way of growing the game in Africa, but chose South Africa because it is really the only African nation capable of hosting such a massive event. And South Africa is not a football power by any means, at least not yet, so there is unlikely to be much of a real advantage to having the tournament there, although South Korea and Japan did do reasonably well in '02.
Having said that, it's a good thing to have such a major event in South Africa; it is a long way from the international sports community's ostracism of South Africa during the apartheid era. I don't know if sport can change the world, but it is a nice symbol of the progress that people have made. I look forward to seeing what sort of character the World Cup tournament will take on in South Africa. It will be a good opportunity to see more of the country. Hosting the 1994 World Cup was good for us here in the U.S., and I suspect that hosting the next tournament will be good for South Africa and its people. Congratulations, and good luck!
2006-07-10 05:06:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think South Africa does deserve to have the World Cup on their doorstep. Its about time. Being a fellow South African living abroad, I can honestly say that South Africa is a country of sport, and soccer is no exception especially amongst the youth. It will be great for the economy but South Africa is quite capable of hosting this event at an international level. I just hope they plan to host the game in the summer months since July it will be winter and much too cold for the players.
It will be interesting and very exciting to see what they will plan to do. Hope they "jack up the security" since crime and violence is really still a hot button issue for travellers and those living in South Africa.
There are lots of great touristy spots for visitors, South Africa is a great destination for travel so it would be a huge boost to the South African tourism and for those who have never visited South Africa before, you are in for a treat!!! Great food, great entertainment and great places to visit and see!!!
2006-07-10 13:29:53 · answer #2 · answered by fifafan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each country or continent deserves to host the World Cup at one point or another...I'm glad that it's South Africa's turn because maybe that will promote more soccer and awareness in that region. I don't really know anything about South Africa, but now I will study up so I don't look foolish come four years from now!
2006-07-10 12:02:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is good because it will be uplifting to everyone there. Just look at what the World Cup did for Germany, the same thing could happen in South Africa, or Africa as a continent.
2006-07-10 12:04:35 · answer #4 · answered by kem1812 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the idea that the world cup will be in Africa for the first time ever. South Africa was a good choice to host it but I would've loved to see Egypt awarded the world cup instead of South Africa.
2006-07-10 12:04:03 · answer #5 · answered by bddrex 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because South Africa can introduce international soccer lovers to so much... just think about it: necklace murders, drive by shootings, life-threatening taxi rides, near-meltdown of nuclear reactors, telecom rates more expensive than petrol, petrol more expensive than gold bars, the list just goes ON! Come on, who could resist attractions like that! ;-)
2006-07-12 12:52:15 · answer #6 · answered by Xellie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that Africa needs to get known for something other than just poverty and disease, they deserve to have the world cup there. But then again....what about all of those wars and things going on, how will that work out?
2006-07-10 12:02:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is awesome!! It's only fair that Africa finally gets recognised.
2006-07-10 12:06:47 · answer #8 · answered by aniski7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not our decision
2006-07-10 12:02:31 · answer #9 · answered by Rim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋