World Cup Soccer in South Africa – Excitement grew in South Africa as well as the rest of the world as the date for the World Cup Soccer of 2010 drew near. Beginning on Friday June 11th and continuing through until the finals on July 11th the games were played in 10 stadiums throughout South Africa in the following areas: Johannesburg; Cape Town; Durban; Nelspruit; Rustenburg; Pretoria; Polokwane; Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.
Some of the stadiums underwent massive renovations to make sure that they were completely revamped and become multi sport facilities, while others were built from the ground up to be ready for the World Cup. It is winter in South Africa in July and it can get very cold – especially in the Cape – so Green Point Stadium in Cape Town installed a retractable dome to protect players and fans alike from the unpredictable winter weather.
Those fans that travelled to South Africa to watch the World Cup matches also experienced a wonderful country with warm, friendly people and beautiful sights to see.
It was a very proud moment for South Africa, who for so many years was banned from participating in international sports during the apartheid regime, to be hosting the World Cup.
The 32 countries that participated in the 2010 World Cup were:
Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Paraguay, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa (hosts), Spain, Switzerland, United States and Uruguay.
South Africa and Mexico kicked off first at the opening in Soccer City, Johannesburg which was also the venue for the final match.
For more information on what else to do while you are in South Africa, you can look at other articles on this site or if you are just looking for more information on the World Cup 2010 in South Africa go to the FIFA website