Barkleys history.

Today, the 19th World Cup football, the first to compete on African soil, will officially open its doors in Johannesburg. For a month, South Africa will be the center of the world and wants to show its best.


32 countries competing, one month of competition, a nation, South Africa ready to host the biggest sporting event on the planet. OK, here we are. Within hours, the 2010 World Cup finally begins with the opening match between South Africa and Mexico at the Soccer City in Johannesburg. After years of questioning, months of skepticism, South Africa has succeeded in his first challenge: to be in time for the first World History on African soil.

Much more than a sporting competition:
3 billion euros have been required for infrastructure related to competition (7 airports renovation and construction of the Durban, five new stadiums ...). Pharaonic spending to meet FIFA requirements that have some teeth gnashing in the country, the continent's largest economy, where poverty exists alongside affluence, where the border townships upscale neighborhoods. But on arrival, even if the World Cup will not solve everything, far from it, either economically - South Africa hopes to attract new investors and boost its economy - and social - to try to strengthen racial reconciliation as was the case during the Rugby World Cup in 1995 - a feeling of immense pride reflects in the whole country. "The country has not seen such enthusiasm, such joy and such excitement since Nelson Mandela was released from prison (in 1990)", Was so thrilled Jacob Zuma, the South African president, aware that this event could be a watershed in the history of the country. The national flag flying over cars, the main buildings, schools ... The jersey Bafana Bafana is proudly worn by good numbers of South Africans, just excited to live a big party for hope for the future and be the space of a month the center of the world.

South Africa does not want to miss:
Southern Africa, including the postcard image is often blurred by insecurity and poverty (50% of the population lives below the poverty line) has a unique opportunity to provide a positive face of Africa, especially of itself, to billions of viewers and about 250,000 foreign fans, against 450,000 originally planned. "Let us remember that there is a little over fifteen years ago, South Africa was called the land of miracles to have completed the transition to democracy, against the opinion of skeptics, Recalled Danny Jordaan, CEO of the Organizing Committee of the World Cup. The world has heard many things about us since then. Sometimes, the negative outweighed the positive. This World Cup will be an opportunity for all South Africans to show the rest of the planet where we are today, after sixteen years of democracy. " The festival promises to be beautiful. Provided of course that security is fully guaranteed and that incidents such as those that occurred Sunday on the sidelines of a friendly match between Nigeria and North Korea with 15 injured in a stampede monster does not recur.

Who to succeed in Italy?
The show, himself, is shaping up. Let us not forget that even if the stakes go well beyond the strict confines sports, football one month ahead. With the world's best selections. None missing. The Brazil Will he win a sixth star? TheItaly, The world champion title, she will accomplish the feat to keep the trophy? TheSpainEuropean champions, "she now shoulders to conquer the world? Especially, an African country will he finally be able to shine on their continent? These questions remain unanswered for the moment at the edge of a very Global undecided. Supported by a growing public enthusiasm, Bafana Bafana dream of course be up to the event and to shine on their land. And as this Friday against Mexico after the traditional opening ceremony. A ceremony does not ultimately attend Nelson Mandela, symbol of the end of apartheid, the struggle for equality between blacks and whites. At 91 years and despite his poor health, former President of South Africa wanted to be present to greet fans and participate in its so great meeting you. But one of her great-little girls died in a car accident on the night of Thursday to Friday, which led Mandela to renounce to attend the ceremony.

Supporters of the World Cup: