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Event: FIFA World Cup 2010

Published: Jul 17, 2010 07:00:00 AM IST
Updated: Jul 16, 2010 04:29:48 PM IST
Event: FIFA World Cup 2010
Image: Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters

South Africa never had it so good. It’s been a year-and-a-half of top-flight sporting events, starting off with the FIFA Confederations Cup in April 2009, followed by the Indian Premier League, and then the ICC Twenty20 World Cup. But the jewel in the crown has, of course, been the World Cup.

The Rainbow Nation has been a perfect host to the world’s favourite tournament. It has warmly welcomed close to a million visitors, armed with Vuvuzelas, fancy costumes and gallons of beer. All those reports on possible crime and prostitution haven’t come true.

The tournament hasn’t disappointed either. This has been a World Cup that has tarnished, even destroyed, many reputations. France imploded, the English superstars didn’t know how to play for their country after playing for their clubs, Brazil played football that was alien to them and Germany refused to bully their opponents when it mattered most.

Ultimately, the final was contested between two teams that have never won the World Cup. More importantly, they played bogo jonito (beautiful football) throughout.

This has also been a World Cup of controversy, most of it off the field. It started with the Jabulani ball, continued with the irritating noise of the Vuvuzela, the player rebellion in France, the failed rebellion in England and frustration with FIFA’s reluctance to use technology to aid referees. While South Africans have been good hosts, the government has bent over backwards to accommodate FIFA.

The highlight of this World Cup has been Paul the Octopus (see page 104). From his watery home in a German aquarium, he called every Germany game right. We hope he doesn’t wind up in German plates after the team’s exit, and is still around to pick the winner of Euro 2012.

All things together, this has been one sweet month! Full marks to Africa.  
 

(This story appears in the 30 July, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)

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