SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

Mexico

World Cup Opening match

South Africa

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Ghana

Denmark

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Cameroon

Serbia

Ghana

Italy

Page 32

Slovakia

Honduras

Spain

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Uruguay

Mexico

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Spain

Chile

Germany

South Africa

Uruguay

Slovenia

USA

Italy

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Netherlands

Denmark

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SSR Foreword

W elcome to Stars Soccer Review (SSR) magazine Volume 5 on the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa It is called “A Vuvuzela Experience” based on the popularity of the Vuvuzela trumpet which soared at the World Cup in spite of its criticism by a few distracters. It was the top selling souvenir at South Africa due to its constant use during the matches. Inside there is the article “Fabric of a real man” which is a tribute to Nelson “Madiba” Mandela for not only bringing the FIFA World Cup to South Africa, but sacrificing 27 years of his life fighting against Apartheid, and for justice and equality for black people not only in South Africa but throughout the world. Our section “ African culture at its best” is a reenactment of the World Cup opening ceremony which displayed the cultures of the six participating African teams at Soccer City Stadium. Soccer City opened and closed the competition, and is touted as amongst the best in the world.

“Believe the Hype” section is about South Africa living up to expectations and the positive vibration created by their Bafana and Mexico fans. They were the best fans at the World Cup South Africa.

“Shockers in South Africa” is based on the surprise results at South Africa. While Spain was recognized as the winner of the World Cup in “ Spain prevails” , Ghana and Uruguay, may have created the greatest thrills and chills during the 32 days of competition.

“Canada Media Report” is the opinions of Canada Media team on the tournament. They traveled to most of the W-C matches together. It also contains an informative section from Canada Referee Hector Vegara who officiated in the World Cup matches at Rustenburg, South Africa. “Looking ahead” , is the anxieties surrounding the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil which inevitably will be a big Samba Party . A s the world’s most successful and most popular team, it will be interesting to see how Brazil Samba Boys perform to win an unprecedented sixth World Cup at home .

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SSR Magazine

African Culture at its Best

CONTENTS

06. Canada Media Report

35

08. Believe the Hype

24

18. South Africa Opener

Argentina “The M&M Factor”

Diego Forlan, “Best Kept Secret”

22. African Teams at W-Cup

26. CONCACAF teams at W-Cup

31. Netherlands fell short

32. Shockers in South Africa

39

36 Ghana, pride of Africa

38

40. Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Looking Ahead to Brazil W-Cup

“Spain Prevails”

47. FIFA Survey on South Africa

Vijay Setlur Canada Media Report South Africa Pg 06

Jean Dugas Canada Media Report South Africa Pg 28-29

John Molinaro Canada Media Report South Africa Pg 07

Hector Vegara Canada Referee Report South Africa Pg 30

FIFA World Cup South Africa produced by Aldwyn McGill FIFA Accredited Freelance Journalist/Photographer WWW.SSRMAGAZINE.COM

Contact number 416-526-3436 email: info@ssrmagazine.com

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Canada Media Report B y Vijay Setlur By Vijay Setlur

The FIFA World Cup was on the African continent for the first time and I was there to experience my first World Cup as a journalist. It was the one that broke so many frontiers beyond just soccer and sports.

Some time have passed since the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and people still ask me about my experience in South Africa.

Before I could begin, they would want to know if I hated the vuvuzelas and their incessant noise. Then I tell them that I brought back 15 vuvuzelas to Canada as souvenirs for family and friends and rest my case. I liked the vuvuzelas for one simple reason. Atmosphere. They created a unique ambience symbolic of Africa and no other place on Earth can mimic it. I’ve heard enough background noise, watching previous Canada-Mexico matches on TV from Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, to know that atmosphere is what brings a game to life. As a journalist, my experience was definitely different from that of a fan. Still, people probably expect me to say that it was an experience of a lifetime and glow while doing it. After all it's the biggest sporting event on the planet, that many would love to attend. But in reality, I actually tell them something else.

I was deeply disappointed that Canada did not qualify to participate in this World Cup. The fact was that media from the participating countries were virtually guaranteed a seat, leaving the rest of us to hope and pray our names would be announced by a FIFA Media Officer, just minutes before games was nerve wrecking but that’s a mute point. What’s worse is the feeling, to me, that Canada didn't even exist as a country. Extreme words I know, but it was my reality. First let’s look at CONCACAF’s three representatives – Mexico, Honduras and the U.S. None of them went beyond the round of 16. Honduras didn’t even get out of the group stage, although to be fair they were ravaged by injuries that derailed their campaign. Still, I didn’t see anything from them that prove they’re significantly better than Canada.

The U.S. showed resiliency but their technical play lacked at times. Mexico has the talent and skill, but can be intimidated by a fast physical team like they were against Argentina. Chile showed that a team can beat Honduras at its own speed and attacking game, while making them look ordinary. Canada now has the athleticism, speed, size and soon improved technical ability, to hold its own against any of those nations. If things can fall into place – and that’s a big IF – Canada can be at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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Canada Media Report B y John Molinaro

John Molinaro was gracious enough to give Stars Soccer Review magazine his thoughts on several topics surrounding the South Africa’ World Cup

On the People of South Africa, “ Honestly, I had a tainted view of South Africa before I arrived, just due to its history of apartheid. The county still has many social problems, but I think South Africans made a very good impression by welcoming the world to their country.

I was impressed with the hospitality of South Africans and how they embraced the tournament, even after their Bafana Bafana team was eliminated.

On the Tournament? “ For me the actual soccer was less than impressive - Spain's form aside - but I thought South Africa did a very good job of hosting the event. From a soccer perspective, the one thing I will never forget is the Uruguay-Ghana quarter-final and the at- mosphere inside Soccer City. It seemed as though the entire con-

tinent of Africa was behind Ghana, and it was a game with great drama.

On the Vuvuzelas? “if I never hear another Vuvuzela again, it will be too soon. “They are annoying” On the African Cities, “ Visiting Durban, a beautiful costal city, was amazing, but the highlight for me was going to Soweto, and experiencing the history there.

Ghana celebrates on advancing to Round of 16 KO stage

B y Kris Anderson The hopes and dreams of Africans were pinned on Ghana, after numerous disappointments from the other five African teams, that failed to live up to high expectations on home soil. Under the great leadership of Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, Ghana battled hard early on and grew stronger and more confident as the tournament progressed. Ghana played a dynamic style that gave fans some of the greatest value for their hard spent dollars and the game against the U.S. was easily one of the best matches of the entire tournament. Their performance against Uruguay was thrilling to say the least and describing their heart wrenching defeat as devastating, is an epic understatement. What is even more remarkable, is the accomplishment of so much without their best player, Michael Essien. Canada Report on pg 28)

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Photo by Jean Dugas

SSR Magazine

“ Believe the Hype ” By Aldwyn McGill

The 2010 World Cup began peaking in the last days leading up to kick-off. I arrived at the Tambo Airport in Johannesburg from Toronto via a connecting flight in Dubai. The flight from Lester Pearson International Airport in Toronto, to my connecting flight in Dubai had no indication that FIFA’s show piece was only three days away. However, my flight from Dubai to South Africa consisted of mainly of Mexican supporters and it was an amazing experience. The United Emirates flight to Johannesburg had close to a hundred Mexican supporters and they always seems to answer the call to support their El Tri team in any part of the world. When the pilot announced that we were preparing to land in Jo-burg (Johannesburg), the Mexican fans sang lustily, since they were confident that Mexico had turned the ship around and was going to do well at the FIFA W-Cup South Africa. Mexico had struggled in the early stages of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. But after winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup, they regrouped and made a final push that saw them finished second to secure one of the three automatic spots for the World Cup finals.

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Photo by Jean Dugas

SSR Magazine

“Believe the Hype” On exiting South Africa OR Tambo International Airport, there was a gathering of South African fans, who deferred any plans that the Mexican supporters may have had of celebrating their World Cup arrival. So much so, that before all the Mexican fans could gather their luggage and clear customs, the South Africa fans were already running around in circles and blowing their Vuvuzela trumpets. Their teams were to meet in the World Cup opener and if first impressions count for anything, neither group was determined to give an inch even from a supporter standpoint. To add to the pandemonium, there was a parade planned for the South African team internationally known as Bafana Bafana that afternoon and their were traffic jams which created havoc for anyone wishing a speedy passage to their destination. The highways and local roads were lined with posters and banners of the World Cup and Bafana Bafana. However, this did not intimidate the seasoned Mexican supporters who were seeking any form of visibility.

Mexican supporters were amongst the best at World Cup South Africa. I was impressed with the manner in which they mixed and mingled while the supporters of the other participating teams were just willing to display their costumes and national colors for requested pictures and move on.

I recalled being amazed at the number of Mexican fans at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but those numbers were dwarfed in comparison to Mexican presence at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and a Mexico - Bafana Bafana was the ideal opener for the tournament. Leading up to the official opening at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg the supporters of both teams created the Best Hype.

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South Africa Football Association (SAFA) organized a parade for its Bafana Bafana team. It was at a time when the world governing body (FIFA) was under tremendous pressure from critics, who felt that South Africa was not ready to host and the stadiums would have had empty seats due to feedback of slow tickets sales from within the country. FIFA resolved the challenges of online ticket sales to the locals without internet access, by making over the counter sales of match tickets more accessible. Ticket sales picked up and the marketing of the tournament became more positive The Bafana Bafana parade was also an effort to trump up support for the country’s team and promote the tournament to the international media as well. If the critics had doubts, the Bafana team parade was the first of many assurances, that FIFA World Cup South Africa was alive and kicking. But as is usually the case, what was satisfactory for some, was not enough for the few negative thinkers. T here was an incredible hype for South Africa’s national team parade. Thousands of Bafana fans flock to the streets, dressed in their national colors, waving flags and blowing their Vuvuzela trumpets. It was the day that every variety of Vuvuzela trumpets were on display and on its way to becoming the official sound of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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Bafana Goal Celebration

T he Bafana Bafana parade was non-stop action and any visitor who arrived with concerns were comforted after watching black and white South Africans together in the streets Aas one in support of their Bafana team. Workers left their Office buildings and lined the streets to blow their Vuvuzelas. Schools were dismissed early as young and old enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere. The Bafana team showed their appreciation and waved to the fans from an open-top bus, while passing cars tooted their horns, in recognition of the festivities and the Bafana Bafana team. The action moved to the concert in Soweto the next day (Thursday June 10). Some of the dignitaries were Archbishop Desmond Tutu, president Jacob Zuma, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Mexican president Felipe Calderon, Prince Albert of Monaco and United States Vice President Joe Biden. There were performances by Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, along with African stars Amadou & Mariam and Hugh Masekela. The highlight of the concert was the featured performance by Colombian singer Shakira and South African band Freshly. Together they launched the World Cup theme song "Waka-Waka” (This time for Africa). Indeed it was time, as the 2010 World Cup was about to kick off the next day in the African continent. The Bafana parade changed some of the negativity towards the host, but somehow it brought the focus on the use of the Vuvuzela trumpets. So much so that a petition was forwarded to FIFA to ban the use of the Vuvuzela at the stadiums. FIFA rejected the notion and maintained its support of the host nation. Even FIFA President believed the hype and gave a vote of confidence on behalf of the host which enabled South Africa to deliver a successful tournament. News report showed thousands of Bafana fans poured onto the streets around the country to answer a call on the radio to blow their Vuvuzelas at lunchtime on the day of the parade.

"Everywhere, one can feel, I hope, that this World Cup is very special, the first on African soil," Blatter said. "We find ourselves in a position of indescribable anticipation.

The Bafana parade proved to be what the doctor ordered for the tournament as it sent South Africans into a World Cup frenzy. So much so that FIFA announced that 97% of the 3.1 million tickets had been sold.

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“ Soccer City, resembles the African Calabash with its charming patch-work of colours and round shape”, said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

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Page 12 At the opening ceremony at Soccer City, it was definitely South Africa’s moment to shine. The ceremony opened with the roar of five Gripen Fighter jets over the stadium and the deafening sound of Vuvuzela trumpets as drummers walked up the sidelines of the carpeted Soccer City Stadium field walked from the stadium tunnels. Not everyone made it to their seats by the start of the ceremony, but the fortunate ones were, the ceremony captured everyone’s attention, as participants flowed gracefully in and out of the limelight. The aerial shot (above) on the stadium big screen increased the hype as it showed people arriving just moments before the start of the opening ceremony.

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This venue, to me, symbolises hope. It forms part of FIFA’s Football for Hope project, whereby we encourage education, healthy and uplifting societies.”, said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

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There were memorable renditions ranging from Qongothwane, made famous by the late Miriam Makeba. There were songs attached to the cultural dances, as Didi sang by North Africa’s Khaled paid tribute to the six African teams (the most ever to be represented at a FIFA World Cup). A large size replica of the official Adidas World Cup ball (the Jabulani) was rolled out and followed by a huge beetle. The segment ended as the beetle left the field while displaying its football skills with the official Adidas “Jabulani” ball. Large pieces of cloth were then systematically woven in an effortless motion in dance and in song. It ended with the performers putting together the map of the continent of Africa for display.

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In a continuous flow, pieces of medal-like material were brought onto the field to form a structure in the shape and form of Soccer City Stadium in the center of the field. It was symbolic of the pride of South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and also portrayed the many uses of the ‘calabash’ shape structure. One of its portrayal was of a pot with steamy vapours escaping from the inside. In watching the erected structure I can understand why FIFA President Sepp Blatter was impressed days earlier when the stadium was handed over. “Soccer City is a five-star stadium,” …. “Together with the president of CAF, we are very proud of the work that has been done at the venue” Blatter said.

South Africa Minister of Sport, Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile, also added his take on Soccer City stadium and what it meant to the country.

“It is the flagship for South Africa and the African continent, I will go further and say this stadium is a flagship of the world. It is one of the most beautiful stadiums, I can compare it with Wembley Stadium just outside London,” Sport Minister Stofile said.

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Some times a picture is worth a thousand words and hence was the reason we reenacted the World Cup opening ceremony. Soccer City stadium will take anyone's breath away at the sight of it. Its calabash shape makes it unique and pertinent to the region, where the calabash plant was used as a container for several chores depending on its size. Its uses range from a teacup to a soup bowl, to what people in the Caribbean call a ‘dipper”. Soccer City is therefore relevant not only to the region of Arica, but the Caribbean and places with African roots or which grows the calabash plant. Pictures can be taken from any point outside of Soccer City with the same effectiveness, since it is cylindrical and looks basically the same from any angle. What I found to be astounding about Johannesburg Soccer City (JSC) is the inside view. It is an amazing state of the art structure of cement and steel, which is totally different from what you envisioned from the outside. That is providing you could recall walking up spacious circular hallways through the different levels only to be astonishment that you missed your assigned level because you continued to survey the beauty of the internal structure until you reached the end and very exhausted. It is huge. In the daytime, Soccer City is a magnificent stone-like structure, that seems to come alive at nights. In the dark of night the reflections of the inside lights appear between the open groves of the tile like structure causing most visitors to take pictures of it's beauty. I would have to support the opinion of the much traveled FIFA President Sepp Blatter, that Soccer City is one of the world’s best. The ten hosting cities of the tournament were established during the next part of the ceremony with musicians and artists from (the other African finalists) Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria performing. According to reports there were over 1500 South Africans participated in the opening ceremony. Participants included dancers, musicians and performers between the ages of six and sixty.

June, 11, 2010

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South Africa welcomed the world to an Africa of hope, colour, energy and limitless potential. As the sun poured through the ‘calabash’ shape Soccer City Stadium after an overcast morning, it certainly signalled to the world that it was indeed Africa’s time to shine. Multiple Grammy Award winner R. Kelly and the Soweto Spiritual Singers closed with an up- tempo performance of ‘Sign of Victory’, the tournament's showpiece song in recognition of the 208 original member associations, that competed for a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the remaining 32 participating nations with their billboards represented which accomplished the ultimately success. The closing act consisted of performers lying together in one area of the field (bottom right), to construct the logo of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. It was the end of African culture at its best, as the protective covering was removed from the field, to allow Bafana Bafana to showcase their talent against Mexico.

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“The biggest legacy of this World Cup will be the celebration of African humanity and no-one best represents that than Nelson Mandela”, said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

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2010 World Cup South Africa Opening Ceremony with

FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter & South Africa President Thabo Mbeki

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South Africa

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South Africa Open & Close well On gaining approval to host the 2010 World Cup, South Africa had two main challenges; put on a successful tournament and hope that its team could get into the second round, or at the least, be highly competitive. Soccer City was packed by the time the game between South Africa and Mexico got started. With the an emotionally charged home crowd, Bafana Bafana took a 1-0 lead on Siphiwe Tshabalala left footed bullet in the 55th minute, to spark a Vuvuzela celebration, to which even Nelson Mandela could have been dancing at his home.

But after the joy ... of taking the lead, Raphael Marquez scored Mexico’s equalizer to turn the Vuvuzela’s volume way down at Soccer City to set up an interesting final minutes to the 1-1 draw. As expected, South African and Mexican fans created an unbelievable atmosphere, as the ear- splitting vuvuzela horns drowned out the chants of the Mexican fans during the match. It wasn't a bad start for either team since Uruguay and France, played to a scoreless tie in Cape town later that evening to create a 4-way log jam atop the Group A standings But a 3-0 lost to Uruguay in its second game was the detrimental blow to Bafana after its 2-1 win over France in its last match fell short to second place Mexico on goal difference and South Africa was eliminated.

Siphiwe Tshabalala rallying the troops for his goal celebration

Best gold celebration of 2010 FIFA World Cup

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Samuel Eto after Denmark loss

African teams at World Cup Cameroons (early bow)

After a surprising 1-0 loss to Japan in its opening game, Cameroon became the first team to be officially eliminated from the tournament. The early bow came after a 2-1 loss to Denmark at Tshwane/Pretoria Stadium in their second group match. Captain Samuel Eto gave Cameroon the early lead (10th minute), but Denmark responded with two unanswered goals from Nicklas Bentner (33') and Dennis Rommedahl (61’) for the win. In a routine third match against Netherlands at Cape Town, Captain Eto scored the equalizer but Klaas Huntelaar scored the winner in the 83rd minute to give the Dutch a 2-1 win and the group title.

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South Africa supporters were disappointed that their team did not win their opening match against Mexico, but in retrospect Bafana Bafana did better than most of the higher ranked African teams at the tournament. Of consolation is the fact that Bafana finished with a win and only failed to advance on goal difference.

Nigeria was the third African team to be eliminated after Cameroon and South Africa. Nigeria lost to Argentina 1-0 in its opening match after Lionel Messi ignited Argentina’s offense. Gabriel Heinze scored the lone goal, to give coach Diego Maradona a momentary reprieve from his critics.

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Half-time show at Soccer City

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Nigeria was on the ropes from a 2-1 loss against Greece in its second match after taking an early lead on Kalu Uche goal in the 16th minute and was officially eliminated when they could not get any separation in a must win game after a 2-2 draw with Korea Republic in the third match. Argentina defeated Greece 2-0 to win the group while Korea Republic advanced as the second place team with 4 points. were in Group G, (the group of death) and with Didier Drogba leading the charge they opened the tournament with a respectable 0-0 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. But Cameroon's cookie started crumbling after a 3-1 loss to Brazil in its second match as Portugal jumped into second place with a 7-0 blow out of Korea DPR. Needing to win by a double digit margin against Korea DPR in the third match, Ivory Coast could only manage a 3-0 win and was eliminated as Portugal and Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 after playing to a scoreless tie. Algeria, was one of Africa's hopefuls before the tournament but lost significant ground after giving up a late goal in a 1-0 loss to Slovenia in their first match. They kept their slim hopes alive by shutting down Wayne Rooney and England offense in a scoreless tie in their second match, but conceded another late goal to the USA in injury time in their third match and was eliminated. Algeria finished Group C in third place behind USA and England respectively. Ghana opened with a close 1-0 victory over Serbia and with a 1-1 tie against Australia in their second match, they stood atop Group D standings with four points to second place Germany and Switzerland with 3 points and Australia’s with 1 point and an outside chance to advance. Though they lost 1-0 to Germany in their last group match, the Black Stars advanced to the round of 16 KO stage as the only African team left in the tournament. The advanced after Australia upset Serbia 1-0. However for the second time in as many world cups they had to face the never say die USA of 2010 in the round of 16 KO stage. Ghana became the sentimental choice of the tournament. (Cont’d on Page 36 ) Ivory Coast

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The M&M factor

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Regarded as one of the most talented teams heading into the tournament, Argentina was under achieving under coach Diego Maradona. With the #1 player in the world in Lionel Messi and arguably the hardest working midfielder in the business in Carlos Tevez, Argentina turned their fortunes around just in time to clinch the (fourth) last automatic spot in the South American zone qualifiers. But they Argentina got off to a good start at World Cup South Africa and so did Maradona with his soaring popularity as one of the world’s greatest players. Maradona got constant applause whenever he appeared on the sidelines or was shown on the stadium big screen. It seemed like the more attention Maradona received the more it distracted him. At times he went out of his way to demonstrate his football skills with balls that went out of bounds. With the cameras focus on him at the sidelines, his theatrics increased as his tactical awareness took a nose dive. The Argentina-Korea Republic match was a typical example of Maradona’s inability to adjust his team defensively, while calling more signals at the team bench than a policeman directing traffic at a busy intersection .

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Argentina & the M&M factor

After dominating play, Argentina allowed Korea to cut into their lead just before the half. I felt it spelt trouble with a capital ‘T’ for Argentina moving forward in the tournament, since coach Maradona did not seem to be able to adjust his team’s defensive schemes. Instead, it was reported that Maradona boasted that his team was the best at the tournament with the ball at their feet. While he may have had a point at the time, coach Maradona should have been more focus on his defense instead of Gonzalo Higuain scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament in Argentina’s 4-1 win. Argentina secured their early passage to the Round of 16 and faced Mexico, while Germany was waiting in the wings to be their quarter final opponent. At the knockout stage, match ups and situational substitution are vital, especially with overtime and/or the dreaded penalty kicks lurking as the decider.

Diego Maradona theatrics, against Korea Republic

Argentina defeated Mexico 3-1 at Soccer City, before their football DNA was severely tested against Germany. While Messi and Tevez proved to be too much for El Tri, against Germany it was an

Gonzalo Higuain goal against Korea Republic

entirely different kettle of fish.

Billed as a mouth-watering duel, the Germany-Argentina quarter final match was everything it was billed to be, and then some. Argentina trailed 1-0 on a Thomas Mueller item in the third minute and from then it looked like they threw in the towel defensively after Miroslav Klose scored in the 68 minute to give Germany a 2-0 lead. It was a total disregard for defense on Ame Friedrich’s scored to give Germany its third of the evening and a 3-0 lead. Klose produced Germany’s fourth and his second of the game to give Germany a 4-0 win and Argentina a shocking experience. In turn Lionel Messi (the world’s number one player) will have to wait for 2014 Brazil for his elusive first FIFA World Cup title and first goal.

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Mexico overwhelming support in 1-0 loss against Uruguay, at Rustenburg

Mexico As one of the three CONCACAF representatives at World Cup South Africa, Mexico was in Group A and favored in their opening match against South Africa. After drawing with Bafana 1-1 by virtue of Rafael Marquez equalizer in the 79'th minute, El Tri defeated France 2-0 in its second match and lost to Uruguay 1-0, to finish second in its group on goal difference ahead of South Africa to advance to the round of 16 KO stage against Argentina. Mexico was eliminated by Argentina 3-1 and I think that their fans deserve a lot better results from the team. They have watched their team eliminated five consecutive times at the World Cup at the Round of 16 KO stage and for me, Mexico’s Ole, Ole, chants after every pass, sets up scenarios where El Tri offensive plays are predictable and makes its defense susceptible to counter attacks based on their complacency. Hence the urgency is lacking at the KO stage.

Mexico

Complacent

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USA

USA was the most feared of the three CONCACAF teams at World Cup South Africa. The Americans were in Group C with England, Slovenia and Algeria. However they lived by the sword, and in the end they die by it, after trying to come from behind once to often. USA made some unbelievable come backs in games in which they could have easily lost. Their never say die attitude was working up to a point but dancing with the clock from as early as its first match against England was not a good sign. After falling behind England 1-0 on a Steven Gerrard goal in the 4th minute, USA equalized on goalkeeper Robert Green’s blunder to draw the game and

Too many comeback attempts

share the points at one apiece. While many wrote about the blunder which caused the equalizer for USA, others recognized England’s inability to keep pace with USA's team speed, when the emotions were high and the game was on the line. USA heroics continued in their second match against Slovenia. After trailing 2-0 at the half, the Americans not only tied the score 2-2 on second half goals by captain Landon Donavan and Michael Bradley, but was robbed on a botched call by referee Koman Coulibaly, which negated Maurice Edu’s volley off Donovan's free-kick, which would have surely given USA the win. USA continued to live on the edge. Captain Landon Donavan scored in extra time to give USA a 1-0 win over Algeria and the group title. But after winning the Group B ahead of England, USA went to the well once to often and was eliminated by Ghana in an overtime nail biter in the Round of 16.

Honduras ran out of games and players to be truly competitive with their experienced opponents in Group H. Playing their most important game against Chile in its opening contest, Honduras did well (if there is

such a thing), to come out on the short end of a 1-0 decision, after coming under heavy fire during the game. Los Catrachos lost their second match to Spain 2-0 when the eventual champions doubled their lead just after the half to secure the victory. After a 28 year absence, Honduras proved that they can compete with the world ‘s best, when they held Switzerland to a scoreless draw in their last match. The tie eliminated Switzerland, and allowed Chile and Spain to advance out of the group.

Honduras

Gave in to the pressure

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”Canada Media Report” by Jean Dugas

”After being a lifetime soccer fan, and having attended two previous World Cups, I decided that I wanted to combine my two loves, soccer and journalism. So I took six week leave of absence from my daily newspaper job to cover my first World Cup as a freelance reporter

in South Africa.

I must admit that before setting foot in South Africa, I was a bit curious, not scared, but curious of the type of welcome I would receive. As a Caucasian man, I was quite aware that apartheid had ended 16 years ago. Only 16 years ago after decades of domination on the Black man.

An extra 44 000 cops on the beat would be no match for a somewhat angry and Black majority population. Who wouldn’t be a bit bitter after that treatment? But the « Mandela effect », as I like to call it, was in full force. I was happily surprised by the warmth of all South Africans. Hatred, replaced by forgiveness. Just as Mandela had preached. Everyone, Blacks and Whites, welcomed me with open arms. United as a nation, in everyday life and in the stands for the Bafana Bafana. It was quite the scene. And it’s the lasting image that I will forever remember from my six-week journey in South Africa. But you know what I will remember most about South Africa? The people. I met wonderful South Africans. Some of whom will be friends for a long long time I believe. I will also remember how the kids of Orange Farm, a very poor township south of Johannesburg, can still smile while living in beat-up shacks with just about nothing but their family members. No water, no bathroom, no electricity, no possessions, and not much food either if not for a local community center run by a non-profit organization. I will also remember that South Africa is back. Back from the darkness of its past and looking forward to a sunny future thanks to one man, Nelson Mandela. Madiba as he is affectingly called by all South Africans appeared for a brief moment before the start of the World Cup final. His mere presence, aluminous in itself, had a profound effect on me, on the crowd. Everyone instinctively rose in the stands. Another unforgettable moment.

FIFA.COM

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by Jean Dugas Finally, I will also remember how South Africans responded with pride and great success to the challenge of hosting

the World Cup. Under heavy scrutiny for years until the opening kick-off, they proved to the world that they could host an important international event. Even if there was a few bumps in the road, they adjusted, they succeeded. It was, by far, my best Word Cup experience.

A lot was said in the media about the infamous vuvuzelas: their noise and how it was a cultural thing for South Africans. That might be so, but the plastic vuvuzelas that flooded the stadium are a far cry from the ancestral kind of old Africa. I got the chance to see a real one played by a youngster at a cultural celebration in a township. The commercial plastic vuvuzelas are basically just a cheap replica. The real ones are hand-carved with precision in some kind of wooden material and in a spiral manner (see picture below). They are not straight like the vuvuzelas we saw everywhere. Jean Dugas reporting the moment

In South Africa... the vuvuzela sound was like no other. Back home in Canada, people were frustrated by the constant buzz, comparable to bees, that could be heard. Well, I think it was a broadcasting ripple effect because in South Africa, even though the same constant sound was present, I didn’t feel annoyed by «bees

». Yes there was a hum, but there was also some melody to it. People from one part of the stadium were answering to their counterparts on the other side of the field and so on. Alright, I must admit that the noise was some- times deafening. Ear plugs? That’s for wimps! The vuvuzela was part of the experience! Those Bafana Bafana games (and even the ones of other African nations!) were probably the loudest games - all sports combined - that I’ve attended. Doesn’t help either when you are sitting right beside a section of vuvu’s in the stadium... However, let it be known that one vuvuzela is annoying. Thousands sound great.

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Referee Hector Vegara “World Cup Report”

Canada referee Hector Vegara was a referee’s assistant at the 2010 FIFA WC in Rustenburg South Africa. So we asked for his expertise on the following topics.

Hector Vegara

Hi Hector, What’s the difference in your World Cup preparation, versus a regular competitions? Vegara: To be successful as a referee one has to be consistent in his or her preparation. Whether its the physical or mental training, eating habits or anything else you have to keep it the same as much as possible. Any noticeable difference in the level of play? Vegara: Absolutely, the first touch on the ball by World Cup players is outstanding while the same can not be said for league players. The speed of the game at the World Cup level is much faster and quicker. The intensity of the World Cup players is higher and better controlled. The professionalism of the player at the World Cup is quite noticeable in that they play hard but respect the opponent to a greater degree than in league play. Was there any problems with the Players and their Bench code of conduct Vegara : This is an aspect that is very controlled at the World Cup level and the players realize their responsibility to behave and represent their country well. The same is not the case with league players who many times are out of control. What was the comradery like between the referees? Vegara: There is lots of comradery between the referees in any competition. There is a lot of support as we spent a lot of time working together and away from our families so the referees at the event becomes part of a large working family. The established friendships help us get through the difficult times whether personal or professional. Was the Vuvuzela sound a distraction for the players to hear the referee whistle? Vegara: No, the players adapted well and so did the referees, who trained with the noise of the vuvuzuela during all of our practices.

Soccer City, Johannesburg

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Netherlands goal celebration against Denmark

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Welsey Sneijder kept the Netherlands afloat in the early stages of the World Cup. But it was striker Arjen Robben return from injury which gave Orangemen the added fire power to get pass Slovakia, Brazil and Uruguay to reach the World Cup final against Spain. But it was another agonizing finish as the Dutch fell short in their third try at a World Cup. Netherlands played well in the final considering they were shown a bunch of yellow cards. With a man short from a red card Spain capitalized on Andre Iniesta goal in the 116 minute of overtime to lift the Cup.

Netherlands had a good tournament but relied to heavily on Robben after his return. He scored on his first match back; a 2-0 win over Cameroon to end the group stage, and he opened the scoring in Netherland next match which was a 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the round of 16. Robben menacing moves down the right flank, dismantled both Brazil and Uru- guay defenses in the quarter and semi final respectively and had he scored on at least one of the two break away at goal against Spain the Orangemen may not have fell agonizingly short against Spain in the World Cup final. Welsey Sneijder on the move

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It was Chile versus Spain for the Group H title……………………………………

Germany

Shockers in South Africa Switzerland upset Spain

The first big shocker at World Cup South Africa occurred when Switzerland beat Spain, the tournament favourite, at Durban Stadium. This started a mad race for the finish line in Group H after Gelson Fernandez scored the lone goal in the 52 nd minute to give Switzerland the surprise 1-0 win.

Italy & France sent packing

One of the real shockers in South Africa was Slovakia 3-2 win over Italy to send the defending champion packing for home after the group stage. France was also sent packing after being officially eliminated from its 2-0 loss to Mexico in their second group match. France started their campaign with controversy when striker Nicolas Inelka was released from the team after a 0-0 draw in their first game against Uruguay. France tailspin ended with a 2-1 loss to host South Africa in its last match and marked the first time in the history of the World Cup that the finalists from the previous tournament (France and Italy) did not advance to the KO stage. Serbia defeats Germany

Italy

Serbia

A 38th-minute goal by Milan Jovanovic proved enough for Serbia to edge Germany 1-0. Serbia capitalized when Jovanovic fired home from five yards out with the Germans playing a man short. Lukas Podolski's ( Poldi) missed a chance to equalize for Germany on a penalty shot. The shot was saved by goalkeeper Stojkovic as Germany suffered its first loss in a FIFA World Cup group game since 1986.

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…………………………….. The best technical game of the 2010 World Cup

Shockers in South Africa Spain dodged elimination against Chile

After losing its opening match to Switzerland and winning their second match over Honduras 2-0, Spain had to faced Chile in a must win situation. Chile held the Group H lead with 6 points while Spain and Switzerland were in hot pursuit with three points each. Switzerland had a winnable game against Honduras while Spain had to pull out all the stops against a well knitted Chilean team. It was the best game of the tournament from a technical stand point for me as Chile took the action to Spain with the expectation that Switzerland would have beaten Honduras to gain the six points to set up a three way tie had they lost to Spain. The two group matches were played simultaneously, with any two of the three contenders controlling their own destiny to advance into the Round of Sixteen with a win.

Leading 2-0 at the half, Spain had to hold on for dear life to gain a 2-1 victory with Chile playing with ten men. Chile still managed to advance with Spain after Honduras held Switzerland to a scoreless draw. USA team speed exposes England USA opened with a 1-1 against England in front of a lively crowd at Rustenburg Stadium. It was an up tempo game which forced England to try and hold on to its positional advantage while USA utilize its team speed to create major problems for England on its counter attacks.

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USA team speed nullify England

USA goalkeeper Tim Howard came up big for his team and received Man of the Match honours for his efforts. But I thought Lampard and Gerrard in England midfield were a tad slow. This resulted in England having to restart plays to seek the space which their physical runs would have created. USA looked more dangerous in attack and besides their team speed, had the leadership of Donavan and the size and muscle of Jozy Altidore up front and Oguchi Onyewu in the defense.

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ssrmagazine.com USA goalkeeper Tim Howard in action

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Germany

Shockers in South Africa Germany trounced Argentina 4-0

It seemed like Germany had found their rhythm heading into their KO stage of the World Cup. They destroyed England 4-1 in the Round of sixteen and surprised everyone with a big 4-0 win over Argentina in the quarter finals. It was a totally different German team at the KO stage. They defeated Ghana 1-0 in its last match to win Group D and advanced into the round of 16 KO stage. Their offense was opening up large gaps in opposing

Germany coach Joachim Loew

team’s defenses before putting the game away. But as it turned out the Germans outsmart themselves in the semi final against Spain by moving away from its offensive strategy based on Spain’s ball possession.

Germany tactical mistake against Spain The Spain-Germany semi final game was anticlimactic due to Germany coach Joachim Loew making what I thought was a big tactical error by letting his team sit back. It allowed Spain to control the flow of the game and neutralized Germany’s offense. Germany had disposed of England and Argentina with four goals out- puts and, the strategy backfired and nullified the number one scoring offense in the tournament in return.

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Uruguay

Forlan & Uruguay, the Best kept Secret

MVP Diego Forlan Uruguay’s striker and World Cup MVP Diego Forlan certainly dispelled any notion about the unpredictability of the official ball (Adidas Jubalani) of the 2010 World Cup. His spectacular shots and usage of the ball was key to Uruguay defying odds to reach the tournament’s semi final.

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As the fifth place finisher in South America Uruguay won their proved to be the best kept secret at the World Cup South Africa. They defeated Costa Rica (concacaf 4th place team) in a playoff series to reach the finals but won their group at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Uruguay was a different team in South Africa. They had the best player at the tournament in Forlan and his stellar play and magical shots created incredible goals to lead Uruguay to unimaginable heights. Uruguay lost 3-2 against Netherlands in the semi final and by the same 3-2 score to Germany in the match for third.

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Advancing into the Round of 16 Ghana was facing a USA team which mastered the ninety minute come back drill. USA was as tough as nails both mentally and physically and made their living in South Africa by scoring late goals to gain result and win their group. But Ghana managed to beat the Americans at their own game in the Round of 16. Asamoah Gyan scored three minute into overtime allowed Ghana to win 2-1 and advanced into the quarter finals against Uruguay. It was the second time in back to back World Cups that Ghana had beaten USA. On their debut at Germany in 2006, Ghana defeated the Americans 1-0 to advance out of the group with Italy, the eventual champions. But nothing prepared them for what was in store at quarter final thriller against Uruguay. Ghana’s striker Asamoah Gyan missed a penalty kick in the last minute of overtime for the win. Instead, the Black Stars lost 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout. It is something that Gyan will have to live with for the rest of his life, but he should also be mindful that he was the one who gave Ghana the best chance of winning during the course of the tournament. The 25-year-old striker can focus on the positives, especially after winning the British Broadcasting Company's (BBC) African Soccer Player of the Year ahead of fellow Ghanaian Andre Ayew, Cameroon’s Samuel Eto and Ivorians Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba.

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Ghana’s John Pantsil waves flag to celebrate Round of 16 advancement

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The Black Stars loss to Uruguay can be considered a blind twist of faith, since Gyan penalty would not of occurred had Uruguay player (Luis Suarez) not deliberately handled the ball to keep it out of his net in the final seconds of the match.

With no time left on the clock, Ghana would have won and advanced to the semi final as the first African team ever.

The loss was a bitter pill for everyone (including fair play) to swallow, but it was not meant to be. Uruguay had some magic of their own and also made their luck throughout their 2010 World Cup campaign In moving forward Uruguay gave Netherlands a good run for their money in their 3-2 semi final loss and repeated their performance against Germany in the third place match, only to lose by the same 3-2 margin. In retrospect, Ghana was the pride of Africa and in back to back World Cups. There are those who believe that like Spain which has been knocking on the door for many years, it is just a matter of time before Ghana (the youngest team at South Africa) make a serious breakthrough at the FIFA World Cup.

Pantsil , before getting the good news that his team qualified to advance for the Round of Sixteen

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