2010 FIFA World Cup has come and gone. Its effects will no doubt be felt and seen for a long time. Although there are still big social challenges to address, the tournament showed how sport can make a positive contribution to a nation and a continent.
Record-Breaking Attendance at 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
The cumulative attendance at all 64 matches held at eight stadiums topped three million, making this the third tournament to record such figures since the very first World Cup was held in 1930. South African soccer fan Thulani Ncogobo broke the Guiness Word Record for the most games watched at a FIFA World Cup. He attended 38.
The closing ceremony and final match between the Netherlands and Spain was viewed by about 500 million people across the world. Extra flights from the Netherlands and Spain brought in supporters who wanted to be part of this historic final. Andres Iniesta secured the World Cup trophy for Spain who made history by winning the tournament for the first time. It was closely contested match by Iniesta's goal, four minutes before the end of extra time declared Spain the 2010 soccer champions.
Crime was one of the main concerns at the World Cup but with 44 000 police devoted to the tournament, it was largely incident-free four weeks. South Africa implemented special measures to ensure the safety and security of spectators in accordance with standard FIFA requirements. These included a restriction of flight operation in the airspace surrounding the stadia.
The Legacy of 2010 World Cup South Africa
The boost to South Africa's tourism and other industries was enormous. Local manufacturers caught on quickly and made makarapas for supporters of the nations represented at the event. Makarapas are hand-cut and handpainted hard hats worn by sports fans in South Africa. Vuvuzela sellers did a roaring trade. Vuvuzelas are plastic blowing horns. The instrument produces a loud, distinctive, monotone note that delights some sports fans but has also been known to infuriate others.
The legacy of 2010 World Cup South Africa will be long-lasting. The host country improved its public transport infrastructure with the cities where games were held. Johannesburg's Gautrain was the most advanced developments. Gautrain is an 80-kilometre railway system in Gauteng Province, South Africa. It links Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport. In addition other metrosystems and major road networks were also improved.
2010 FIFA World Cup also seems to have provided inspiration for the improvement of African football which should have a good showing at 2014 edition in Brazil.
Melody Mundawarara - Melody Mundawarara has always enjoyed creative pursuits. Her interests range from Art to Zoology. She is a keen researcher who is excited ...
