Breath-taking spectacle at the 2010 World Cup draws

If the success recorded by the event organizers is anything to go by, it can be said without doubt that South Africa is completely ready to host the world. It was indeed a breath taking show which held viewers across the globe spell bound. Events leading to the draws had clearly demonstrated the magnitude of […]

If the success recorded by the event organizers is anything to go by, it can be said without doubt that South Africa is completely ready to host the world. It was indeed a breath taking show which held viewers across the globe spell bound.

Events leading to the draws had clearly demonstrated the magnitude of importance the 32 qualifiers for the global event and South Africans attach to night. Participating countries couldn’t wait any longer to know their opponents in the preliminary rounds. Interestingly, as eager as they were, their fate was securely in the hands of some of the dignitaries who eventually helped with the draws.

Beyond the draws proper, there were lots of breath taking events which will linger in the minds of South Africans and the global audience for a long time.  The 90-minute show kicked off with acclaimed local musician Johnny Clegg known to many as “The White Zulu” who sang his famous “Scatterlings of Africa,” to the backdrop of African landmarks such as the pyramids of Egypt.

The show was beamed live to about 200 million television viewers in more than 200 territories. Other entertainment was provided by Beninese diva Angelique Kidjo and the Grammy award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir.

It was set on a colorful stage and included videos of the history of the World Cup as well as a humorous clip which made it look like lions, monkeys and giraffes were playing football.

Before the draws, South African President, Jacob Zuma and the president of FIFA Joseph Sepp Blatter set the tone for the event with inspirational speeches. While Zuma who exuded infectious confidence said “We believe the world is going to be surprised because this cup that has come to Africa at the end of the tournament will remain here in Africa”,  the president of the world football governing body said  “The World Cup will not only bring the best players in the world. It will also bring recognition to Africa because Africa has waited so long to organize a World Cup,”

Expectedly, tension rose to a feverish point when the draws were about to commence. The anxiety in the air was thick enough to be cut with a knife. The coaches who are the men who would be leading their battalions to the battle field in 2010 kept shifting in their seats. In the end, the draws held and the resultant sighs of relief and panic did not come as a surprise.

Apart from the seeded countries which avoided early clashes with perennial rivals, the rest found one or two opponents too hot for comfort. Depending on how they found the draws, reactions emanating from the camps of the 32 countries that were involved in the World Cup draws is that of it could have been better for us or may be worse.

The continent of Africa witnessed mixed fortunes with some of its representatives finding themselves in groups which will no doubt demand so much from them if they are to make progress in the tournament. Even if Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Algeria have relatively manageable groups, the same can not be said of Ivory Coast which found itself in the same group with favourites Brazil, Portugal, and North Korea. South Africa the host must be causing its stars for landing France, Mexico and Uruguay in group A.

It is also imperative to note that the event was graced by sporting heroes such as England midfielder David Beckham, veteran World Marathoner Hailiese Grabelsiee  of Ethiopia, legendary Roger Mila, Mozambique born Portugese legend, Esubio and a host of other who mixed with political heroes like Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former president of South Africa, Thebo Mbeki to add glamour to the night.

South Africa’s own Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron who co-hosted the event with FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke added a touch of glamour in a stunning full-length magenta evening dress.

There was a lot to savour inside the venue of the all important draws but elsewhere outside, the whole town was agog with a flurry of activities organizers had lined up to make the night a memorable one.

Outside the International Convention Center, guests posed against a mock-up of the flat-topped landmark as a carnival atmosphere prevailed in the city.

Streets were decked with banners and giant footballs while fans gathered in the city center, blowing the plastic trumpets known as vuvuzelas that have become a trademark of South African football.

About 20,000 people attended a free concert in Long Street, a trendy strip of bars and shops, that had been turned into country’s first fan park. Fans wore bright football jerseys and yellow hats and waved South African flag. Others watched from the balconies that overlook the street while street performers and fire eaters entertained the crowds.

As earlier said, all the countries for South Africa 2010 now know their opponents for the preliminary rounds. Those who have serious hurdles to cross will surely step up their preparations. But those who will over indulge in the erroneous belief that they have been handed easy groups would have themselves to blame when hostilities commence. It is said there are no more minnows in world football and it is for this simple fact that even Brazil will not like to undermine the threat from  North Korea just as European Champions, Spain won’t take chances by underrating Honduras.