SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - South Africans still upbeat about World Cup despite early exit

Record ID: 454737

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - South Africans still upbeat about World Cup despite early exit
  • Date: 24th June 2010
  • Summary: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JUNE 23, 2010) (REUTERS) VIEW OF JOHANNESBURG CITY NELSON MANDELA BRIDGE BUILDING WITH VARIOUS NATIONAL FLAGS
  • Embargoed: 9th July 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAPY73QJEBV4ULIG70GVPQ0BSL
  • Story Text: South Africa's elimination from the World Cup may quieten the vuvuzelas a little but the nation is proud of the achievements of its underdog team and even more of its success in organising a successful tournament.
    South Africans are still rallying behind Bafana Bafana and upbeat in hosting the world's largest sporting spectacle for the first time on African soil. South Africa bowed out with a 2-1 victory over a humiliated French team on Tuesday (June 22). Two early goals against France had fans hoping that Bafana could secure a place in the second round.
    South Africa's performance rekindled the support the host team had during the opening match against Mexico two weeks ago. But despite their determined performance, the goal difference was too great after Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other group match.
    South Africa became the first World Cup host not to advance to the next stage. But South Africans are still proud.
    "It's an honour for our country to host a tournament of this magnitude and it is very important and critical for all South Africans to rally behind other African teams that are remaining in the tournament and may the best team win," said Thabo, a Johannesburg resident.
    Africa, which started with a record six teams in the tournament, is now looking to Ghana to carry the continent's hopes.
    A proud South African supporter, Kukie Radebe, said the nation would continue to back the competition.
    "We are still going to support the World Cup, we are still going to support it, to support them," said Radebe.
    Joe, a Congolese resident, echoed Radebe's views.
    "Even if Bafana Bafana lost we must always support who are still playing because the World Cup is in our continent. We must show other people outside we are still going to be together, and we will be together forever and ever," he said.
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