The Rainbow Nation: Africa's World Cup, Or South America's?

With the 2010 World Cup taking place in South Africa, Peter Pedroncelli gives his take on the day to day events on the ground in the Rainbow Nation.

By Peter Pedroncelli

Jun 30, 2010 10:46:00 AM

World Cup 2010 - Brazil vs Chile, Kaka, Juan and Lucio(Getty Images)

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World Cup 2010 - Brazil vs Chile, Kaka, Juan and Lucio(Getty Images)

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30 June 2010

It is always rough to go out on penalties, and I feel bad for Japan after an impressive run in the group stages of the competition led to a second round meeting with Paraguay and a shootout which would end their stay in South Africa.

As the month of June comes to a close we bid farewell to a number of the teams in the competition, with only the top eight sides remaining and a noticeable South American flavour to the event.

South America has more representatives at this stage than ever before, with Europe having less. Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay now make up half of the remaining challengers for the World Cup crowd, while Spain, Holland and Germany represent Europe, with Africa's sole hope, Ghana filling the last spot.

It is impressive to see the Latin American teams doing a fine job of getting to the latter stages of the World Cup, and many believe that Argentina or Brazil will be hoisting up the trophy on 11 July. Personally, I hope that Argentina take it.

28 June 2010

Mexico has been a revelation at this World Cup, both on and off the pitch, with their supporters providing some of the most colourful and vibrant images throughout the extent of the competition.

One of the most important parts of an event must be the spectators who give the game and its players the hero status they command.

The Mexican fans have brought life to the World Cup, and in South Africa they have stood out from the many supporters from around the world coming to enjoy what has turned out to be a memorable World Cup for the football played on the pitches of Africa and the atmosphere created in South Africa.

In the video below, a group of vocal and passionate supporters sang for their national team ahead of the match between Argentina and Mexico.

Mexico have brought more supporters to South Africa for this World Cup than almost any other country, with only the likes of England, USA and the host nation enjoying more travelling fans in 2010. In fact, they could be noticed at all of the 2010 games, with a flag on the terraces and a small group of supporters attending the most isolated of games. I want to salute the Mexican fans and bid them farewell after doing so much for the tournament atmosphere. Thank you Mexico!

27 June 2010

Tonight I have the privilege of watching the round of 16 match between Argentina and Mexico at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, and as we get closer to the final game which will decide the title of the world champions for the next four years, it dawns on me that I am part of something unique and unforgettable, with the likes of Kaka and Lionel Messi taking part in a World Cup where I am lucky enough to possess a front row seat.

Watching Lionel Messi play football is like watching a man fly! He is incredibly talented, and the way he runs with the ball at his feet, twisting and turning without missing a step is amazing. It is a pleasure to be able to say that I saw this legend in his youth at the 2010 World Cup, because I have no doubt he has many great things ahead of him and many great triumphs in his future.

26 June 2010

Ghana go head to head with USA tonight in what could prove to be a tough encounter for both sides, but it is my hope that the Americans will not be strong enough to beat the Black Stars in Rustenburg. As the final African team left in the competition, a quarter-final place is really the minimum requirement for the side, and perhaps a first African semi-finalist is a possibility.

I like the American team, but Ghana is also an impressive side, and for African pride I hope they are able to progress to join the last eight teams in the tournament. Either way, tonight's game will certainly be an exciting one, and many Africans across the continent will lend their support to the Black Stars in exchange for something positive for Africa on the pitch in this 2010 World Cup.

24 June 2010

So much disappointment as Italy crashed out of the World Cup at the group stages of the tournament, ending bottom of the group with only 2 points to their name. During this competition I have been working and covering matches throughout the country for Goal.com, but I decided that I would attend at least one game as a fan, and unfortunately for me, the game I chose was Slovakia's encounter against the Azzurri.

A horrible display that characterized a terrible tournament for the reigning world champions saw them lose 3-2, and it was a sad day to be an Azzurri fan sitting in the stands at Ellis Park with Italy jersey on and flag in hand. I must admit I feel like their bad luck charm, as I watched two of their Confederations Cup games and one World Cup match, with all three ending in defeat. Perhaps I will not make the trip to Brazil in 2014 so that Italy can do well.

23 June 2010

African teams have been fairing horribly at this tournament, and it is very disappointing to see them struggling so much at the first World Cup to be staged on the continent, because many believed that they would experience an advantage with regards to the fans and feeling 'a little more at home.'

This has simply not been true for the six-pack of nations representing Africa on the world stage. Four of the teams are already out at this point, and as I prepare to watch Germany take on Ghana, perhaps I am jinxing the Black Stars by writing this. I wish them well, and due to Ivory Coast's complex goal difference requirement, I put a little bit of pressure on them when I say; Ghana, you are Africa's last hope of making a mark in the knock out stages - please do your best!

22 June 2010

The 2-1 win over France was historic, and the fans who were in Bloemfontein for the encounter were treated to a game they will never forget! With some dejected supporters already believing that Bafana stood no chance against the French, South Africa gave the assembled patriots in the Free State Stadium something to cheer about with a goal from defender Bongani Khumalo to send the arena into euphoria.

The noise and vibe was incredible after that, and the sending off of Yoann Gourcuff then added life to South Africa's cause, and some more volume to the stands at the stadium, with a yellow sea of supporters moving vibrantly and hoping for the 'impossible'.

Soon after that South Africa found a second goal through Katlego Mphela, and the crowd responded in kind, singing shosholoza and making sure that the players felt their full support.

Bloemfontein has always been a great arena for South Africa to play any sport in, as the support is immense, but the experience of sitting inside the stadium while all of this waa going on was simply fantastic.

One could actually feel the noise as much as hear it, as the stadium echoed with vuvuzela’s and cheers, and the players on the pitch knew they were writing an important page in South African football history. Well done Bafana!

21 June 2010

Riding to the stadiums in the media shuttles, I count all the different languages I can hear around me. It is always interesting to hear the Spanish, Russian, Italian language speaking journalists chattering away excitedly ahead of a game, throwing in a few Host City or Stadium names like "Rustenburg", "Soccer City" or even something truly South African, like "Biltong".

It always makes me smile and it makes me appreciate the opportunity South Africa has to show these travellers from afar a good time and to make sure any bad perceptions of this wonderful country are changed. I have made friends with a number of these people and can honestly say that I am pleased to have played a small part in their experience of the rainbow nation at this very special World Cup celebration.

Out of the foreigner journalists that I have spoken to, all have had positive things to say about the country and the people, and it seems so many minds have already been changed for the better, with one German broadcast journalist commenting, "I wish I had known about the country before coming. I was so nervous and now I realise how silly that was." Don't worry my friend, we are glad you are enjoying yourself.

20 June 2010

What a World Cup of surprises we are experiencing. It is always great to see the underdogs outperforming the favourites, but at which point do the giants of football admit that the teams they are playing against are in fact rising to their level, and football on the World Cup stage is becoming more of an equal battle than ever before. Sure, some teams still stand out, but many of the 'minnows' and 'whipping boys' are simply not lacking quality anymore.

Spain and Italy have been surprised in this World Cup, and perhaps other great surprises await, but football is also beautiful because it is unpredictable.

18 June 2010

Bafana disappointed with a lack of game plan on Wednesday, and yesterday it was the turn of Nigeria to let African fans down as Greece found themselves on the winning end of a 2-1 score line in Bloemfontein. A four and a half hour drive down to the City of Roses allowed me to put some thought into South Africa's campaign and how the African teams have really not come to the party in this competition, while a four and a half hour drive back allowed me to reflect on all of the African teams.

The hosts were always going to have a tough time in their group, with two former World Cup winners and a very talented Mexican side standing in the way of qualification, but they gave us hope with a positive start and almost all three points against El Tri, had it not been for a defensive mistake and a few wasted chances. This was not the case against Uruguay however, and they were outplayed, and only a certain very detailed situation will let Bafana through to the next round.

Nigeria gave the impression that under Lars Lagerback they were an improved side, and against Argentina they also impressed despite losing 1-0 to the champions that constitute the South American Albiceleste, which is no shame at all.

But once again, in their second match yesterday they fell, this time to European opposition in the form of Greece, and after a red card for Sani Kaita's retaliation, Nigeria conceded the two goals which lost them the game and virtually all hope of qualification. They now need Greece's help in beating Argentina, but as I write that sentence I realise how crazy it sounds!

Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Ghana have played only one game each at this point, and out of those, Algeria and Cameroon have lost, while the Elephants earned a draw against Portugal and Ghana were able to take the three points against a strong Serbia side. Perhaps the Black Stars will be Africa's best hope at progressing far in the tournament, but the African teams need to realise that this is our World Cup, and this is the chance for an African side to reach the semi-finals for the greatest football tournament for the first time in history!

16 June 2010

The Bafana match was very disappointing indeed, and now things are looking very bad for the boys with France to come and having to rely heavily on other results in the Group to allow them a chance at progressing. Spirits in the country were dampened, but there is still hope that Bafana can find a miracle in the France match. Never lose hope is an African motto, and the fans in South Africa are holding onto that hope.

So now the Uruguayans who so easily beat Bafana in the game we just witnessed will become our potential allies as we hope for a draw between Mexico and France, before giving our full support to Diego Forlan and his South American team mates in their final game of the group stage against Mexico, while Bafana put their heads and hearts into getting all three points against Les Bleus. We still have hope, until the final whistle!

15 June 2010

Brazil have always been football heavyweights, and that is not likely to change any time soon. South Africans love Brazil, and according to a poll amongst football fans in the country, most of the supporters will be cheering the South Americans on after Bafana, and this was evident, speaking to fans earlier today at the Brazil - North Korea game.

Pouring into the stadium, there was great excitement amongst the local fans at the chance to watch Kaka, Robinho and company in the flesh. In the end they beat the Koreans 2-0 and the local fans cheered them on every step of the way.

13 June 2010

The World Cup is truly in full swing, and it is wonderful to be seeing the best players in the world weaving their magic on South African football pitches. Watching Lionel Messi live was a special treat, and seeing him shimmy past players and skipping around with the ball glued to his feet was a moment I will never forget. What a player!

Tonight Germany begin their campaign, and it will really feel like another fantastic World Cup is upon us when Italy and Brazil also play their first games. Growing up, it seemed that Italy, Brazil and Germany were always the teams to beat, and watching them reminds me why I love this game so much.

How fortunate we are as South Africans to have the tournament in our country. I hope time slows down during this month-long fiesta, so that I can truly savour the beautiful game and the small but extremely fulfilling role I played in bringing it to the world.

10 June 2010

As I write this I consider the colossal event that is upon is here in South Africa, and how fortunate we are to be hosting the world's greatest show in our country. One of the most important parts of an event must be the spectators who give the game and its players the hero status they command.

The fans bring life to the World Cup, and South Africa will be no different, with those from many countries coming to enjoy what will hopefully turn out to be a memorable World Cup for the fantastic football played on the pitches of Africa.

Here is one of those colourful fans from Mexico, the country which will be taking on the hosts tomorrow in the opening match at Soccer City!

9 June 2010

The vibe is incredible in South Africa at the moment, and the local fans are now mingling with those from all over the world, as supporters of the beautiful game from the other 31 nations and beyond touch down on African soil for the sport's greatest show piece event.

A trip to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg confirms the arrival of FIFA's tournament, with Honduran fans handing out buttons, Mexicans in sombreros singing in high pitched tones, and English supporters eyeing out their French counterparts. It's quite funny actually, and many stereotypes thrive in this newly extended and improved international airport.

Dutch Fans At The Long Street Fan Fest

My weekly kick around at a local park was invaded by four Italians and a Brazilian on Sunday, and I considered it a personal responsibility to show them a good game and offer them a drink afterwards, and judging by the pale looks on their faces, the altitude is going to affect some of the teams playing in Johannesburg.

A friend runs a coffee shop in one of the popular malls nearby, and I often drop by for a coffee when I'm in the area. Speaking to him about the recent influx of football fans, he said, "It's been great, the whole world loves to eat and drink, so I'm happy, and a few of my Spanish customers have suggested an interesting addition to the menu, I'm seriously considering it."

So the world is watching South Africa, and some nations have even sent representatives to cheer on their teams. They are adding to our country, giving us hope, humour and friendship, as well as a chance to be good hosts. I know I will be doing my part as a South African to welcome the world to our shores, and I hope my countrymen will do the same.

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