The official Soccer World Cup 2010 Thread
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What the hell has 'racist' got to do with it? Why does someone always have to pull out the race card when they can't come up with a sound argument?
The rest of message had a lot of sound argument but there was only one word you chose to pick up...betalight:
Chile/South America in recently or in 80's? This "discussion" rised from the claim that WC was never before been organized in country in as poor state, so I'm not comparing SA to South America *today*, but to when Argentina (78)/Mexico(86) organized WC. Eg was life under Argentinian military Junta better than under Zumas ANC? Sure they didn't have the crime figures of SA but nobody would know where Zille is and people asking where she is would also be mysteriously disappearing...
The restriction makes sense, maybe from a very strict security perspective, for a given stadium while the game is on ... with the suicide pilot attack being the threat to public safety.
Otherwise, with no game on, it makes no sense at all.
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That word (racist) was planted there as a trap, and you walked right into it. The rest of message had a lot of sound argument but there was only one word you chose to pick up...
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I just need to clarify a statement I made earlier. When I said promises was made regarding development, we never made FIFA any promises about development, they can't care. We made promises to our people, and those promises will not materialize.
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Business as usual!
Never mind all the social concerns voiced about the wisdom of this World Cup. Now the games are on so that all attention is on the results. That might change if someone important is robbed or attacked but otherwise it's just time for the "circuses" part of that old success formula for keeping the poor happy, "bread and circuses."
In a few weeks the shouting will die down, the closing ceremony will have been held, the happy new World Cup holders will be jetting off homewards, to Pyongyang one hopes, and that will just about be that. If South Africa has a bit more debt to contend with, should that make things all that much worse, when there's not much hope for betterment under the ANC anyway?
You might want to look at it as a German does, when Schadenfreude (happiness over the misfortune of another) is a big thing with them. We now have the idiot mooing of the vuvuzela as a part of our sonic German landscape so that we can share a tiny part of your WC pain. Sat there in the garden enjoying birdsong there comes a "Blooo-arp!" to be answered by another and then a third one joins in. This is auditory graffiti!
In a few weeks the shouting will die down, the closing ceremony will have been held, the happy new World Cup holders will be jetting off homewards, to Pyongyang one hopes, and that will just about be that. If South Africa has a bit more debt to contend with, should that make things all that much worse, when there's not much hope for betterment under the ANC anyway?
You might want to look at it as a German does, when Schadenfreude (happiness over the misfortune of another) is a big thing with them. We now have the idiot mooing of the vuvuzela as a part of our sonic German landscape so that we can share a tiny part of your WC pain. Sat there in the garden enjoying birdsong there comes a "Blooo-arp!" to be answered by another and then a third one joins in. This is auditory graffiti!
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Thousands march in Durban
Durban – About 3 000 people marched through Durban on Wednesday, ahead of Spain's first World Cup match, to demand the government lavish the same spending on the poor as for the tournament.
Among them were hundreds of security guards with their FIFA badges, who clashed with riot police after the Germany-Australia match on Sunday in protest over their wages.
Their action sparked a series of walk-outs in Cape Town and Johannesburg, prompting police to take over security at those stadiums.
"Even if the police shoot us, we are going to work at Moses Mabhida Stadium," they chanted in Zulu as they marched toward City Hall.
Many protesters were frustrated at FIFA's strict marketing rules which limit all commercial activity around stadiums and fan parks.
Others accused the city of a "clean-up" to remove the homeless, street children and migrants from sidewalks to spruce up Durban's image.
Protesters included fishermen removed from their spots on the beachfront city's piers and vendors at a fresh market the city is trying to shut down to make way for a shopping mall.
Denying livelihood
"FIFA has a right to deny us our livelihood. Government took all the ratepayers' money for FIFA," said Desmond D'sa, an organiser of the march.
"If we have money for stadiums, we should not have any homeless people or people having to live in shacks," organiser Allan Murphy said in a statement ahead of the protest.
South Africa's government has poured R33bn into World Cup preparations, which critics say could have been better spent on improving lagging public services.
About 43% of South Africans live on less than two US dollars a day, and the country has the world's biggest gap between rich and poor.
Durban – About 3 000 people marched through Durban on Wednesday, ahead of Spain's first World Cup match, to demand the government lavish the same spending on the poor as for the tournament.
Among them were hundreds of security guards with their FIFA badges, who clashed with riot police after the Germany-Australia match on Sunday in protest over their wages.
Their action sparked a series of walk-outs in Cape Town and Johannesburg, prompting police to take over security at those stadiums.
"Even if the police shoot us, we are going to work at Moses Mabhida Stadium," they chanted in Zulu as they marched toward City Hall.
Many protesters were frustrated at FIFA's strict marketing rules which limit all commercial activity around stadiums and fan parks.
Others accused the city of a "clean-up" to remove the homeless, street children and migrants from sidewalks to spruce up Durban's image.
Protesters included fishermen removed from their spots on the beachfront city's piers and vendors at a fresh market the city is trying to shut down to make way for a shopping mall.
Denying livelihood
"FIFA has a right to deny us our livelihood. Government took all the ratepayers' money for FIFA," said Desmond D'sa, an organiser of the march.
"If we have money for stadiums, we should not have any homeless people or people having to live in shacks," organiser Allan Murphy said in a statement ahead of the protest.
South Africa's government has poured R33bn into World Cup preparations, which critics say could have been better spent on improving lagging public services.
About 43% of South Africans live on less than two US dollars a day, and the country has the world's biggest gap between rich and poor.
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Quote: "The conversation at the time was not so much the brands, but the absolute domination of FIFA during the world cup and if there is any benefit to anyone but FIFA and their selected partners."
Bavaria N.V. scored a great goal against the FIFA bullies with this:
World Cup 2010: Police arrest women in Dutch orange dresses - Telegraph
It's a good follow up to the Kulula.com success. While one cannot complain about FIFA or the VANOC Canadian Olympic Games junta controlling supplies sold within their grounds/premises it is impertinent of them to expect to control national symbols, etc. in public places, including sports grounds, throughout a country and to so selfishly impose upon others, such as with unnecessarily large flight ban areas, etc.
"Absolute domination of FIFA?" Has the SA government abdicated its responsibilities and authority to FIFA? It's disgusting to note that FIFA apparently now controls the SA Police Service as the women were arrested for wearing the Dutch national colour. Is this yet more corruption? Have the SA police caught all the muggers, burglars, rapists, car hijackers and murderers that they can afford to divert cops to bullying female football fans? Another black eye/own goal for South Africa!
Peer Swinkels, from Bavaria beer, said people “should have the right to wear what they want”.
“The Dutch people are a little crazy about orange and we wear it on public holidays and events like the World Cup,” he said. "This time we put no branding on the dress. And Fifa don't have a monopoly over orange."
Well done to those such as Bavaria N.V. and Kulula.com who oppose such greedy abuse!
Bavaria N.V. scored a great goal against the FIFA bullies with this:
World Cup 2010: Police arrest women in Dutch orange dresses - Telegraph
It's a good follow up to the Kulula.com success. While one cannot complain about FIFA or the VANOC Canadian Olympic Games junta controlling supplies sold within their grounds/premises it is impertinent of them to expect to control national symbols, etc. in public places, including sports grounds, throughout a country and to so selfishly impose upon others, such as with unnecessarily large flight ban areas, etc.
"Absolute domination of FIFA?" Has the SA government abdicated its responsibilities and authority to FIFA? It's disgusting to note that FIFA apparently now controls the SA Police Service as the women were arrested for wearing the Dutch national colour. Is this yet more corruption? Have the SA police caught all the muggers, burglars, rapists, car hijackers and murderers that they can afford to divert cops to bullying female football fans? Another black eye/own goal for South Africa!
Peer Swinkels, from Bavaria beer, said people “should have the right to wear what they want”.
“The Dutch people are a little crazy about orange and we wear it on public holidays and events like the World Cup,” he said. "This time we put no branding on the dress. And Fifa don't have a monopoly over orange."
Well done to those such as Bavaria N.V. and Kulula.com who oppose such greedy abuse!
Colonel Vishnu Naidoo, a spokesman for the South African Police Service, said it was now considering whether to prosecute the women.
“They were questioned for 45 minutes to an hour,” he said. “They were lucky it was only that long – we could have held them for 48 hours. Ambush marketing is a serious offence.”
“They were questioned for 45 minutes to an hour,” he said. “They were lucky it was only that long – we could have held them for 48 hours. Ambush marketing is a serious offence.”
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Who is running this country at the moment. Those w
rs from FIFA or the SPINELESS SA Government. Either way the only people benefitting are FIFA. The money wasted on this whole process over the last few years in preparation of the world cup could have been used to uplift the people at grass roots level in this country and not wasted on this ridiculous tournament. This latest debacle with the arrest of the dutch tourists depicts the kind of crap that fifa dish out and should be stopped but fifa paint such a rosy picture to countries about hosting the WC that they all go blind to the realities.
Myself i cannot wait for this rubbuish to be over and people throw away the bloody vuvuzelas and life to returns to post fifa run government. Even the ANC are a better prospect.
rs from FIFA or the SPINELESS SA Government. Either way the only people benefitting are FIFA. The money wasted on this whole process over the last few years in preparation of the world cup could have been used to uplift the people at grass roots level in this country and not wasted on this ridiculous tournament. This latest debacle with the arrest of the dutch tourists depicts the kind of crap that fifa dish out and should be stopped but fifa paint such a rosy picture to countries about hosting the WC that they all go blind to the realities. Myself i cannot wait for this rubbuish to be over and people throw away the bloody vuvuzelas and life to returns to post fifa run government. Even the ANC are a better prospect.
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Strikes embarrass SA: Fin24: Business
As far as the loss last night, out played, straight and simple!
As far as the loss last night, out played, straight and simple!
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This whole debacle gets worse and worse. I am glad to see so many speaking out against it, even in the SA press wihch is still relatively free - fortunately.
It has enormous responsibilities and little authority, and therein lies the problem as it is failing to live up to its responsibilities, not that this makes it much different to any other government anywhere.
It has sold out to FIFA, and in the fullness of time the stories of backhanders and bribes will come out. By that time it will be too late as the corrupt and mercenary politicians will be living a life of idle luxury and the money stashed away in Swiss bank accounts.
Has the SA government abdicated its responsibilities and authority to FIFA?
It has sold out to FIFA, and in the fullness of time the stories of backhanders and bribes will come out. By that time it will be too late as the corrupt and mercenary politicians will be living a life of idle luxury and the money stashed away in Swiss bank accounts.
At least the lucre won't be in Spanish bank accounts ....
(reference the Swiss upset of Spain yesterday)
(reference the Swiss upset of Spain yesterday)
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Cape Town not getting the numbers.
Cape Town – With its stunning mountain backdrop, beaches, vineyards and even penguins, South Africa's most visited city Cape Town has little cause to cast its sights elsewhere.
But with World Cup matches concentrated around Johannesburg, or within relatively easy reach of South Africa's largest city, visitors are choosing to base themselves in the north of the country instead of in the "Mother City".
Some of Cape Town's hotels report they are only 50% full and local bars and restaurants are eyeing television footage of the Johannesburg crowds and parties with envy.
"There are more flags on the cars in Johannesburg, and the tournament vibe is stronger there," said Casey Crafford, a 29-year-old photographer from Cape Town.
"Maybe it is because no teams are based around here and Cape Town has notoriously bad weather in the winter season. But if Cape Town is less the centre of things then at least it gives other cities a chance to benefit, I suppose."
While locals turn out in force to the fan zone sites to support South Africa, the hoards of visiting fans the city was expecting simply have not materialised.
South African accents
Cape Town stadium has so far hosted France and Uruguay, and Italy and Paraguay, but of the fans streaming to the stadium in blue Italy shirts most had South African accents.
"People are coming but not in the numbers we expected," said Carola Koblitz, a spokesperson for the city authorities, adding the type of person to be visiting was also a surprise.
"South Africa was initially expecting 450 000 fans but that estimate is now down to a conservative 200 000. We expected around 80% of visitors to be male, but now we are seeing more women and families here."
Cape Town, which focuses on high-end accommodation, has seen its hotels far from fully occupied.
"This is a World Cup driven by the world economic situation, which shows in the numbers and where people are staying," Koblitz said.
Some Italians fans visiting the city even arranged a free house swap with families from Cape Town, she said.
Premier tourist destination
As a premier tourist destination Cape Town has a highly-developed marketing machine behind it. Brochures spell out the reasons to watch the World Cup from Cape Town stating it is the most beautiful host city of them all, and its water front is the most visited spot in all Africa.
The city has spent R8bn on overhauling its transport system and creating attractive walkways to the stadium, including a 2.5km fan walk – which even on match days has seemed a little deserted.
However with English and Dutch fans expected to descend on the city for games, Koblitz is confident that will bring an influx visitors to Cape town.
England play Algeria at the Cape Town stadium on Friday while thousands of orange-clad Dutch fans are expected when Netherlands take on Cameroon on June 24. The city will also host matches at all stages until the semi-final.
Those who have already arrived are glad they made the trip.
"Actually we like it here. Everything is much smaller and we feel safer here," said Houssain Ferradi, a 34-year-old fan from Algeria who had just arrived from Johannesburg.
But with World Cup matches concentrated around Johannesburg, or within relatively easy reach of South Africa's largest city, visitors are choosing to base themselves in the north of the country instead of in the "Mother City".
Some of Cape Town's hotels report they are only 50% full and local bars and restaurants are eyeing television footage of the Johannesburg crowds and parties with envy.
"There are more flags on the cars in Johannesburg, and the tournament vibe is stronger there," said Casey Crafford, a 29-year-old photographer from Cape Town.
"Maybe it is because no teams are based around here and Cape Town has notoriously bad weather in the winter season. But if Cape Town is less the centre of things then at least it gives other cities a chance to benefit, I suppose."
While locals turn out in force to the fan zone sites to support South Africa, the hoards of visiting fans the city was expecting simply have not materialised.
South African accents
Cape Town stadium has so far hosted France and Uruguay, and Italy and Paraguay, but of the fans streaming to the stadium in blue Italy shirts most had South African accents.
"People are coming but not in the numbers we expected," said Carola Koblitz, a spokesperson for the city authorities, adding the type of person to be visiting was also a surprise.
"South Africa was initially expecting 450 000 fans but that estimate is now down to a conservative 200 000. We expected around 80% of visitors to be male, but now we are seeing more women and families here."
Cape Town, which focuses on high-end accommodation, has seen its hotels far from fully occupied.
"This is a World Cup driven by the world economic situation, which shows in the numbers and where people are staying," Koblitz said.
Some Italians fans visiting the city even arranged a free house swap with families from Cape Town, she said.
Premier tourist destination
As a premier tourist destination Cape Town has a highly-developed marketing machine behind it. Brochures spell out the reasons to watch the World Cup from Cape Town stating it is the most beautiful host city of them all, and its water front is the most visited spot in all Africa.
The city has spent R8bn on overhauling its transport system and creating attractive walkways to the stadium, including a 2.5km fan walk – which even on match days has seemed a little deserted.
However with English and Dutch fans expected to descend on the city for games, Koblitz is confident that will bring an influx visitors to Cape town.
England play Algeria at the Cape Town stadium on Friday while thousands of orange-clad Dutch fans are expected when Netherlands take on Cameroon on June 24. The city will also host matches at all stages until the semi-final.
Those who have already arrived are glad they made the trip.
"Actually we like it here. Everything is much smaller and we feel safer here," said Houssain Ferradi, a 34-year-old fan from Algeria who had just arrived from Johannesburg.
In less pleasant news ... South African killed by family for watching Cup - World Cup- nbcsports.msnbc.com
Someone had a scuffle with the family over the remote, what to watch, world cup or not, and somebody got killed.
Shame.
Someone had a scuffle with the family over the remote, what to watch, world cup or not, and somebody got killed.
Shame.
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There is the odd report about 4 Aussies robbed in Nelspruit at gun point, Italian fan stabbed etc.
The reason there is relatively few incidences of crime is that the tourists was well informed about crime, therefore they stay in big groups and only visit "safe" areas like the Fan Zones.
What's disturbing in the report of the American who got shot after getting of the Gautrain is the fact that the police is quick to point out he was not a "World Cup tourist".. so soccer tourists have more rights to safety then normal tourists and tax paying citizens.
American tourist shot in Joburg: News24: South Africa: News
The biggest debate has always been the economics of the World Cup, well if there was ever a hope of foreign investment, the news this morning dashes all those hopes.
Massive govt strike looms: Fin24: Economy
Then don't forget that Johannesburg still had it's daily 3 hour power failures during the whole of last month. Inverters will look past the FIFA controlled areas before investing.
This world cup will be remembered for Vuvuzella's , a plastic pipe manufactured in China.
The reason there is relatively few incidences of crime is that the tourists was well informed about crime, therefore they stay in big groups and only visit "safe" areas like the Fan Zones.
What's disturbing in the report of the American who got shot after getting of the Gautrain is the fact that the police is quick to point out he was not a "World Cup tourist".. so soccer tourists have more rights to safety then normal tourists and tax paying citizens.
American tourist shot in Joburg: News24: South Africa: News
The biggest debate has always been the economics of the World Cup, well if there was ever a hope of foreign investment, the news this morning dashes all those hopes.
Massive govt strike looms: Fin24: Economy
Then don't forget that Johannesburg still had it's daily 3 hour power failures during the whole of last month. Inverters will look past the FIFA controlled areas before investing.
This world cup will be remembered for Vuvuzella's , a plastic pipe manufactured in China.
There is an AP report that SA economic problems don't get all that much help from the cup.
South Africa economic woes unfixed by Cup - Business - World business - msnbc.com
You made a good point.
My wife commented yesterday that, even with just the TV on in my house, watching Spain/Germany, she found the vuvuzela drone intensely annoying -- and that was after I had turned the sound down a bit due to my own annoyance. As the announcers weren't brilliant, I hit the mute button for the remainder of the match.
Based on a few weeks being subjected to that racket, I'd not blame any soccer player, coach, or ref so subjected to making a Health and Safety/OSHA complaint.
South Africa economic woes unfixed by Cup - Business - World business - msnbc.com
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa may reap a windfall for defying the skeptics and successfully hosting the World Cup but the profits short term are heading elsewhere while unions gripe and the nation's already staggering unemployment rate climbs higher.
FIFA, the tournament's organizer, is happy - with near-record ticket sales and huge global TV audiences. Some of its major international sponsors also are reporting record sales.
Yet official jobless figures released during the tournament revealed that the extensive World Cup-related preparations - including several billion dollars worth of new stadiums and transport infrastructure - didn't prevent a further downturn.
According to Statistics SA, 79,000 non-farm jobs were lost in the first quarter of this year, and 242,000 in the 12 months ending in March. The jobless rate is above 25 percent - and more than 30 percent if those who've given up job-hunting are included.
FIFA, the tournament's organizer, is happy - with near-record ticket sales and huge global TV audiences. Some of its major international sponsors also are reporting record sales.
Yet official jobless figures released during the tournament revealed that the extensive World Cup-related preparations - including several billion dollars worth of new stadiums and transport infrastructure - didn't prevent a further downturn.
According to Statistics SA, 79,000 non-farm jobs were lost in the first quarter of this year, and 242,000 in the 12 months ending in March. The jobless rate is above 25 percent - and more than 30 percent if those who've given up job-hunting are included.
This world cup will be remembered for Vuvuzella's, a plastic pipe manufactured in China.
Based on a few weeks being subjected to that racket, I'd not blame any soccer player, coach, or ref so subjected to making a Health and Safety/OSHA complaint.
