Argentina national team 2010 profile

The mighty of Argentina scrapped their way to this year's World Cup finals. And they'll have a lot to prove in Group B against the likes of Greece (ranked 12th), Nigeria (15) and Korea Republic (49).

Maradona's charges who include 2009 World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi, Veron, Tevez, Aguero and Militon are sure to be aiming higher than the quarter finals they reached in Germany 2006.

The charismatic Maradona fresh from a FIFA ban late last year for using foul language, will be looking to use the grand stage in South Africa to silence his critics.

The CONMEBOL outfit struggled in the qualifiers against opponents such as Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. Bolivia sprung a nasty one in the face of the 'Albicelestes' lads by hammering them 6-1.

But Argentina also registered good wins against Venezuela (0-4), Chile (0-2). For a team of Albecelestes calibre and high FIFA rankings (8th), stakes are high for them at the 2010 Rumble in the Jungle - a place in the semis or better would appease their legion of demanding fans.

In France 1998 the South Americans reached the quarter finals, and went onto fall in the first round in South Korea/Japan 2002.

Their first encounter in South Africa involves Nigeria at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on June 12, followed by Korea Republic on 17 June at Africa's biggest stadium (Soccer City) also in Joburg.

The Euro 2004 champions Greece will cross swords with Argentina at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Argentina Provisional World Cup squad (May 2010 Update)

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)

Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Burdisso (AS Roma), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Ariel Garce (Colon), Juan Insaurralde (Newell’s Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes)

Midfielders: Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Javier Pastore (Palermo), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool), Juan Mercier (Argentinos), Jesus Datolo (Olimpiakos), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors, Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli)

WC Host city profile - Port Elizabeth

'PE' as the locals affectionately call this seaside city, is a lush and
friendly city sitting on the south coast of the Indian Ocean.

Not only is it home to a wonderful stadium (Nelson Mandela Bay - above) set to host some games during the World Cup in June but PE also offers many adventure sports.

The city comes with good quality beachfront restaurants and accomodation to make your WC experience unforgettable.

Situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Port Elizabeth is a darling of local and international tourists.

World Cup security plan sufficient - SA police

South African authorities have reiterated their confidence in security plans around the FIFA tournament to be held in June and July.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) will deploy a 41,000 strong force to patrol key areas such as accomodation establishments, stadiums, restaurants, hotels and tourist venues, etc.

Static and in-transit teams will monitor strategic routes paticularly those leading to airports - the same goes for other ports of entry, that is land and sea.

Local enforcement agencies are working with their foreign counterparts to thwart any possible threats to Africa's first WC.

The Air force and police air wing have the task of monitoring events using 40 helicopters, including unmanned aircraft.

In general police force numbers have increased from 55,000 to 190,000.

Fabio Capello satisfied with England WC base

Contrary to media reports about the England World Cup base being unsatisfactory, the Three Lions mentor is happy with what he saw at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus.

Although some sections of the facility are yet to be completed, the main building which houses an exquisite restaurant and spa is complete.

The training pitches have been revamped and Capello commended the quality of workmanship.

The remaining work involves the medical centre and the gym, and these are due for completion soon.

Zimbabwe gears for World Cup

South Africa's northern neighbor, Zimbabwe has put up millions in US dollars to spearhead its preparations for the upcoming football showpiece. The beautiful Southern African nation is keen on attracting hordes of visiting fans (expected to be in the region of 300K), to its shores.

The funds will go in the direction of infrastructure improvement, establishment of fan parks and other projects aimed at enriching visitor experience such as updating electronic payment systems.

The country enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the sub-region, thanks in part to tighter controls on the proliferation of illegal firearms.

Zimbabwe is home to the incomparable Victoria Falls (above), the Great Zimbabwe ruins - a symbol of early days African civilisation and the Eastern Highlands among others.

Spain national team 2010 profile

2009 Team of the Year, Spain are keen on stamping their authority at the World Cup following the 2009 Confederations Cup where they lost to a determined United States team in the semis.

The Spaniards (ranked no. 1) will lock horns against Chile (16), Honduras (34) and Switzerland (18) in Group H. The trio should not be taken lightly particularly Chile, who gallantly proved their mettle in South American qualifiers.

On the other hand, Honduras and Switzerland haven't shown special qualities apart from qualifying, but could still spring nasty suprises on the 'La Roja', a stumble against one of these two could have dire consequences for Spain.

Coached by Vincente de Bosque, the European team roasted all their opponents in Group 5 qualifiers against a terrified lot consisting of Turkey, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Belgium, Armenia and Estonia.

The Spanish lads showed no mercy in front of goals as they registered impressive score lines like 5-0 (Belgium), 4-0 (Armenia), etc.

The La Roja squad is solid thanks to their bevy of outstanding players such as Iker Casillas, Carlos Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, and David Villa.

They have qualified for their 13th WC finals - 1934, 1950, 1962, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and now 2010. Spain reached its peak in 1950 by finishing fourth.

2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers draw results

Group 1 - Cape Verde Islands, Liberia, Mali, Zimbabwe

Group 2 - Ethopia, Guinea, Madagascar, Nigeria

Group 3 - Comoros Islands, Libya, Mozambique, Zambia

Group 4 - Algeria, Central African Republic, Morocco, Tanzania

Group 5 - Cameroon, DR Congo, Mauritius, Senegal

Group 6 - Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mauritania, Namibia

Group 7 - Egypt, South Africa, Niger, Sierra Leone

Group 8 - Benin, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Rwanda

Group 9 - Congo, Ghana, Sudan, Swaziland

Group 10 - Angola, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Uganda

Group 11 - Chad, Malawi, Tunisia, Botswana

Group winners will automatically qualify for the 2012 finals, plus three best runners-up.

Cheaper tickets for host nation fans

FIFA has announced a 30% cut for World Cup tickets in categories 1 and 2, for South African fans.

This is aimed at enabling low income locals to experience the football showpiece, which is widely viewed as a rich man's party.

Ghana national team 2010 profile

The Black Stars of Ghana carry the hopes of millions of fans across Africa, in a bid to reach new heights at the world soccer showpiece.

The 2010 African Cup Nations runners-up have shown some qualities capable of springing them to some incredible feats, if they want it hard enough.

For the first time African teams will do battle at the World Cup in front of predominantly African fans (home support advantage).

The likes of Sully Muntari and Michael Essien will have their task cut out in Group D, when they face Germany (ranked 6th), Serbia (19th) and Australia (23rd).

The Black Stars have now qualified for the second time for the FIFA WC, in Germany 2006 they fell in the second round.

At the African Cup of Nations Ghana bagged the top prize four times (1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982). In the 2010 WC qualifiers they claimed the scalps of Libya, Lesotho, Gabon, Benin, Mali and Sudan.

The Australian national team 2010 profile

Socceroos as they are affectionately known, the Australian national soccer team find themselves in a rather daunting group consisting of Afcon runners up Ghana (ranked 27th), the troublesome Serbia (19) and the mighty Germany (6th).

Despite making an impressive showing at the last tournament in 2006, the Socceroos face an uphill battle this time around, and must switch into top gear if they are to brush aside the immovable forces in front of them.

Coached by Pim Verbeek whose stint with the squad has been beyond reproach, the side is looking at ushering in new blood to its sizeable crop of experienced players.

Ranked 23rd the Australians qualified very early following a 14 match campaign. Some of its notable players include Harry Kewell, Schwarzer, Vidosic, Craig Moore, Jason Culina, Mark Bresciano, Vinnie Grella and Tim Cahill.

The well known veteran Mark Viduka has been left out due to the lack of club action.

South Korea national team 2010 profile

South Korea who first qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1954 reached their peak in 2002 when they finished fourth in a remarkable fashion. The Asian nation was co-host with Japan when they captured the imagination of the football fans across the globe.

The Taeguk Warriors' qualification this time around has a special historic element to it, due to the presence North Korea at this year's tournament.

South Korea have participated in the finals in 1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006. Some of their best players include Seol Ki-Hyeon (Pohang Steelers), Park Ji-Sung (Man U) and Park Chu-Young (Monaco).

Portugal national team 2010 profile

The Portuguese team are coming to World Cup at the back of an unconvincing qualifying campaign. Nicknamed 'Seleccao das Quintas', they only managed to secure their spot at this year's finals via the play offs, against Bosnia-Herzegovina by beating them 2-0 on aggregate.

Their qualifying campaign began with a 4-1 thrashing of Malta, followed by a shocking defeat at the hands of Denmark in Lisbon, and then a goalless draw against Sweden.

They went on to regain their winning touch against Albania (1-2) in June 2009, drew 1-1 with Denmark, 1-0 over Hungary. Portugal eventually secured a play off spot after beating Hungary and Malta, scoring seven goals in the process.

In South Africa, Seleccao da Quintas will face Ivory Coast, Korea DPR and the mighty of Brazil in Group G. The Portuguese lads consisting of Ronaldo, Nani, Hugo Almeida, Bruno Alves, Liedson, Pepe, Raul Meireles among others have to fire from all cylinders, if they are to seal a position in the second round.

Brazil is currently breathing roastful fire, while Drogba and gang are no push overs. Ultimately, it is their encounter against Brazil
in Durban that will scintillate football fans around the globe. It is no suprise that the match is one of the few group matches sold out by the third phase of ticket sales which ended on January 22.

Portugal are yet to win the FIFA WC, and under coach Carlos Quireroz, they have yet another opportunity to show what they are capable of. In 1966 Portugal finished third, fell in the 1st round in 1986 & 2002, and finished fourth in Germany 2006.

Player profile: Patrick Vieira

Born in Senegal Patrick Vieira (33) is the current French captain who brings to his World Cup team, a wealth of experience thanks to an illustrious career in top flight football.

The World Cup winning defensive midfielder has been with several European clubs which include Cannes 1993 - 1995, AC Milan 1995 - 1996, Arsenal 1996 - 2005, Juventus 2005 - 2006, Inter Milan 2006 - 2010 and now Manchester City.

Vieira has featured at three World Cup finals, one Confederations Cup. At this year's WC tournament his team will face the hosts South Africa (81st), Uruguay (21st) and Mexico (17th).

Ashley Cole injury bad for England

News about Ashley Cole's injury has shaken England's plans for the World Cup in June. The Chelsea player was injured during last Wednesday clash against Everton. The England mentor Fabio Capello has in turn highlighted a catch 22 situation caused by John Terry's affair with the girlfriend of Cole's replacement Wayne Bridge. The fall out will result in a definite awkwardness if the two were to stand side by side.

Craziest set pieces!

Sepp Blatter pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has issued a statement to mark the 20th annivesary of Mandela's release from Robben Island apartheid prison.

Blatter hailed the former South African president for the sacrifices he made for his country, which paved the way for events such as the upcoming Soccer World Cup (an African first), to become a reality.

The elder statesman was incarcerated for 27 years for fighting against the apartheid system.

Meet the 2010 World Cup boss

Born on September 3, 1951, Danny Jordaan (seen here with Maradona) has extensively been involved with FIFA in various capacities which include being a match commissioner. He also served on the 2006 FIFA WC Organising Committee and the FIFA marketing and television board.

Jordaan holds a BA degree from the University of the Western Cape and an honours degree from the University of South Africa.

FIFA has expressed confidence in his administration for the 2010 event, amidst many challenges, they particularly applauded him for his level headedness and a continental and global approach.

Under his leadership infrastructure development has progressed according to plan, with many stadiums and other projects completed well ahead of schedule. And despite a slow start to ticket sales, they have since picked up with many games already sold out.

Germany national team 2010 profile

Germany is one of the most feared teams in the world of soccer, and being placed in the same group with them at the World Cup translates to an uphill battle. Sitting in Group D alongside African Nations Cup silver medalists Ghana (27), Australia (23), and the troublesome Serbia (19), the 'DFB-Eleven' as their fans call them, will have their task set come June.

DFB-Eleven's stint at the 2010 Rumble in the Jungle is one of high expectations, but this highly ranked side (6th), cannot afford to make mistakes considering the kind of talent brandished by their opponents. And despite some negative bullet proof vests stories which came out of the European nation, the former World Cup hosts still enjoy a massive following from the locals.

Their coach Joachim Low is confident of his charges qualification into the second round, but is mindful of the threat posed by the Group D contestants. He also noted that Ghana's physical approach will prove to be a handful, while the talented Serbia demands a strong tactical acumen.

Being one of football's powerhouses the Germany national team have qualified for their 17th World Cup tournament - (1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and now 2010). They have won it three times ('54, '74 and '90), runners-up four times, quarter-finalist three times.

Down south there will go to war with the likes of Podolski, Klose, Bastian, Schweinsteiger and Ballack in their formidable camp.

The fourth ticket sales phase begins

Following the official closure of the third phase of World Cup ticket sales on January 22, which saw up to two million tickets being sold, we are now effectively in the fourth phase.

Unlike the past three phases, sales are based on first-come-first-served basis, and it is already too late to secure seats for the semi-final, the final and two of England's group matches.

In April, any remaining match tickets will go on sale, over the counter.

World Cup airfare troubles

The greatest sporting spectale inspires many good things, among them a competitive spirit, but unfortunately where commercial interests are involved, integrity is not always upheld.

Major airlines servicing domestic routes in South Africa, have fallen to profiteering temptations, in view of the massive crowds drawn to these shores by the tournament of dreams.

The local Competition Commission was forced to intervene, in a bid to restore sanity following reports of collusion between airlines such as British Airways/Comair, South African Airways, SA Airlink, Mango, SA Express and 1Time.

Referees for the Soccer World Cup announced

The 30 referees and their assistants set to officiate in South Africa have been announced by the FIFA Referees Committee following a thorough screening process. They represent twenty-eight member countries and are as follows;

Referee Ruiz Acosta Oscar Julian (COL)
Assistant 1, Gonzalez Abraham (COL)
Asst 2, Clavijo Humberto (COL)

Referee Simon Carlos (BRA)
Asst 1, Hausmann Altermir (BRA)
Asst 2, Braatz Roberto (BRA)

Referee Hester Michael (NZL)
Asst 1, Hintz Jan-Hendrik (NZL)
Asst 2, Mahasini Tevita (TGA)

Referee O'Leary Peter (NZL)
Asst 1, Best Brent (NZL)
Asst 2, Taro Matthew (SOL)

Referee Bartolo F, Benquerenca Olegario Manuel (POR)
Asst 1, Silva Cardinal Jose Manuel (POR)
Asst 2, Miranda Bertino (POR)

Referee Busacca Massimo (SUI)
Asst 1, Arnet Matthias (SUI)
Asst 2, Buragina Fransesco (SUI)

Referee De Bleeckere Frank (BEL)
Asst 1, Hermans Peter (BEL)
Asst 2, Vromans Walter (BEL)

Referee Hansson Martin (SWE)
Asst 1, Andren Henrik (SWE)
Asst 2, Wittberg Steffan (SWE)

Referee Kassai Viktor (HUN)
Asst 1, Eros Gabor (HUN)
Asst 2, Vamos Tibor (HUN)

Referee Lannoy Stephanie (FRA)
Asst 1, Dansault Eric (FRA)
Asst 2, Ugo Laurent (FRA)

Referee Rosetti Roberto (ITA)
Asst 1, Calcagno Paolo (ITA)
Asst 2, Ayroldi Stefano (ITA)

Referee Stark Wolfang (GER)
Asst 1, Salver Jan (GER)
Asst 2, Pickel Mike (GER)

Referee Undiano Mallenco Alberto (ESP)
Asst 1, Martinez Ibanez Fermin (ESP)
Asst 2, Yuste Jimenez Juan Carlos (ESP)

Referee Webb Howard Melton (ENG)
Asst 1, Cann Darren (ENG)
Asst 2, Mullarkey Michael (ENG)

Referee Al Ghamdi Khalil Ibrahim (KSA)
Asst 1, Kamranifar Hassan (IRN)
Asst 2, Al Marzouqi Saleh Mohamed A. H (UAE)

Referee Irmatov Ravshan (UZB)
Asst 1, Ilyasov Rafael (UZB)
Asst 2, Kochkarov Bahadyr (KGZ)

Referee Mohd Salleh Subkhiddin (MAS)
Asst 1, Mu Yuxin (CHN)
Asst 2, Gek Pheng Jeffrey Goh (SIN)

Referee Nishimura Yuichi (JPN)
Asst 1, Sagara Toru (JPN)
Asst 2, Jeong Hae Sang (KOR)

Referee Benounza Mohamed (ALG)
Asst 1, Abdel Nabi Nasser (EGY)
Asst 2, Chabane Maamar (ALG)

Referee Coulibaly Koman (MLI)
Asst 1, Achik Redouane (MAR)
Asst 2, Candido Manuel (ANG)

Referee Damon Jerome (RSA)
Asst 1, Ntagungira Celestin (RWA)
Asst 2, Molefe Enock (RSA)

Referee Maillet Eddy Allen (SEY)
Asst 1, Menkouande Evarist (CMR)
Asst 2, Hassani Bechir (TUN)

Referee Aguilar Chicas Joel Antonio (SLV)
Asst 1, Torres William (SLV)
Asst 2, Zumba Fransisco (SLV)

Referee Archundia Tellez Benito Armando (MEX)
Asst 1, Vergara Hector (CAN)
Asst 2, Torrentera Rivera Marvin Cesar (MEX)

Referee Batres Gonzalez Carlos Alberto (GUA)
Asst 1, Leal Leonel (CRC)
Asst 2, Pastrana Carlos (HON)

Referee Rodriguez Moreno Marco Antonio (MEX)
Asst 1, Camargo Callado Jose Luis (MEX)
Asst 2, Morin Mendez Alberto (MEX)

Referee Amarilla Demarqui Carlos (PAR)
Asst 1, Ruiz Roa Emigdio (PAR)
Asst 2, Yegros Nicolas (PAR)

Referee Baldassi Hector Walter (ARG)
Asst 1, Casas Ricardo (ARG)
Asst 2, Maidana Hernan (ARG)

Referee Larrionda Jorge (URU)
Asst 1, Fandino Pablo (URU)
Asst 2, Espinosa Mauricio (URU)

Referee Pozo Quinteros Pablo Antonio (CHI)
Asst 1, Basualto Patricio (CHI)
Asst 2, Mondria Fransisco (CHI)

FIFA announces SWC sold out matches

As the drive to push the remaining WC tickets intensifies and the sales phases filter down to the wire, FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) are gradually realizing their objective of filling stadiums at Africa's first WC.

As can be expected, the semi-final and final are fully sold out, including England's encounters against the US and Slovenia, the Italy vs Portugal match at Cape Town Stadium (above), Brazil vs Portugal (Durban). The remaining batch of tickets totalling 400,000 will be sold during the fourth sales phase starting February 9.

The World Cup evokes magic, and the tickets - a sell out. Get yours!

www.fifa.com/2010

Kings of Africa, Egypt to play England

Following their truimph in Angola at the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, the Pharaohs of Egypt will head to Wembley to face World Cup bound England.

The match is expected to test the Three Lions' readiness, considering the technical strength of the Egyptian side. England is also likely to play Mexico and Japan before heading down South to face the USA, Algeria, and Slovenia.

Call on England fans to buy SWC tickets

England fans have been urged to scoop up World Cup tickets allocated to them as a participating country, the tickets will go on public sale on February 9.

This move is aimed at boosting the numbers of fans to occupy England stands in South Africa come June.

And considering that their team is a strong contender to lift the Cup, it is imperative to for its country men/women to rally behind it in full force.

Although the invitation does not extend to known hooligans (plonkers), banned from travelling.

World Cup finalists and their FIFA rankings

The latest FIFA World Rankings released January 3, show only Egypt and Croatia as the two teams in the Top 20, that are not part of the WC finalists. And the lowest ranked participants of this year's spectacle include New Zealand (79), hosts South Africa (81) and Korea DPR (85). The full list of the 32 World Cup participants is as follows -

Spain - 1
Brazil - 2
Netherlands - 3
Italy - 4
Portugal - 5
Germany - 6
France - 7
Argentina - 8
England - 9
Greece - 12
USA - 14
Nigeria - 15
Chile - 16
Mexico - 17
Switzerland - 18
Serbia - 19
Cameroon - 20
Uruguay - 21
Cote d'voire - 22
Australia - 23
Denmark - 26
Ghana - 27
Paraguay - 29
Algeria - 31
Slovenia - 33
Honduras - 34
Slovakia - 36
Japan - 40
Korea Republic - 49
New Zealand - 79
South Africa - 81
Korea DPR - 85

Egypt rise on FIFA World Rankings

Kings of Africa, Egypt have moved fourteen places on the FIFA rankings to 10th, becoming Africa's highest ranked team.This is their highest spot ever. They are followed by Nigeria at 15, Cameroon 20, Cote d'voire 22, Ghana 27, Algeria 31.

Nigeria's fifth spot in 1994 is still Africa's highest ever position. While this year's World Cup hosts, South Africa moved four places up to 81st, after their victories against Swaziland (138) and Zimbabwe (117).

FIFA Rankings January 2010

1. Spain
2. Brazil
3. Netherlands
4. Italy
5. Portugal
6. Germany
7. France
8. Argentina
9. England
10. Egypt
11. Croatia
12. Greece
13. Russia
14. USA
15. Nigeria
16. Chile
17. Mexico
18. Switzerland
19. Serbia
20. Cameroon
21. Uruguay
22. Cote d'voire
23. Australia
24. Ukraine
25. Czech Republic
26. Denmark
27. Ghana
27. Israel
29. Paraguay
30. Bulgaria
31. Algeria
32. Norway
33. Slovenia
34. Honduras
35. Ecuador
36. Slovakia
37. Rep. of Ireland
38. Romania
39. Colombia
40. Japan
41. Northern Ireland
42. Turkey
43. Sweden
44. Gabon
45. Costa Rica
46. Scotland
47. Venezuela
48. Bosnia-Herzegovina
49. Korea Republic
49. Latvia
51. Burkina Faso
52. Hungary
53. Mali
54. Finland
55. Tunisia
55. Bolivia
57. Poland
57. Canada
59. Saudi Arabia
60. Bahrain
61. Austria
62. Lithuania
63. Iran
64. FYR Macedonia
65. Morocco
66. Belgium
67. Benin
68. Peru
68. Cyprus
70. Togo
71. El Salvador
72. Montenegro
73. Zambia
74. Uganda
75. Uzbekistan
76. Wales
77. Panama
78. Jamaica
79. New Zealand
80. Belarus
81. South Africa
82. Malawi
83. Mozambique
84. Trinidad & Tobago
85. Korea DPR
86. Iraq
87. China PR
88. Angola
89. Qatar
90. Guinea
91. Senegal
92. Kuwait
93. Oman
94. Iceland
95. Haiti
96. Moldova
97. Albania
98. Thailand
98. Gambia
100. Syria
100. Cape Verde Islands
102. Armenia
103. Congo
104. Estonia
105. Yemen
106. Jordan
107. Rwanda
108. Tanzania
109. Sudan
109. Namibia
111. Congo DR
112. Kenya
113. UAE
114. Azerbaijan
115. Libya
116. Vietnam
117. Zimbabwe
118. Faroe Islands
119. Botswana
120. Singapore
121. Ethiopia
122. Georgia
123. Kazakhstan
124. Luxembourg
125. Cuba
126. Guyana
127. Antigua and Barbuda
128. Barbados
129. Fiji
130. India
131. Guatemala
132. Sierra Leone
133. Grenada
134. Turkmenistan
135. Bermuda
136. Indonesia
137. Hong Kong
138. Swaziland
139. Equitorial Guinea
140. Maldives
141. Myanmar
142. Suriname
143. Chad
144. Malta
145. Lebanon
146. New Caledonia
147. Burundi
148. Tajkistan
149. Lesotho
150. Bangladesh
151. Sri Lanka
152. Nepal
153. Liechtenstein
154. Vanuatu
155. St. Kitts and Nevis
156. Pakistan
157. Madagascar
158. Kyrgyzstan
159. Malaysia
160. Liberia
161. Mauritania
162. Chinese Taipei
162. Eritrea
162. Nicaragua
162. Niger
166. Puerto Rico
167. Philippines
168. St. Vincent & the Grenadines
169. Netherlands Antilles
170. Mongolia
171. Solomon Islands
172. Palestine
173. Cambodia
174. Turks & Caicos Islands
175. Seychelles
176. Comoros
176. Bahamas
178. Mauritius
179. Cayman Islands
179. Laos
182. Dominica
182. Samoa
184. Guam
185. Cook Islands
186. Belize
187. St. Lucia
188. Macau
189. Tonga
190. Dominican Republic
191. Brunei Darussalam
192. British Virgin Islands
193. Djibouti
194. Afghanistan
195. Guinea-Bissau
196. Tahiti
197. Bhutan
198. Aruba
199. US Virgin Islands
200. Timor-Leste
200. Central African Republic
202. Andorra
203. San Marino
203. Anguilla
203. Montserrat
203. American Samoa
203. Papua New Guinea

WC Host city profile - Durban

Durban will host some group matches and one semi-final, come June and July. Its newly built Moses Mabhida Stadium which comes complete with a sky car running high on a pier above the roof, gives you a different view of this magnificent coastal city.Durban is home to 3.5 million people and has the largest Asian community in the country. Although the World Cup will be held in winter, Durban generally remains pleasantly mild unlike other places such as Cape Town.The uShaka Marine World offers dolphin shows, waterslides plus there are shark tanks and a whole lot more. Action adventures available include ice skating, waterskiing, quad biking, scuba diving and more. Durban's night scene is both vibrant and classy from the beachfront night clubs to the suburban night spots. In terms of accomodation the options are limitless (but there are reports of overcharging, so rather go directly to the FIFA website). They range from backpackers to five star hotels like the Hilton Durban Hotel (above) situated in the city centre, within easy reach of the stadium. For the rail enthusiasts there are steam railway treats available, and the more modern Blue Train experience that takes you to some awe-inspiring places such as the Oribi Gorge. Tourist information centres are dotted throughout the city, and for shuttling between cities there are luxury buses, trains, car hire options and affordable domestic flights.

2010 SWC Accomodation - Hilton Durban Hotel

Durban is Africa's favorite playground, this coastline city enjoys good sunny weather all year round, and warm Indian ocean waters.

It is a fast paced, vibrant city which also offers quality accommodation establishments such as the Hilton Durban Hotel.
Situated in the Durban CBD and in close proximity of the airport and the newly built World Cup stadium (Moses Mabhida).

The Hilton comes with all the amenities of a five star luxury hotels including outdoor pool, spa, internet access, mini bar and magnificent restaurants. Enjoy the breathtaking sea and greater Durban views from its state-of-the-art rooms.
www.fifa.com/accommodation

2010 WC Recreation - Drankesburg Gardens Golf & Spa

The 2010 Soccer World Cup hosts, South Africa is a country blessed with abundant natural beauty, and the scenic Drankensburg mountains form part of this phenomenal nation.

And to add splendour to the magnificent ranges, there is a Golf & Spa Resort in the centre of the Southern Drankesburg. From this haven you can take a mesmerising glimpse of a different kind of Africa.

Also engage in a game of tennis, squash, golf or horse riding in an ethereal environment that only these mountains and lush estate can offer.

2010 SWC Stadia - The Free State Stadium

Situated in Bloemfontein, the Free State Stadium (also Vodocam Park) will host five group matches at the World Cup in June. Built in 1952 the facility sits up to 48,000 and underwent major improvements in readiness of the tournament.

In 2009 it was one of stadiums used for the Confederations Cup. Bloemfontein lies in the central part of South Africa, and has the country's most fanatical fans, the stadium is adjacent to the upmarket Loch Logan Waterfront shopping and entertainment complex.

The group matches to be held at the Vodacom Park include Japan v Cameroon - 16 June; Greece v Nigeria - 17 June; Slovakia v Paraguay - 20 June; France v South Africa - 22 June; Switzerland v Honduras - 25 June.

CAF slammed over Togo ban

The Confederation of African Football decision to fine and ban the Togo team following the attack in Angola has raised the ire of many people particularly the Togolese.

Their team manager Frenchman Hubert Velud expressed his dismay and pointed out that he is curious on whether FIFA president Sepp Blatter would endorse the decision.

Many members of the public around the globe added their voices of disgust, best illustrated by one soccer fan's comments, 'on which planet does this decision make sense'.

Emmanuel Adebayor fired from the hip by calling on CAF president Issa Hayatou to step down. And rightly so, CAF's actions are worsening an already ugly situation that is throttling Africa's reputation.

First it were a bunch of armed bandits running around in the bushes of Angola ambushing a group of footballers, and now adminstrators sitting in Africa's football boardrooms are further strangling the continent's weary reputation.

World Cup Transport - Car rentals

South Africa is home to many reputable car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc. The World Cup hosts has some of the best roads on the African continent and you should enjoy your travels.

The car rental firms require a valid international driver's licence, and the vehicles range from 4x4s, ten seaters to sedans.

In SA traffic keeps to the left but the road signs are internationally recognisable. There are car rental outlets on the major airports.

And some of the things you need to keep in mind include the 10111 emergency numbers (local version of 911), also keep a safe distance between yourself and minibus taxis (the lads who drive them are often unpredictable) and keep coins for toll fees.

Useful links - www.tempestcarhire.co.za, www.avis.co.za, www.hertz.co.za

2010 SWC Transport - South African airports

Flying in and out of SA is a breeze especially with the extensive improvements on all major airports making them more spacious and technologically advanced, in terms of functionality, security and user friendly aspects.

The country has four major international airports ranging from Cape Town International, OR Tambo (Johannesburg), La Mercy airport (Durban) and the Durban International.

You can go city hopping at the FIFA World Cup with ease through many other smaller airports such as Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Port Mandela, etc. There are many low cost domestic airlines (1time, Mango, Kulula and SA Airlink), in addition to major airlines (British Airways, South African Airways, etc) also serving domestic flights.

Useful links - www.flysaa.com, www.kulula.com, www.britishairways.com

WC Host City profile - Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein is a city on the move and lies in central South Africa, it is home to 850,000 people. This 'city of roses' is the judicial and provincial capital of SA and the Free State respectively.

It is part of the official 2010 World Cup venues, in June Bloemfontein or Mangaung will welcome visiting fans to its bustling streets, bars, restaurants and a fine array of accomodation establishments.

These include the Protea Hotels, Cresta Lodge, the President Hotel and countless B&B's scattered throughout the 'suburbs' and 'ghetto' areas.

Entertainment is one of this city's strongest points, comprising night clubs, theaters, casinos, etc, the number one spot being the Windmill resort and casino (close to city) and also the upmarket Waterfront complex (city centre & adjacent to WC stadium).

The local stadium (Vodacom Park) will host five group matches - 14 June - Japan v Cameroon; 17 June - Greece v Nigeria; 20 June - Slovakia v Paraguay; 22 June - France v South Africa and 25 June - Swiss v Honduras.