The 2010 soccer world cup will take place from June 11 to July 11, 2010.
The nine cities, where games will be played are Johannesburg, Bloemfontein/Mangaung, Rustenburg, Pretoria/Tshwane, Durban, Cape Town, Nelspruit, Polokwane and Port Elizabeth.
Eight different groups of four countries, make up the competition. After each country has played all other teams in their group, the top two teams of each group then go through to Round 2, the final 16. Only the top teams in this stage will qualify for the quarterfinals followed by the semi-finals and then finally the top two teams will meet in the final to decide who will hold the title of the World Champions.
According to the SABC News website article, two-thirds of the available tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa were sold.
There has been 1 206 865 applications received from 192 countries. Six matches are currently oversubscribed (in all categories), among them the semi-finals and the final. In total, 55 matches are oversubscribed in at least one category.
A huge interest by South African residents, accounted for 79% of the total applications received (958 381)
Apart from the host country, the US led the ticketing standings for the third phase with 50 217 applications, followed by the UK (41 529), Australia (15 523), Mexico (14 804), Germany (14 647) and Brazil (10 767). Increased interest was also noted in the neighbouring countries of South Africa – Botswana leading with 2 519 ticket applications, followed by Mozambique (1 795) and Namibia (1 191).
General safety tips for tourists hiring cars in South Africa:
Overseas travelers please take note of the following points:
Should you be considering hiring a car in South Africa, during the World Cup make certain that all bookings confirmed before you arrive?
You would do well to avoid crowded buses or trains, and close physical contact with other passengers, as these places are a haven for muggers and pickpockets. If you have no other way to travel, but public transport, it is better to travel in groups – safety in numbers
Be sure to hide all valuables and cameras to avoid been targeted by criminals.
Numerous guest houses are already fully booked for the extent of the World Cup so make sure you book your accommodation well in advance.
It will be winter in South Africa at the time of the World Cup and as a result, it may be too cold to camp in some regions where matches take place. For example, places like Johannesburg temperatures can plummet down to single figures during the evenings.
To avoid disappointment check with the FIFA World Cup Ticketing Centre, as fake tickets may be in circulation,
Ask your cell phone service provider if you cell phone will work here.
Avoid local African “shebeens or taverns” (informal pubs found in townships and the like) these are normally situated in poor areas and though you may wish to get the feel of “African experience” it is inadvisable to expose yourself to the dangers of drunken, emotionally charged fans. Rather seek out pubs, clubs, and restaurants in more affluent and urbane areas.
