Mandela misses World Cup opening

Pretoria, 11 June-(ANA)-The World Cup has opened amid jubilant scenes in South Africa, but Nelson Mandela missed the event after a car crash killed his great-granddaughter.

Zenani Mandela, 13, died when the car taking her home from a pre-competition concert in Soweto overturned.

The car's driver was arrested and charged with drink-driving.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said the tragedy made it inappropriate for the former president, who is 91, to attend the opening ceremony in Johannesburg.

"We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy," said a statement.

Addressing the 94,000-strong crowd before the competition's opening game between South Africa and Mexico, Fifa President Sepp Blatter said: "A dream came true tonight and even if he is not here the spirit of Mandela is in Soccer City."

Before officially opening the competition, South African President Jacob Zuma said: "The nation shares your loss and mourns with you, especially on the day on which our dreams and hopes come alive." (ANA)

FA/ANA/11 June 2010-----------