[Published: Friday June 11 2010]
World Cup begins in South Africa
Johannesburg, 11 June-(ANA)-The 2010 World Cup in South Africa got under way with a spectacular and vibrant opening ceremony at the 94,000-capacity Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Thousands of expectant fans were inside the stadium for the launch before the hosts face Mexico at 1500 BST.
It is the 19th staging of the World Cup and the first time the showpiece event has taken place in Africa.
Former South Africa president Nelson Mandela was due to attend but withdrew after his great-granddaughter's death.
Zenani Mandela, 13, died in a car crash when travelling home from the pre-World Cup concert in Johannesburg on Thursday.(ANA)
FA/ANA/11 July 2010------- |