Cape Town will host the draw for the 2010 Soccer World Cup on December 4, local organising committee CEO Danny Jordan said on Thursday.
"Cape Town December 4 is the final step," he told a media briefing in the city.
"All the teams fixtures and stadiums will be complete, December 4 is a critical date."
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said the city was on track with its time frames.
"Cape Town is ready, and the stadium will be ready by December 4."
Jordaan said around two million tickets were still available for the event.
More than 800 000 had been sold, most of them to people in Europe and the United States. South Africans had bought 240 000 tickets. - Sapa
The Easy Africa Site www.africatravelnetwork.net
Friday, July 31, 2009
World Cup Visitors Centres Open in PE
Three Visitor Information Centres (VICs) were today launched in Nelson Mandela Bay to ensure tourists arriving in the city for the 2010 FIFA World Cup get the best advice and information. The three centres are based at the Port Elizabeth Airport, the lighthouse facility at the Donkin Reserve and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Obama has an Invite.......
There has been much speculation over President Obama's attendance at next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Today's update? Mr Obama has received the official invitation from FIFA President Joseph Blatter to attend the World Cup in South Africa(for all you non-soccer people out there, FIFA is French for International Federation of Association Football).
After the closed Oval Office meeting between the two presidents, Mr Blatter told White House reporters Mr Obama, after receiving the invite, told his assistants in the room to "look at the agenda".
So no word yet as to whether or not POTUS will be traveling to South Africa next summer, but Blatter was able to enlighten us about Obama's soccer skills...in short, don't give up your day job Mr President.
According to Blatter, who gifted POTUS a soccer ball, Mr Obama made 2 or 3 movements (in the Oval Office!) even used his head, but Blatter insists, the President of the United States is "not yet ready" for MLS.
Today's update? Mr Obama has received the official invitation from FIFA President Joseph Blatter to attend the World Cup in South Africa(for all you non-soccer people out there, FIFA is French for International Federation of Association Football).
After the closed Oval Office meeting between the two presidents, Mr Blatter told White House reporters Mr Obama, after receiving the invite, told his assistants in the room to "look at the agenda".
So no word yet as to whether or not POTUS will be traveling to South Africa next summer, but Blatter was able to enlighten us about Obama's soccer skills...in short, don't give up your day job Mr President.
According to Blatter, who gifted POTUS a soccer ball, Mr Obama made 2 or 3 movements (in the Oval Office!) even used his head, but Blatter insists, the President of the United States is "not yet ready" for MLS.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Obama may attend the World Cup 2010
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has specific ideas on upgrading the popularity of soccer in the United States. He hopes he has an eager listener in President Barack Obama.
Blatter plans to extend a personal invitation to Obama to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two meet at the White House on Monday.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Blatter said the invitation has been extended and that he will "confirm it" at the meeting.
"I know there are people around the president who are football fans, and that they will make everything possible in his agenda that the president be at the opening of the World Cup or the final," Blatter said.
Blatter also plans to discuss the state of U.S. Soccer with the president, including Major League Soccer's spring-through-fall schedule, and the United States' bids to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Blatter plans to extend a personal invitation to Obama to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two meet at the White House on Monday.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Blatter said the invitation has been extended and that he will "confirm it" at the meeting.
"I know there are people around the president who are football fans, and that they will make everything possible in his agenda that the president be at the opening of the World Cup or the final," Blatter said.
Blatter also plans to discuss the state of U.S. Soccer with the president, including Major League Soccer's spring-through-fall schedule, and the United States' bids to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
South African Tourism estimates FIFA World Cup 2010 to generate tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion
South Africa Tourism is all set to attract more tourists to the country during FIFA World Cup 2010. South Africa is the host country for a month-long Football extravaganza, scheduled from June 11- July 11, 2010.
According to report in www.engineeringnews.co.za, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Tourism Minister, South Africa said that during the FIFA World Cup 2010, South Africa expects three-five million participants, of which one-three million are expected to be tourist participants. About 4, 45, 000 participants are expected to be foreign arrivals. South African Tourism estimates that FIFA World Cup 2010 will generate a tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion for the country.
Schalkwyk said that South Africa’s ability to host world events had been proved through successfully hosting the Indian Premier League, FIFA Confederation Cup and more recently the British Lions Tour.
According to report in www.engineeringnews.co.za, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Tourism Minister, South Africa said that during the FIFA World Cup 2010, South Africa expects three-five million participants, of which one-three million are expected to be tourist participants. About 4, 45, 000 participants are expected to be foreign arrivals. South African Tourism estimates that FIFA World Cup 2010 will generate a tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion for the country.
Schalkwyk said that South Africa’s ability to host world events had been proved through successfully hosting the Indian Premier League, FIFA Confederation Cup and more recently the British Lions Tour.
Applications for World Cup 2010 Jobs have started
The organizers of the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa on Monday officially launched a hunt for 15,000 volunteers to assist at the mammoth month-long event.
People from across the world can apply online, started on Monday, to volunteer at the first World Cup on the African continent, the 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) announced in Johannesburg.
In South Africa, prospective volunteers without internet access would also be able to apply through venues in the nine host cities, the LOC said, without giving further details.
'From ushering people to their seats, to assisting the media and foreign language speakers, welcoming people at the airport and driving guests around, it is the volunteers that actually make the tournament happen,' the chief executive of the LOC, Danny Jordaan, added.
Volunteering offered people a chance to be involved in 'South Africa and Africa's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the world's biggest sporting event,' he said.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older on 1 March 2010 and have a good command of the English language, the LOC stipulated.
Applications close on 31 August 2009, after which candidates will be interviewed, either by telephone or in person.
For more information, go to www.FIFA.com/volunteers2010.
People from across the world can apply online, started on Monday, to volunteer at the first World Cup on the African continent, the 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) announced in Johannesburg.
In South Africa, prospective volunteers without internet access would also be able to apply through venues in the nine host cities, the LOC said, without giving further details.
'From ushering people to their seats, to assisting the media and foreign language speakers, welcoming people at the airport and driving guests around, it is the volunteers that actually make the tournament happen,' the chief executive of the LOC, Danny Jordaan, added.
Volunteering offered people a chance to be involved in 'South Africa and Africa's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the world's biggest sporting event,' he said.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older on 1 March 2010 and have a good command of the English language, the LOC stipulated.
Applications close on 31 August 2009, after which candidates will be interviewed, either by telephone or in person.
For more information, go to www.FIFA.com/volunteers2010.
Language courses launched in Cape Town for 2010 World Cup
THE International House World Organization (IHWO), a network of language schools worldwide, has launched an affiliate language school in Cape Town.
With the recent success of the Confederations Cup and the passionate support for teams from Latin America and Europe, it’s anticipated that large numbers of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking tourists will visit South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
Portuguese and Spanish language courses have been introduced to cater for basic and intermediate levels and specific industry or special-interest topics. The courses are also available for individual groups or corporate clients.
“These courses are aimed at service personnel to enable them to interact with visiting tourists, thereby enriching their overall experience. They will be taught basic greetings, general customer service phrases, important vocabulary and a general understanding of the different cultures,” says Gavin Eyre, managing director of IH Cape Town.
With the recent success of the Confederations Cup and the passionate support for teams from Latin America and Europe, it’s anticipated that large numbers of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking tourists will visit South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
Portuguese and Spanish language courses have been introduced to cater for basic and intermediate levels and specific industry or special-interest topics. The courses are also available for individual groups or corporate clients.
“These courses are aimed at service personnel to enable them to interact with visiting tourists, thereby enriching their overall experience. They will be taught basic greetings, general customer service phrases, important vocabulary and a general understanding of the different cultures,” says Gavin Eyre, managing director of IH Cape Town.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
We Need Transport
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday at South African Tourism’s offices in Johannesburg the Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said that he did not believe that there would be a shortage of accommodation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but rather a transport challenge is what was facing government and the Local Organising Committee.
Explaining his sentiment van Schalkwyk noted that South Africa had just over 100 000 graded rooms in its inventory, but these were spaced out and many did not fall into the major centres such as Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town.
This, he says, causes logistical problems for tour operators and as a result many tour operators were accommodating their clients further afield in smaller towns such as George and would bus and fly them to matches.
He says these so called ‘satellite camps’ provide a solution for the accommodation of 2010 supporters but the transport challenge needed to be sorted out.
He hinted at an example of how tour operators were considering bringing in busses from overseas to transport their clients.
Explaining his sentiment van Schalkwyk noted that South Africa had just over 100 000 graded rooms in its inventory, but these were spaced out and many did not fall into the major centres such as Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town.
This, he says, causes logistical problems for tour operators and as a result many tour operators were accommodating their clients further afield in smaller towns such as George and would bus and fly them to matches.
He says these so called ‘satellite camps’ provide a solution for the accommodation of 2010 supporters but the transport challenge needed to be sorted out.
He hinted at an example of how tour operators were considering bringing in busses from overseas to transport their clients.
Win a volunteer vacation to South Africa
Outdoor gear manufacturer Keen is joining forces with U.K. based travel company i-to-i to send one lucky winner on a trip to South Africa, where they'll have the opportunity to take part in a week-long volunteer vacation at an animal rescue society in Cape Town. To enter to win, simply go to the contest website and fill out the online form. All entires must be received before August 21st, and the winner must travel before Sept. 30, 2010.
The trip, which is valued at $4000, includes airfare to South Africa, and accommodations in the volunteer hostel at the TEARS animal rescue shelter, where the winner will have the opportunity to help educate locals on care of their pets, provide veterinary care, and distribute food parcels for pets of underprivileged families. TEARS also works with children, teaching them the responsibilities of pet ownership and instilling a nurturing attitude.
Voluntourism has been a growing trend in travel over the past few years and i-to-i has been on the forefront of that trend. Since its founding in 1996, the company has sent more than 20,000 people on volunteer vacations in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. It seems only natural that they would team up with Keen, who has also been very forward thinking in their approach to sustainable gear and environmentally friendly practices.
This is certainly an interesting contest. I'm not sure I've seen anyone give away a volunteer vacation before. But it is an interesting way to explore South Africa, especially Cape Town, and give a little something back while you are ther
The trip, which is valued at $4000, includes airfare to South Africa, and accommodations in the volunteer hostel at the TEARS animal rescue shelter, where the winner will have the opportunity to help educate locals on care of their pets, provide veterinary care, and distribute food parcels for pets of underprivileged families. TEARS also works with children, teaching them the responsibilities of pet ownership and instilling a nurturing attitude.
Voluntourism has been a growing trend in travel over the past few years and i-to-i has been on the forefront of that trend. Since its founding in 1996, the company has sent more than 20,000 people on volunteer vacations in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. It seems only natural that they would team up with Keen, who has also been very forward thinking in their approach to sustainable gear and environmentally friendly practices.
This is certainly an interesting contest. I'm not sure I've seen anyone give away a volunteer vacation before. But it is an interesting way to explore South Africa, especially Cape Town, and give a little something back while you are ther
More International Flights To Cape Town
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will begin services from its Abu Dhabi home-base to the South African city of Cape Town on 30 September 2009.
The new Cape Town flights will operate via Etihad's current daily, Airbus A330, service to South Africa's commercial capital Johannesburg.
It will be Etihad's second destination in South Africa and its fifth on the African continent, joining Khartoum, Cairo and Casablanca.
The new Cape Town flights will operate via Etihad's current daily, Airbus A330, service to South Africa's commercial capital Johannesburg.
It will be Etihad's second destination in South Africa and its fifth on the African continent, joining Khartoum, Cairo and Casablanca.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
QE2 on the move to Cape Town
There's confirmation this morning that the former Cunard ocean liner QE2 will be moving to Cape Town in time to provide accommodation for next year's World Cup.
The ship, which had sailed more than six million miles by the time she was retired last November (picture above), was bought for £50 million by a Dubai company which planned to convert her into a luxury hotel and provide her with a permanent mooring at the glamorous Palm Jumeirah.
No visible progress has been made on that plan in the last eight months that the ship has languished lonely and unloved at a container quay, as rumours grew about her future.
A spokesman for owners Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.
"It is clear that Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible. The forthcoming 2010 Football World Cup makes a sensible business case for moving her there."
Subject to agreement from the local authorities, the ship will be berthed at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Quay, which is part-owned by Nakheel, for up to 18 months.
QE2's engine room has been maintained in full working order since retirement, so she will be able to make the voyage from Dubai to South Africa under her own power, but the terms of the sale agreement from Cunard will prevent her from carrying passengers on the journey.
www.mirror.co.uk
The ship, which had sailed more than six million miles by the time she was retired last November (picture above), was bought for £50 million by a Dubai company which planned to convert her into a luxury hotel and provide her with a permanent mooring at the glamorous Palm Jumeirah.
No visible progress has been made on that plan in the last eight months that the ship has languished lonely and unloved at a container quay, as rumours grew about her future.
A spokesman for owners Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.
"It is clear that Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible. The forthcoming 2010 Football World Cup makes a sensible business case for moving her there."
Subject to agreement from the local authorities, the ship will be berthed at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Quay, which is part-owned by Nakheel, for up to 18 months.
QE2's engine room has been maintained in full working order since retirement, so she will be able to make the voyage from Dubai to South Africa under her own power, but the terms of the sale agreement from Cunard will prevent her from carrying passengers on the journey.
www.mirror.co.uk
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Queen Elizabeth 2 could move to Cape Town
The Queen Elizabeth 2 seems all but certain to be berthed temporarily in Cape Town harbour after statements yesterday by South Africa and the ship’s owner, Dubai World.
A spokeswoman for South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism said her agency would not oppose a possible 18-month berthing of the famous vessel at Cape Town.
A statement from an executive of the Dubai World subsidiary that operates the ship welcomed the South African government’s position and said: “It has been our intention for some time to provide a short-term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.”
Last week, just months after the QE2 arrived in Dubai at the end of her “final voyage”, it emerged that Dubai World had applied to berth the 41-year-old ship in the Cape Town harbour.
The National Ports Authority of South Africa and the board of Transnet, that country’s major ports company, still have to give their final approval.
The statement made yesterday by Manfred Ursprunger, the chief executive of Nakheel’s QE2 Enterprises, linked the ocean liner’s possible berthing at Cape Town to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and an expected influx of tourists for the event.
The move to Cape Town would mark a significant change of plans for the QE2, which was to have been permanently berthed off a spit of land connected to the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah.
The ship, currently docked at Port Rashid, was bought by Istithmar, an investment arm of Dubai World, for $100 million (Dh367m) in June 2007. Nakheel planned for her to become a floating hotel with 200 rooms, restaurants and a theatre. But Dubai World has been under increasing pressure to streamline its operations and reduce spending because of the global financial crisis. Nakheel has been hit especially hard by the downturn in the property sector and is trying to sell some of its projects to investors to raise funds.
The most pressing issue facing Dubai World is a Dh12.9bn (US$3.5bn) Islamic bond from Nakheel that is maturing in December. The company also has payments due to contractors and decisions to make about the future of some of its stalled projects.
Dubai World recently hired AlixPartners, a restructuring consultancy based in the US, to “advise on a structural reorganisation” of the company.
Nakheel has cut nearly 1,000 jobs and is trying to sell land and other assets to raise money. It has also shelved some of its most ambitious projects, among them the more than 1km-tall Nakheel Tower and the Trump Tower on the Palm Jumeirah.
Moving the QE2 to South Africa for a visit would take advantage of Dubai World’s other projects in Cape Town. The company and a consortium of investors bought the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront development, near Cape Town’s commercial port, for the equivalent of about Dh3.4bn (US$920m) in 2006.
A spokeswoman for South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism said her agency would not oppose a possible 18-month berthing of the famous vessel at Cape Town.
A statement from an executive of the Dubai World subsidiary that operates the ship welcomed the South African government’s position and said: “It has been our intention for some time to provide a short-term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.”
Last week, just months after the QE2 arrived in Dubai at the end of her “final voyage”, it emerged that Dubai World had applied to berth the 41-year-old ship in the Cape Town harbour.
The National Ports Authority of South Africa and the board of Transnet, that country’s major ports company, still have to give their final approval.
The statement made yesterday by Manfred Ursprunger, the chief executive of Nakheel’s QE2 Enterprises, linked the ocean liner’s possible berthing at Cape Town to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and an expected influx of tourists for the event.
The move to Cape Town would mark a significant change of plans for the QE2, which was to have been permanently berthed off a spit of land connected to the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah.
The ship, currently docked at Port Rashid, was bought by Istithmar, an investment arm of Dubai World, for $100 million (Dh367m) in June 2007. Nakheel planned for her to become a floating hotel with 200 rooms, restaurants and a theatre. But Dubai World has been under increasing pressure to streamline its operations and reduce spending because of the global financial crisis. Nakheel has been hit especially hard by the downturn in the property sector and is trying to sell some of its projects to investors to raise funds.
The most pressing issue facing Dubai World is a Dh12.9bn (US$3.5bn) Islamic bond from Nakheel that is maturing in December. The company also has payments due to contractors and decisions to make about the future of some of its stalled projects.
Dubai World recently hired AlixPartners, a restructuring consultancy based in the US, to “advise on a structural reorganisation” of the company.
Nakheel has cut nearly 1,000 jobs and is trying to sell land and other assets to raise money. It has also shelved some of its most ambitious projects, among them the more than 1km-tall Nakheel Tower and the Trump Tower on the Palm Jumeirah.
Moving the QE2 to South Africa for a visit would take advantage of Dubai World’s other projects in Cape Town. The company and a consortium of investors bought the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront development, near Cape Town’s commercial port, for the equivalent of about Dh3.4bn (US$920m) in 2006.
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Great Train Trip
From/to Johannesburg, South Africa
30 Aug - 8 Sept & 12 - 21 Sept 2009
(Both 10 days)
Price R12990 pp
Included in tour price:
9 Nights' accommodation on the train, bedding & meals, bus transport to excursions, entry fees, tour guide, safety & security
Make life easy:
Avoid accommodation hassles, poor meals, traffic, long distance driving, getting lost, missing interesting spots, toll gates & fuel increases.
Experience and enjoy our beautiful neighbouring country & visit:
Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, Swakopmund, Etosha Pans, Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay, Dune 7, Windhoek, Root carving factory, etc.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Cape Town scoops awards
Article By:
Travel+Leisure magazine this week announced the much anticipated results of their 14th annual World's Best poll, where readers of their magazine rate the world's best cities, islands, hotels, cruises and airlines.
Cape Town sailed into second position in the Top Cities of the World poll, one place up from their third position finish in 2008 and just behind overall winner Udaipur, India. A discerning group of travelers, the readers of Travel+Leisure Magazine opted for exotic destinations Udaipur, Bangkok, Buenos Aires and Chiang Mai ahead of the usual suspects like New York and Rome which finished in eighth and ninth positions respectively in the category of Top Cities.
Cape Town was again voted the Best City in Africa and the Middle East, riding on the crest of a wave of North African cities like romantic Marrakech, Fez and Cairo, as well as Tel Aviv.
Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said: "We are delighted with the recognition that Cape Town consistently receives as one of the world's favourite and most remarkable destinations. The inclusion of Camps Bay luxury hotel, The Twelve Apostles, as one of The Worlds best 15 hotels further emphasizes that Cape Town offers the visitor outstanding tourism infrastructure and world class facilities and services. An award such as this not only pays tribute to the Mother City's tourism industry but supports the message that Cape Town is ready to welcome the world for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup."
The presence of South African properties on the Top 15 list of The World's Best Hotels 2009 category was striking, with Singita Sabi Sand in sixth position, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (Earth Lodge) in third position and top honours going to Cape Town Tourism member, Bushmans Kloof, located in the Cedarberg Mountains. Cape Town's luxury offering was further represented by the Cape Grace Hotel in fourth position in the category Top 5 City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East.
The Mother City's latest accolade follows on a series of earlier awards such as National Geographic Traveler including Cape Town in their 50 Places of a Lifetime selection, Conde Nast Traveler calling it the Top City in Africa & the Middle East (fourth in the World) and The UK Telegraph voting Cape Town their Favourite Foreign City.
Travel+Leisure magazine this week announced the much anticipated results of their 14th annual World's Best poll, where readers of their magazine rate the world's best cities, islands, hotels, cruises and airlines.
Cape Town sailed into second position in the Top Cities of the World poll, one place up from their third position finish in 2008 and just behind overall winner Udaipur, India. A discerning group of travelers, the readers of Travel+Leisure Magazine opted for exotic destinations Udaipur, Bangkok, Buenos Aires and Chiang Mai ahead of the usual suspects like New York and Rome which finished in eighth and ninth positions respectively in the category of Top Cities.
Cape Town was again voted the Best City in Africa and the Middle East, riding on the crest of a wave of North African cities like romantic Marrakech, Fez and Cairo, as well as Tel Aviv.
Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said: "We are delighted with the recognition that Cape Town consistently receives as one of the world's favourite and most remarkable destinations. The inclusion of Camps Bay luxury hotel, The Twelve Apostles, as one of The Worlds best 15 hotels further emphasizes that Cape Town offers the visitor outstanding tourism infrastructure and world class facilities and services. An award such as this not only pays tribute to the Mother City's tourism industry but supports the message that Cape Town is ready to welcome the world for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup."
The presence of South African properties on the Top 15 list of The World's Best Hotels 2009 category was striking, with Singita Sabi Sand in sixth position, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (Earth Lodge) in third position and top honours going to Cape Town Tourism member, Bushmans Kloof, located in the Cedarberg Mountains. Cape Town's luxury offering was further represented by the Cape Grace Hotel in fourth position in the category Top 5 City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East.
The Mother City's latest accolade follows on a series of earlier awards such as National Geographic Traveler including Cape Town in their 50 Places of a Lifetime selection, Conde Nast Traveler calling it the Top City in Africa & the Middle East (fourth in the World) and The UK Telegraph voting Cape Town their Favourite Foreign City.
Latest Pictures Of Cape Town Stadium
Pictures by Bruce Sutherland.
To see more http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/Pages/StadiumConstructionProgress28.aspx
Monday, July 6, 2009
South Africa have promised to fix their transport problems ahead of next year's World Cup
Transport is considered one of the major concerns ahead of next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.
FIFA highlighted transport as a major issue after June's Confederations Cup as there were difficulties getting fans away from stadiums after matches in the eight-nation tournament.
FIFA also noted that there is a lack of accommodation and security in South Africa, issues to be solved in the next 12 months.
According to a BBC report, Minibus taxi operators, who are the mainstay of the transport network for working class South Africans, have blocked roads in protests against a new mass bus service for the World Cup, fearing it will cut their business.
"We have now entered a phase that is not going to be characterised by conflict, we are now in the post-conflict phase with the taxi industry," transport minister Sibusiso Ndabele told the country’s parliament during a budget speech.
He said the government would encourage the minibus industry to cooperate with bus and rail transport systems. Besides sorting out the troubled taxi and bus sectors, South Africa will invest some $3.18 billion over the next three years to upgrade the rail passenger service, Ndabele said.
He said Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) have set aside $2.5bn to improve airport infrastructure in anticipation of the expected increase in passengers during 2010.
"At present ACSA handles more than 32 million passengers annually. The number will be 43m in year 2010 and will continue to grow," Ndabele said.
Odindo Ayieko, Goal.com
FIFA highlighted transport as a major issue after June's Confederations Cup as there were difficulties getting fans away from stadiums after matches in the eight-nation tournament.
FIFA also noted that there is a lack of accommodation and security in South Africa, issues to be solved in the next 12 months.
According to a BBC report, Minibus taxi operators, who are the mainstay of the transport network for working class South Africans, have blocked roads in protests against a new mass bus service for the World Cup, fearing it will cut their business.
"We have now entered a phase that is not going to be characterised by conflict, we are now in the post-conflict phase with the taxi industry," transport minister Sibusiso Ndabele told the country’s parliament during a budget speech.
He said the government would encourage the minibus industry to cooperate with bus and rail transport systems. Besides sorting out the troubled taxi and bus sectors, South Africa will invest some $3.18 billion over the next three years to upgrade the rail passenger service, Ndabele said.
He said Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) have set aside $2.5bn to improve airport infrastructure in anticipation of the expected increase in passengers during 2010.
"At present ACSA handles more than 32 million passengers annually. The number will be 43m in year 2010 and will continue to grow," Ndabele said.
Odindo Ayieko, Goal.com
Friday, July 3, 2009
FIFA Plan to meet on Robben Island
FIFA plans to hold one of its executive committee meetings at Robben Island a day before the World Cup draw in Cape Town.
Jerome Valcke, secretary-general of football's world governing body, said at its post-Confederations Cup media briefing on Monday that FIFA is having discussions with the South African government about whether its 24-member committee can use the conference facilities on the island where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years.
The meeting, usually one of FIFA's most important of the year, will be on December 3, the day before the draw for next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Jerome Valcke, secretary-general of football's world governing body, said at its post-Confederations Cup media briefing on Monday that FIFA is having discussions with the South African government about whether its 24-member committee can use the conference facilities on the island where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years.
The meeting, usually one of FIFA's most important of the year, will be on December 3, the day before the draw for next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Vote For Table Mountain
Cape Town - South Africans have only 3 days left to vote for Table Mountain in the New7Wonders of Nature competition.
Table Mountain is South Africa's only representative in this global competition that recognises natural sites of wonder around the world.
Currently sitting at number 7 in its category (Mountains and Volcanoes), the majestic icon needs your vote to boost its position before July 7, when voting closes.
Table Mountain Cableway CEO Sabine Lehmann has urged all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to show their support by casting their vote.
"I encourage all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to vote today," Lehmann told News24 on Wednesday morning.
"We have less than a week to go to ensure Table Mountain is forever remembered as a true wonder of nature."
Table Mountain soared to number five, but now sits at number seven in the New7Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 three weeks ago.
Support from the stars
It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro but is behind other popular sites including Mount Olympus in Greece and Vesuvius Volcano in Italy.
Well-loved and respected South African celebs and sports stars have shown their support for the cause. The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, comedian Marc Lottering, radio DJ Natalie Becker and the Proteas cricketers have all cast their vote for Table Mountain.
To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category - mountains and volcanoes - which has 36 fellow nominees.
Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 37. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.
The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New7Wonders of Nature.
The New7Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public.
The public can vote online or by calling 0041 77 312 4041 and selecting Table Mountain’s three-digit code which is 332. (Calls to the New7Wonders Swiss mobile voting number will cost R3.29 a minute in peak times, 07:00 – 19:00, and R2.92 a minute off-peak,19:00 – 07:00.)
Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) - these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin.
The official New7Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.
Table Mountain is South Africa's only representative in this global competition that recognises natural sites of wonder around the world.
Currently sitting at number 7 in its category (Mountains and Volcanoes), the majestic icon needs your vote to boost its position before July 7, when voting closes.
Table Mountain Cableway CEO Sabine Lehmann has urged all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to show their support by casting their vote.
"I encourage all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to vote today," Lehmann told News24 on Wednesday morning.
"We have less than a week to go to ensure Table Mountain is forever remembered as a true wonder of nature."
Table Mountain soared to number five, but now sits at number seven in the New7Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 three weeks ago.
Support from the stars
It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro but is behind other popular sites including Mount Olympus in Greece and Vesuvius Volcano in Italy.
Well-loved and respected South African celebs and sports stars have shown their support for the cause. The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, comedian Marc Lottering, radio DJ Natalie Becker and the Proteas cricketers have all cast their vote for Table Mountain.
To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category - mountains and volcanoes - which has 36 fellow nominees.
Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 37. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.
The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New7Wonders of Nature.
The New7Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public.
The public can vote online or by calling 0041 77 312 4041 and selecting Table Mountain’s three-digit code which is 332. (Calls to the New7Wonders Swiss mobile voting number will cost R3.29 a minute in peak times, 07:00 – 19:00, and R2.92 a minute off-peak,19:00 – 07:00.)
Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) - these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin.
The official New7Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.
Love Football?
RTS/Runningball is a leading company which provides live feedback on soccer games.
We are looking for commentators to cover games for the 2009 PSL season South Africa.(you must be based in South Africa)
Do You love Football ? join our team ! Get paid to watch Football.
This is a part time job. You will work during Football season and only during the time of the game. We pay €40 approx R430 per games covered.
We are looking for reliable and professional people with good knowledge of the sport.
Email info@africatravelnetwork.net for more info
www.africatravelnetwork.net
We are looking for commentators to cover games for the 2009 PSL season South Africa.(you must be based in South Africa)
Do You love Football ? join our team ! Get paid to watch Football.
This is a part time job. You will work during Football season and only during the time of the game. We pay €40 approx R430 per games covered.
We are looking for reliable and professional people with good knowledge of the sport.
Email info@africatravelnetwork.net for more info
www.africatravelnetwork.net
2010 World Cup offers Africa great opportunity
The Confederations Cup is the traditional dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup. And as far as dress rehearsals go, the 2009 Confederations Cup recently held in South Africa was a splendid advert for this Rainbow nation.
On-pitch, the soccer tournament showcased the Beautiful Game in all its glorious unpredictability. Yet, it's off-pitch that the showpiece had its most desirable impact.
South Africa's credentials as World Cup hosts have been dogged by fears over security, unfinished stadia and poor preparations.
But, if Madibaland is a crime-ridden outpost with incomplete stadia, the organisers did well to hide this. The Confederations Cup progressed without incident, there were none of the rampant car-jackings and stabbings that alarmists had prophesied; and the full-to-capacity stadia were not only finished but they were littered with colourful spectators.
The same anticipation for the World Cup and the bonanza it promises seems to be full-blown outside South Africa already.
Uganda, sadly, appears to be in the throes of a deep slumber. Where Zimbabwe and the rest are face-lifting hotels and stadia to make the perfect warm-up and acclimatisation destination to teams taking part in the 2010 World Cup, Uganda seems unaware of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity beckoning.
The appropriately named Mandela National Stadium, Namboole should be our rallying point if Uganda is to harvest any dividends from the 2010 World Cup.
Namboole is a certified FIFA standard stadium. That and Uganda's Pearl-Of-Africa uniqueness make for an irresistible selling point.
It is up to the Government and soccer governing body FUFA to exploit these attributes and Uganda's proximity to South Africa to make an immediate killing in 2010.
By luring World Cup squads to use Uganda as a pre-tournament base, the country could also make a lasting impression on the hordes of football fans [and future tourists] who will be following their teams around the globe.
www.africatravelnetwork.net
On-pitch, the soccer tournament showcased the Beautiful Game in all its glorious unpredictability. Yet, it's off-pitch that the showpiece had its most desirable impact.
South Africa's credentials as World Cup hosts have been dogged by fears over security, unfinished stadia and poor preparations.
But, if Madibaland is a crime-ridden outpost with incomplete stadia, the organisers did well to hide this. The Confederations Cup progressed without incident, there were none of the rampant car-jackings and stabbings that alarmists had prophesied; and the full-to-capacity stadia were not only finished but they were littered with colourful spectators.
The same anticipation for the World Cup and the bonanza it promises seems to be full-blown outside South Africa already.
Uganda, sadly, appears to be in the throes of a deep slumber. Where Zimbabwe and the rest are face-lifting hotels and stadia to make the perfect warm-up and acclimatisation destination to teams taking part in the 2010 World Cup, Uganda seems unaware of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity beckoning.
The appropriately named Mandela National Stadium, Namboole should be our rallying point if Uganda is to harvest any dividends from the 2010 World Cup.
Namboole is a certified FIFA standard stadium. That and Uganda's Pearl-Of-Africa uniqueness make for an irresistible selling point.
It is up to the Government and soccer governing body FUFA to exploit these attributes and Uganda's proximity to South Africa to make an immediate killing in 2010.
By luring World Cup squads to use Uganda as a pre-tournament base, the country could also make a lasting impression on the hordes of football fans [and future tourists] who will be following their teams around the globe.
www.africatravelnetwork.net
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Who Will Be Coming to SA From Europe?
UEFA
a. Denmark and/or Hungary (to qualify)
Denmark is looking lean and mean to win this qualification round, and Hungary looks...well...hungry for success. With more than half the matches already played in the round, the early favorites Portugal and Sweden are struggling to get into contention.
Denmark looks to has a great chance of retaining the lead. They have won five of the six matches, and obtained a draw in the other. They are three points clear of Hungary and have a very healthy goal ratio of 13:2.
The next match for Denmark is a tough one, as it faces Portugal. But the match will take place in Copenhagen, which may help their chances. Even if they don't get through that match without a problem, their next opponent will be Albania. That match should supply another win for Denmark, and the remaining matches are both home games against Sweden and Hungary.
Winning these matches will only be necessary if the other teams also get wins. Otherwise it is sufficient to simply not lose any matches.
Hungary is only one win behind the leaders, but they still have to face Portugal twice, plus there will be a match against Sweden and Denmark. Its path is more difficult, but achievable if Denmark stumbles too many times.
Portugal has a lot of ground to make up, and would need to win at least three of its remaining matches, while also hoping that Denmark does not win any more matches. If Hungary wins two matches, it will also make things very difficult for Portugal.
It's not impossible, but the Portuguese team will have a lot of pressure throughout the rest of the remaining matches, and they only have to lose one match to be out of contention for the top spot unless Denmark fails to win a single match (unlikely) or Hungary fails to win twice.
Sweden is level with Portugal on points, but their goal ratio is 6:2 compared with 8:4 (strange, considering that Portugal is regarded as a strong defensive team and Sweden is regarded as an attacking team). Sweden's path is just as difficult, if not more so.
b. Greece or Switzerland (to qualify).
One of these two should make it through, but I don't think both will, unless Round Two is kind to them. They have had the good fortune to be drawn together in a very weak group, so each is helping the other to survive in a strange kind of symbiosis.
The two teams are dead level on points, with Greece being ahead due to their better goal ratio. I believe Greece has the edge here. Switzerland can struggle at times.
Nipping at the heels of the leaders is Latvia who have an excellent chance of knocking at least one of them off the perch, but they can't afford to lose any more games, and must win at least two, while hoping their opponents do not win. They are not in a great position, but it is certainly not over for them yet.
Israel is too far behind. To catch up they would need to win at least three matches and this does not seem very likely. They would also need for the other teams ahead of them not to make any upward progress. If Israel only wins two matches, then they cannot get to the top position no matter what else happens.
Moldova of course, is already out of contention. Luxembourg would need an absolute miracle.
c. Slovakia (to qualify)
I was tempted to just chicken out of this one and put "anyone from Group Three except San Marino", but it looks like Slovakia should be able to hold on here. Poland is a big danger, and Northern Ireland are amazingly in second place and trailing by just two points.
This could be a big year for Northern Ireland if they can keep it going and hold off the challenge from Poland.
Czech Republic and Slovenia are just behind Poland on eight points each. Both are good enough to score wins in this group, but they will need a ton of luck to make it through to qualification.
It would take a minimum of four straight wins and for all of the higher teams to draw against each other or lose to San Marino. It is putting it mildly to say that such circumstances would be very difficult to arrange.
d. Germany and Russia (to qualify)
Hard to imagine either of these teams failing to get through. Whoever finishes second in this group should be able to win a spot in Round Two. Both teams are two wins ahead of the next contender, Finland, and they have much better goal ratios.
The only possible way for Finland to get past one of these teams is in the very unlikely event that Germany loses a match against Azerbaijan, or that Russia loses to Azerbaijan, Wales, or Liechtenstein.
If neither of these things happen, then the outcome of Germany v. Russia has no effect on Finland's chances and even its match against Germany won't make a difference. The only change that the game can make, unless the unexpected happens (as described above), is to allow Russia to move into first place.
None of the remaining teams in this group can qualify, no matter what the outcome of any matches are (unless Germany and Russia fail to win a single match, and Wales wins all their own matches, and Finland does not win all of their matches).
The calculations behind these predictions are too complex to include here, so I will just have to ask you to trust that I have crunched the numbers. It has taken me 13 hours just to get this far into my analysis, so I'm not skimping here!
e. Spain (to qualify)
Unless Spain fails to win at least two of its four remaining matches and Bosnia-Herzegovina win all of their remaining matches, there is no way for Spain to be knocked out of the top spot.
Provided that Spain wins two matches, it will take its tally from 18 to 24, a target that can only be reached by Bosnia-Herzegovina at 12 points (and with four more wins they would also be on 24 points). Even then, they need to make up the difference in the goal ratio in order to move ahead of Spain.
Turkey remains in contention, currently in third place on eight points. They can only get into first place in the unlikely event that Spain does not win any more than one match and Turkey wins every match (four wins would take their total to 22, putting them one ahead of Spain if that team only win one match).
Second place is a more viable option for Turkey and their prospects are boosted by the fact that they already have their hardest matches behind them. They are the only team that does not face Spain in the matches that are left.
The math here is very simple. If Bosnia-Herzegovina does not win any more matches, then Turkey only needs to win two in order to pull ahead of them. If Bosnia-Herzegovina wins one match, Turkey will need to win three. And if Bosnia-Herzegovina wins more than one match then, to have any hope at all, Turkey must win all four.
Belgium is in a similar position to Turkey but disadvantaged, firstly because they will have to play against Spain, and secondly because they are trailing by one further point.
f. England (to qualify)
England exited from the 2006 World Cup after failing to break down the Portuguese defense in the third Quarterfinal match. They are firmly on track for another tilt, and only need to beat one of their three remaining opponents to make sure they get the chance.
A solitary win would lift England's total from 21 points to 24, and since all the other contenders can only achieve a maximum score of 23 points, England would then be certain of qualification.
If England does not win any more matches, then either Croatia or Ukraine (or both) can get ahead by winning all four of their matches. Belarus also would need to win at least four matches out of the five they have remaining. In doing so, they would knock both Ukraine and Croatia out of contention for a place.
If Belarus wins four matches, then their total points would be level with England's at 21 and the decision would come down to the goal ratio. But England seems perfectly safe as things stand at the moment.
In fact, it is not really necessary at all for England to win. All they have to do is not lose any matches. Three draw results would also bring their total to the magic number 24, and as a consequence this would be a big help to Belarus in their quest for second place because it would mean that both Ukraine and Croatia could then only obtain a maximum of 21, while the maximum possible score for Belarus would be 22.
Currently, the chaser with the best chance to graduate is Ukraine, as they have two upcoming matches against Andorra, but Croatia and Belarus must play against each other twice before taking on England and Kazakhstan.
g. Serbia and/or France (to qualify)
Serbia has a good lead in Group Seven. They are eight points clear of France and have a very healthy goal ratio of 15:5, which none of the other teams are even close to.
In the 2006 World Cup, I wrote on my forecast site that I did not think much of Serbia's chances, mainly due to its poor performance in the qualifying rounds. That prediction turned out to be true, as they lost all three of their Round 1 matches and failed to progress any further in the competition.
Their last World Cup match against Côte d'Ivoire saw a big improvement, with the Serbian team scoring two goals in the first half. Côte d'Ivoire did to Serbia what Brazil did to the U.S. in the Confederations Cup, staging a second half comeback to win by 3-2.
Serbia has three fairly easy assignments ahead of them. Home games against France and Romania—which they are expected to win—followed by an away game against Lithuania. Thus, I believe they will pick up at least another six points, bringing their final total to a minimum of 24.
France, in theory can top this score by one point, but in order to do so they must defeat Serbia. They are the only team apart from Serbia that still has the potential to score more than 20 points.
Lithuania are in third place with nine points, but can only score another nine, and this would only help them to equal Serbia's current score. Therefore, only if Serbia loses all of its remaining games does Lithuania has any chance at all, and even then they would need to be ahead on the goal ratio.
Austria and Romania, each with seven points and four matches left to play, are able to score a maximum total of 19. To stay clear of these threats, Serbia only needs to win one match (which would give them 21).
If Serbia can manage two wins and a draw, then even France can't catch them. France still has the potential to do some serious damage, and with two scheduled matches against the Faroe Islands, they should be able to bring their total up to at least 16 points, but are expected to do a lot better than that.
Serbia and France are the two most likely to take out the quinella here.
h. Italy (to qualify)
Italy could be expected to be doing a little better than this. Draws with Ireland and Bulgaria have prevented Italy from making a clean sweep. Ireland now sits just one point behind the "World Champions".
Ireland has a very good chance to pick up at least another six points from their three remaining matches, which would give them a total of 19, and a win or draw over Italy would see them looking very good indeed.
Italy, however, is aleady a point ahead and have four matches left to play, so in theory they should still finish on top. They should have at least six points coming to them, if not many more.
But the Irish should not abandon hope! It's still possible that Italy will stumble, or that somehow Ireland can even pick up the full nine points available to them. Unlikely, but not impossible. Should Ireland only make into second place, however, its prospects of qualifying diminish rapidly.
The only other team in this group with any sort of a chance is Bulgaria. Bulgaria's prospects can be summed up by the simple fact that if either Italy or Ireland wins two more matches, then Bulgaria cannot finish on top. Also, if Ireland wins just one match, Bulgaria will need to win three just to get ahead of Ireland.
It is not totally impossible for Cyprus, Montenegro, or Georgia to qualify in theory, but it is totally impossible in reality, so not really worth considering.
i. Netherlands (qualified)
There is not much to be said about the final group. The Netherlands, clear of the nearest competition by a full 14 points, have already qualified. All that is left for Scotland, Macedonia, Iceland, and Norway to fight for is second place, but even if they make it that far, it is highly unlikely for any of these teams to make further progress.
Holland showed incredible form in Euro 2008, while not at all showing their best in the 2006 World Cup. They've been given a very easy ride in this year, and hopefully it hasn't spoiled them.
This team currently looks like the most likely to be standing opposite Brazil on the day of the World Cup Final.
a. Denmark and/or Hungary (to qualify)
Denmark is looking lean and mean to win this qualification round, and Hungary looks...well...hungry for success. With more than half the matches already played in the round, the early favorites Portugal and Sweden are struggling to get into contention.
Denmark looks to has a great chance of retaining the lead. They have won five of the six matches, and obtained a draw in the other. They are three points clear of Hungary and have a very healthy goal ratio of 13:2.
The next match for Denmark is a tough one, as it faces Portugal. But the match will take place in Copenhagen, which may help their chances. Even if they don't get through that match without a problem, their next opponent will be Albania. That match should supply another win for Denmark, and the remaining matches are both home games against Sweden and Hungary.
Winning these matches will only be necessary if the other teams also get wins. Otherwise it is sufficient to simply not lose any matches.
Hungary is only one win behind the leaders, but they still have to face Portugal twice, plus there will be a match against Sweden and Denmark. Its path is more difficult, but achievable if Denmark stumbles too many times.
Portugal has a lot of ground to make up, and would need to win at least three of its remaining matches, while also hoping that Denmark does not win any more matches. If Hungary wins two matches, it will also make things very difficult for Portugal.
It's not impossible, but the Portuguese team will have a lot of pressure throughout the rest of the remaining matches, and they only have to lose one match to be out of contention for the top spot unless Denmark fails to win a single match (unlikely) or Hungary fails to win twice.
Sweden is level with Portugal on points, but their goal ratio is 6:2 compared with 8:4 (strange, considering that Portugal is regarded as a strong defensive team and Sweden is regarded as an attacking team). Sweden's path is just as difficult, if not more so.
b. Greece or Switzerland (to qualify).
One of these two should make it through, but I don't think both will, unless Round Two is kind to them. They have had the good fortune to be drawn together in a very weak group, so each is helping the other to survive in a strange kind of symbiosis.
The two teams are dead level on points, with Greece being ahead due to their better goal ratio. I believe Greece has the edge here. Switzerland can struggle at times.
Nipping at the heels of the leaders is Latvia who have an excellent chance of knocking at least one of them off the perch, but they can't afford to lose any more games, and must win at least two, while hoping their opponents do not win. They are not in a great position, but it is certainly not over for them yet.
Israel is too far behind. To catch up they would need to win at least three matches and this does not seem very likely. They would also need for the other teams ahead of them not to make any upward progress. If Israel only wins two matches, then they cannot get to the top position no matter what else happens.
Moldova of course, is already out of contention. Luxembourg would need an absolute miracle.
c. Slovakia (to qualify)
I was tempted to just chicken out of this one and put "anyone from Group Three except San Marino", but it looks like Slovakia should be able to hold on here. Poland is a big danger, and Northern Ireland are amazingly in second place and trailing by just two points.
This could be a big year for Northern Ireland if they can keep it going and hold off the challenge from Poland.
Czech Republic and Slovenia are just behind Poland on eight points each. Both are good enough to score wins in this group, but they will need a ton of luck to make it through to qualification.
It would take a minimum of four straight wins and for all of the higher teams to draw against each other or lose to San Marino. It is putting it mildly to say that such circumstances would be very difficult to arrange.
d. Germany and Russia (to qualify)
Hard to imagine either of these teams failing to get through. Whoever finishes second in this group should be able to win a spot in Round Two. Both teams are two wins ahead of the next contender, Finland, and they have much better goal ratios.
The only possible way for Finland to get past one of these teams is in the very unlikely event that Germany loses a match against Azerbaijan, or that Russia loses to Azerbaijan, Wales, or Liechtenstein.
If neither of these things happen, then the outcome of Germany v. Russia has no effect on Finland's chances and even its match against Germany won't make a difference. The only change that the game can make, unless the unexpected happens (as described above), is to allow Russia to move into first place.
None of the remaining teams in this group can qualify, no matter what the outcome of any matches are (unless Germany and Russia fail to win a single match, and Wales wins all their own matches, and Finland does not win all of their matches).
The calculations behind these predictions are too complex to include here, so I will just have to ask you to trust that I have crunched the numbers. It has taken me 13 hours just to get this far into my analysis, so I'm not skimping here!
e. Spain (to qualify)
Unless Spain fails to win at least two of its four remaining matches and Bosnia-Herzegovina win all of their remaining matches, there is no way for Spain to be knocked out of the top spot.
Provided that Spain wins two matches, it will take its tally from 18 to 24, a target that can only be reached by Bosnia-Herzegovina at 12 points (and with four more wins they would also be on 24 points). Even then, they need to make up the difference in the goal ratio in order to move ahead of Spain.
Turkey remains in contention, currently in third place on eight points. They can only get into first place in the unlikely event that Spain does not win any more than one match and Turkey wins every match (four wins would take their total to 22, putting them one ahead of Spain if that team only win one match).
Second place is a more viable option for Turkey and their prospects are boosted by the fact that they already have their hardest matches behind them. They are the only team that does not face Spain in the matches that are left.
The math here is very simple. If Bosnia-Herzegovina does not win any more matches, then Turkey only needs to win two in order to pull ahead of them. If Bosnia-Herzegovina wins one match, Turkey will need to win three. And if Bosnia-Herzegovina wins more than one match then, to have any hope at all, Turkey must win all four.
Belgium is in a similar position to Turkey but disadvantaged, firstly because they will have to play against Spain, and secondly because they are trailing by one further point.
f. England (to qualify)
England exited from the 2006 World Cup after failing to break down the Portuguese defense in the third Quarterfinal match. They are firmly on track for another tilt, and only need to beat one of their three remaining opponents to make sure they get the chance.
A solitary win would lift England's total from 21 points to 24, and since all the other contenders can only achieve a maximum score of 23 points, England would then be certain of qualification.
If England does not win any more matches, then either Croatia or Ukraine (or both) can get ahead by winning all four of their matches. Belarus also would need to win at least four matches out of the five they have remaining. In doing so, they would knock both Ukraine and Croatia out of contention for a place.
If Belarus wins four matches, then their total points would be level with England's at 21 and the decision would come down to the goal ratio. But England seems perfectly safe as things stand at the moment.
In fact, it is not really necessary at all for England to win. All they have to do is not lose any matches. Three draw results would also bring their total to the magic number 24, and as a consequence this would be a big help to Belarus in their quest for second place because it would mean that both Ukraine and Croatia could then only obtain a maximum of 21, while the maximum possible score for Belarus would be 22.
Currently, the chaser with the best chance to graduate is Ukraine, as they have two upcoming matches against Andorra, but Croatia and Belarus must play against each other twice before taking on England and Kazakhstan.
g. Serbia and/or France (to qualify)
Serbia has a good lead in Group Seven. They are eight points clear of France and have a very healthy goal ratio of 15:5, which none of the other teams are even close to.
In the 2006 World Cup, I wrote on my forecast site that I did not think much of Serbia's chances, mainly due to its poor performance in the qualifying rounds. That prediction turned out to be true, as they lost all three of their Round 1 matches and failed to progress any further in the competition.
Their last World Cup match against Côte d'Ivoire saw a big improvement, with the Serbian team scoring two goals in the first half. Côte d'Ivoire did to Serbia what Brazil did to the U.S. in the Confederations Cup, staging a second half comeback to win by 3-2.
Serbia has three fairly easy assignments ahead of them. Home games against France and Romania—which they are expected to win—followed by an away game against Lithuania. Thus, I believe they will pick up at least another six points, bringing their final total to a minimum of 24.
France, in theory can top this score by one point, but in order to do so they must defeat Serbia. They are the only team apart from Serbia that still has the potential to score more than 20 points.
Lithuania are in third place with nine points, but can only score another nine, and this would only help them to equal Serbia's current score. Therefore, only if Serbia loses all of its remaining games does Lithuania has any chance at all, and even then they would need to be ahead on the goal ratio.
Austria and Romania, each with seven points and four matches left to play, are able to score a maximum total of 19. To stay clear of these threats, Serbia only needs to win one match (which would give them 21).
If Serbia can manage two wins and a draw, then even France can't catch them. France still has the potential to do some serious damage, and with two scheduled matches against the Faroe Islands, they should be able to bring their total up to at least 16 points, but are expected to do a lot better than that.
Serbia and France are the two most likely to take out the quinella here.
h. Italy (to qualify)
Italy could be expected to be doing a little better than this. Draws with Ireland and Bulgaria have prevented Italy from making a clean sweep. Ireland now sits just one point behind the "World Champions".
Ireland has a very good chance to pick up at least another six points from their three remaining matches, which would give them a total of 19, and a win or draw over Italy would see them looking very good indeed.
Italy, however, is aleady a point ahead and have four matches left to play, so in theory they should still finish on top. They should have at least six points coming to them, if not many more.
But the Irish should not abandon hope! It's still possible that Italy will stumble, or that somehow Ireland can even pick up the full nine points available to them. Unlikely, but not impossible. Should Ireland only make into second place, however, its prospects of qualifying diminish rapidly.
The only other team in this group with any sort of a chance is Bulgaria. Bulgaria's prospects can be summed up by the simple fact that if either Italy or Ireland wins two more matches, then Bulgaria cannot finish on top. Also, if Ireland wins just one match, Bulgaria will need to win three just to get ahead of Ireland.
It is not totally impossible for Cyprus, Montenegro, or Georgia to qualify in theory, but it is totally impossible in reality, so not really worth considering.
i. Netherlands (qualified)
There is not much to be said about the final group. The Netherlands, clear of the nearest competition by a full 14 points, have already qualified. All that is left for Scotland, Macedonia, Iceland, and Norway to fight for is second place, but even if they make it that far, it is highly unlikely for any of these teams to make further progress.
Holland showed incredible form in Euro 2008, while not at all showing their best in the 2006 World Cup. They've been given a very easy ride in this year, and hopefully it hasn't spoiled them.
This team currently looks like the most likely to be standing opposite Brazil on the day of the World Cup Final.
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