South Africa's desperate attempt to leave Nigeria eating dust after the latest FIFA international break, with the latter having shockingly lost to Benin on Monday, has left a cherished piece of history hidden away.
Today, 11 June 2024, marks 14 years since the opening game of the 2010 World Cup that was held on Rainbow Nation soil.
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On that day, a Siphiwe Tshabalala opener 10 minutes into the second half was cancelled by Rafael Marquez in the 79th minute to see Bafana Bafana sharing the spoils with Mexico on a day that will live long in the memory of those who enjoyed the fortune of the historic spectacle.
The tournament, eventually won by Spain, who beat the Netherlands 1-0 in a tense final at FNB Stadium on 11 July, was hailed a success by then FIFA president Sepp Blatter, even though the anti-vuvuzela smattering of European pessimists would beg to disagree.
"I am the happiest man to announce that the World Cup in South Africa was a huge, huge financial success for everybody -- for Africa for South Africa, for FIFA," Blatter told reporters after a meeting of the executive committee of football's world governing body in Zurich.
"For the first time in FIFA's four-year accounts, we are over $4 billion," he continued.
Perhaps it should serve as a good omen that the latest generation of Bafana stars are chasing World Cup qualification with a game against Zimbabwe that falls on the anniversary of that historic match. It must also be noted that 2010, by virtue of being hosts nogal, was the last time the country that returned to the international arena in 1992, made it to the global showpiece.
Going into Tuesday evening's match, Hugo Broos' men will also take comfort from the fact that Bafana's only victory from that tournament, against France, was 'cooked' at the Free State Stadium, where the clash against the Warriors takes place.
Locals from Bloemfontein and by extension the Free State, starved of football since their pride and joy Bloemfontein Celtic's top-flight status was bought by Shauwn Mkhize, and relocated to KwaZulu-Natal, new name and all, will be out in their numbers providing an inimitable atmosphere that can only be compared to the World Cup gees.
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It is now up to Broos' men to deliver on the pitch after their brave display against Nigeria last Friday, knowing that a win will keep them at pace with surprise group leaders Benin.
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