After all the anticipation, the World Cup kicks off at Soccer City on Friday afternoon and it will be the end of one long, hard journey and the beginning of a new one.
Thousands of fans gathered under the night skies that were lit by the fireworks heralding the epic battle for the holy grail of football.
“This is the real kickoff,” Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, told tens of thousands packed into Soweto’s historic Orlando Stadium
However, the highlight of the kick-off concert was when Sepp Blatter added - “Football is not only a game. Football is connecting people.” Blatter’s statement was received with applause by a sea of people - white, black, coloured - stood together dressed in gold and green.
South African President Jacob Zuma said Africa is showing it is capable of handling events of any size.
“Africa is hosting this tournament. South Africa is the stage,” said Zuma. “South Africa is rocking. South Africa is cool.”
Then the contagious performance by Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys kept the enthusiasm roaring.
The opening match will be played between host South Africa and Mexico.
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