South Africa Bets on 2010 World Cup for Hope, Heroes

08 June 2010

A South African child plays soccer in the poor Soweto area where the 2010 World Cup final will be played

BARBARA KLEIN: I’m Barbara Klein.

BOB DOUGHTY: And I’m Bob Doughty with EXPLORATIONS in VOA Special English. A maker of luxury travel goods recently launched an advertisement campaign. Video and magazine ads show three men playing table football and laughing in a coffee shop in Madrid, Spain. They are Pele, Maradona and Zidane. Only one name identifies each of them to the world. They talk about football and life.

The ad has gained much attention on the Web, possibly because it captures something about one sporting event. It says: “Three exceptional journeys. One historic game.” The game may be historic. But for football glory, the World Cup must be a part of the journey.

(SOUND)

BARBARA KLEIN: The 2010 FIFA World Cup opens Friday in South Africa. It is the first time that the world’s biggest sports event will be held in Africa. FIFA’s head, Sepp Blatter, announced the decision six years ago to cheers and celebration.

SEPP BLATTER: “The 2010 World Cup will be organized in South Africa (cheers).”

The World Cup is organized by FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association. The organization was established in nineteen-oh-four. FIFA is based in Zurich, Switzerland. Two hundred and eight national associations are members. That is more members than the United Nations.