"At least a third of those came to watch the World Cup," he said, according to the South African Press Association (SAPA).

Irvin Khoza, chairman of South Africa's FIFA 2010 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) said the number of tourists had far exceeded expectations.

Blatter praised way the tournament had been organized. "We have had 62 of the 64 games so far and the tournament has been a great success. Both South Africa and Africa can be proud of their achievements by successfully staging this wonderful event."

Referring to the new stadiums built and those renovated for the matches, Blatter said: "There is not one single country in Europe that has such world class stadiums as South Africa. The stadiums are jewels. They are superbly built and every fan inside has a good view of the action on the pitch."

According to SAPA, Blatter supported the idea that South Africa could hosting the Olympic Games in 2020.

"If a country can host the World Cup they can host the Summer Olympics. I will tell the IOC (International Olympic Committee) that South Africa is ready to host the Summer Olympics."

【体坛英语资讯：Mandela may be at World Cup final in South Africa】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Aishwarya Rai and her husband promote an entertainment event in Toronto

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Brosnan cleared in scuffle with photographer

★ 体坛英语资讯：Rocket explosion

★ 娱乐英语资讯：French model-turned First Ladys nude photo on sale

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hamilton wants to win title on track, not on appeal

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hewitt love strikes back over bikini shots

★ 体坛资讯：Francis returns to Rockets with two-year deal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu begins training in isolation

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Canberra

★ 体坛英语资讯：Bremen promote Nouri as head coach