Bloemfontein World Cup 2010 Stadium

Map & Directions

Click here to view a map of the stadium and the local area.

The Stadium

In advance of 2010, a second tier will be added to the main grandstand of the Free State Stadium on the western side of the ground, increasing the net capacity beyond the 40,000-mark required for venues to stage first and second round matches.

Additionally, new turnstiles will be erected, the floodlights will be upgraded, electronic scoreboards will be installed and the sound system will be revamped to the required standards.

Group matches to be played in Bloemfontein

• 14th June - 4.00pm: Japan v Cameroon
• 17th June - 4.00pm: Greece v Nigeria
• 20th June - 1.30pm: Slovakia v Paraguay
• 22th June - 4.00pm: France v South Africa
• 25th June - 8.30pm: Switzerland v Honduras

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Port Elizabeth World Cup 2010 Stadium

Map & Directions

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The Stadium

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will have a capacity of 49,500 and will be a multi purpose facility launched at the World Cup in 2010.

Click here for the host city website.

Group matches to be played in Port Elizabeth

• 12th June - 1.30pm: Korea Republic v Greece
• 15th June - 4.00pm: Ivory Coast v Portugal
• 18th June - 1.30pm: Germany v Serbia
• 21st June - 4.00pm: Chile v Switzerland
• 23rd June - 4.00pm: Slovenia v England

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Polokwane World Cup 2010 Stadium

Map & Directions

Click here to view a map of the stadium and the local area.

The Stadium

The roof over the existing west stand of the Peter Mokaba Stadium will be removed and replaced by a roof that covers the entire western stand of the new Stadium.

An additional 20 rows of seating will be built around the entire stadium to increase capacity to 40,000.

In addition to the structural work, the Peter Mokaba stadium will be provided with first rate equipment, including an electronic scoreboard in the northern stand, new floodlights, a modern sound system and a fire detection and protection system.

Group matches to be played in Polokwane

• 13th June - 1.30pm: Algeria v Slovenia
• 17th June - 8.30pm: France v Mexico
• 22nd June - 8.30pm: Greece v Argentina
• 24th June - 4.00pm: Paraguay v New Zealand

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Pretoria World Cup 2010 Stadiums

Map & Directions

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The Stadium

The main west stand of the Loftus Versfeld stadium was completely rebuilt in 1977, and the other three stands have been rebuilt since, creating an impressive arena, that rises steeply on all sides and incorporates some of the country's finest facilities for corporate hospitality.

Minimal upgrading will be required for the stadium to qualify as a venue for first and second round matches, but the floodlights, sound system and scoreboards will all be improved. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 and this will probably rise to 50,000 for the World Cup.

Group matches to be played in Pretoria

• 13th June - 4.00pm: Serbia v Ghana
• 16th June - 8.30pm: South Africa v Uruguay
• 19th June - 8.30pm: Cameroon v Denmark
• 23rd June - 4.00pm: USA v Algeria
• 25th June - 8.30pm: Chile v Spain

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Rustenburg World Cup 2010 Stadium

Map & Directions

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The Stadium

Only minor renovations will be required to bring the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace into line with requirements for a stadium able to host first and second round matches at the 2010 World Cup. The stadium will have a capacity of just over 40,000.

For 2010, essentially cosmetic measures such as installation of new electronic scoreboards and upgrading of the floodlights and public address system will render the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace ready to welcome the football supporters of the world.

Group matches to be played in Rustenburg

• 12th June - 8.30pm: England v USA
• 15th June - 1:30pm: New Zealand v Slovakia
• 19th June - 4.00pm: Ghana v Australia
• 22th June - 4.00pm: Mexico v Uruguay
• 24th June - 8.30pm: Denmark v Japan

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Nelspruit World Cup 2010 Stadium

Map & Directions

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The Stadium

Construction of the new Mbombela Stadium on open land just eight kilometres north of Nelspruit will confirm the recently rising fortunes of this far north-eastern corner of South Africa.

The Mbombela Stadium has been designed to ensure it enjoys a prosperous life beyond the tournament as an adaptable, relevant multi-sport, entertainment and exhibition venue.

The stadium will be specifically constructed to ensure that it meets all FIFA Requirements and presents a compact and attractive venue for both first and second round matches with a capacity of just over 40,000.

Group matches to be played in Nelspruit

• 16th June - 1.30pm: Honduras v Chile
• 20th June - 4.00pm: Italy v New Zealand
• 23rd June - 8.30pm: Australia v Serbia
• 25th June - 4.00pm: Korea DPR v Ivory Coast

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Durban World Cup 2010 Stadium

Map & Directions

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The Stadium

Durban will boast the new Moses Mabhida stadium, unveiled on June 15th 2006 at Durban's ICC by KwaZulu-Natal's Premier Sbu Ndebele and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Obed Mlaba.

The stadium will be built on the site of the existing King's Park stadium and has been designed as a first-class multi-purpose sporting facility with a seating capacity of 70,000.

The stadium is named after named after Moses Mabhida, a former General Secretary of the SACP.

Group matches to be played in Durban

• 13th June - 8.30pm: Germany v Australia
• 16th June - 4.00pm: Spain v Switzerland
• 19th June - 1.30pm: Netherlands v Japan
• 22th June - 8.30pm: Nigeria v Korea Republic
• 25th June - 4.00pm: Portugal v Brazil

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/durban-world-cup-2010-stadium/

Cape Town World Cup 2010 Stadium

Map & Directions

Click here to view a map of the stadium and the local area.

The Stadium

Cape Town is building a new stadium for the 2010 World Cup in the suburb of Greenpoint, 500 metres from the Atlantic Ocean with Table Mountain as a backdrop.

Upon completion, the stadium should seat 70,000.

Group matches to be played in Cape Town

• 11th June - 8.30pm: Uruguay v France
• 14th June - 8.30pm: Italy v Paraguay
• 18th June - 8.30pm: England v Algeria
• 21st June - 1.30pm: Portugal v Korea DPR
• 24th June - 8.30pm: Cameroon v Netherlands

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/cape-town-world-cup-2010-stadium/

Johannesburg World Cup 2010 Stadiums

Map & Directions

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Soccer City

Johannesburg will have two stadiums in the World Cup 2010 and also boasts the opening match, one semi final and the final match of the tournament.

Soccer City is the jewel in South Africa's crown, built in 1987 and with a capacity of 94,700 (excluding Media and VIP's) it is sure to offer a great atmosphere for the lucky few that get tickets and hopefully as the stadium to be used for the first game, provide an excellent springboard for a magnificent tournament.

For 2010, the upper tier will be extended around the stadium, an encircling roof will be constructed, new changing room facilities will be developed and new floodlights will be installed.

Looking for a hotel while visiting Johannesburg? Click this link to get live prices and availability!

Map & Directions

Click here to view a map of the stadium and the local area.

Ellis Park

Ellis Park was constructed in 1982 as a modern, integrated stadium offering outstanding sight lines from every seat. The Stadium stands within a world class sporting precinct, barely 15 minutes' walk from the Johannesburg City Centre, and offers outstanding office, security and medical features.

For 2010, new upper tiers will be constructed behind each of the goals, at the north and south ends of the venue, increasing the net capacity by 10,149 seats to a total 60,000.

Ellis Park will host one quarter final match.

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/johannesburg-world-cup-2010-stadiums/

Mexico stun Italy in World Cup 2010 warm up match

In what might be seen as the surprise result of the night Italy slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico - the same Mexico that was beaten by England a couple of weeks ago, but also the same Mexico that showed us glimpses of what might be possible.

Well tonight, it was possible and they put Italy to bed with a warm cup of milk and stories of San Pedro and the devil.

Carlos Vela opened the scoring for Mexico in the 17th minute and second half substitute Alberto Medina doubled their lead in the 84th minute before Italy got one back, Leonardo Bonucci scoring with a minute to go of normal time.

It has to be said, as it was after Mexico lost to England, that the Mexicans did look good and tonight they looked better - almost more focused and determined. The football was the same there was just and edge to their game.

I think I'm going to have a cheeky bet on Mexico to qualify from Group A and I hope South Africa do too, because I'd love it if France failed because I think they cheated to get here. Is that wrong of me?

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Something positive said about the new World Cup ball

The new adidas ball has come in for a lot of stick recently, much like the new adidas ball before the 2006 World Cup in Germany did and much like the new ball that adidas will bring out for Brazil in 2014 will. But today it is different.

Frank Lampard is talking up the positives and as far as we know he isn't sponsored by adidas, so give it a few days and we have no doubt others will be looking at the positives instead of the negatives.

"The ball does move. I worked on it in Austria," said Frank the Bank. "It can move and fly over the bar. But, if you catch it right, even from a very long way out, you have a chance.

"Even if you don't score, you put the keeper under pressure because it's hard for him to keep hold of the ball."

So, there you have it; positives about the new World Cup ball and we only had to wait nine days. That must be a new record. That or the media hunger for new quotes about the same stories means we have spoken to all of the 95 goalkeepers at the World Cup.

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/world-cup/2010-news/something-positive-said-about-the-new-world-cup-ball/

World Cup: England captain taken to hospital for scan

Rio Ferdinand has been taken to hospital after suffering a knock to his knee in training.

On a day that saw all but David James train in South Africa, including Gareth Barry, this isn't the most positive news to come from South Africa.

Initial concerns are focused on the ligaments in the left knee and every precaution is been taken.

If the injury is serious, Capello has until 24 hours before the first game to replace Ferdinand. No replacements to the squad can be made after this time. Ferdinand is on his way to a local hospital by ambulance.

The injury happened as Ferdinand was turning after a tackle. The news was passed on by Capello who was talking at a press conference at the England training camp. There will be no further comment from the Italian without seeing the results of the scan.

David James didn't train with the rest of the players, instead he spent time in the gym.

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com

Australia might be looking for new training venue

Australia might quit their designated FIFA World Cup training base, if the condition of the grass does not improve very quickly after a friendly match with the United States tomorrow.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek has confirmed that they are already looking at alternatives if the pitch is left in it's current state after the friendly match with the United States this weekend.

“We are thinking, of course, for a Plan B and a Plan C but let’s see how it is tomorrow first,” Verbeek said.

“If there is too much damage then maybe we have to do something different. On the other hand, it is just for the upcoming 10 days before Germany. I’m not so sure you can destroy the field in 10 days. If it is the case, then we have to find somewhere else.”

No players have complained about the pitch but FIFA have apparently confirmed that plans are under-way to find a new training venue.

“Our players never complain,” Verbeek said. “We have seen some quite interesting fields in the last two and a half years travelling over the world. They just do their job.”

Souce: http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com