2010 Fifa World Cup: success stories

John Carlin, author of Playing the Enemy, says all the stories about the 2010 Fifa World Cup being the 1995 rugby World Cup all over again, about healing racial wounds, uniting the fractured nation and so forth, were off the mark. "It was much, much better than that."

As Fifa president Sepp Blatter gave South Africa a near-perfect 9 out of 10 for its hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, analysts said the spin-offs of improved perceptions abroad could have a long-lasting impact not only on South Africa and its development but on the continent as a whole.

Only 12 kilometres separate Spain from Africa at their closest point, and they were united in celebration at the finish of a 19th Fifa World Cup that sent a fault line of happiness stretching all the way from Bloemfontein to Barcelona.

The people of South Africa were the "true stars" of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, uniting to prove to the world that the country and the continent was capable of hosting a world-class event, says President Jacob Zuma.

The aftermath of hosting what has been hailed by one and all as a successful 2010 Fifa World Cup will no doubt leave South Africans with a massive hangover. However, the tournament has given them a new sense of pride, confidence and optimism, and opened a new chapter not only for the hosts but for the African continent.

As Cape Town played host to the semi-final clash between the Netherlands and Uruguay on Tuesday night, the city bid farewell to its 2010 Fifa World Cup journey. For the city residents, it has been a memorable month that will live with them long after the tournament.

South Africa's "Surf City" was the place to be on Friday as fans streamed in by the thousands for one of the most anticipated matches of the 2010 Fifa World Cup group stages, Brazil versus Portugal. While the match itself did not live up to the hype, the city of Durban certainly did.

"There is not a single part of this World Cup where we have not been able to go beyond the level of past World Cups," Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke said at the halfway mark of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. "South Africa will become the 'plan B' of any future World Cup."

South Africa is set to reap lasting tourism rewards from the 2010 Fifa World Cup, with visitors pouring into the country in numbers, from new as well as traditional markets, and responding to the country's offerings – and the energy and warmth of its people – with surprise and delight.

One of the great successes of the 2010 World Cup – and there have been many – is how the special courts set up for the tournament have succeeded in dealing with the criminal activity that is part-and-parcel of hosting an event of this magnitude.

As the 2010 Fifa World Cup approaches the half-way mark, initial glitches have been ironed out and the competition is progressing magnificently, says Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan, adding that interest will only increase as the tournament progresses.

While the on-field action draws the crowds, it is the thousands of hard-working volunteers busy in the background, making sure that each match runs with operational precision and professionalism, that should also be awarded a trophy.

Whatever their fortunes on the pitch, players from the competing nations at the 2010 Fifa World Cup are enjoying the experience off it. The temperatures might be low, but the visiting teams are feeling the warmth of the African spirit.

Fifa Fan Fests, organised at 16 venues around the world, played host to more than a million supporters during the first six days of the biggest sporting party in the world – with maximum capacity reached in almost every venue each time the respective national team played.

The world's attention is focused on the southern tip of Africa as the greatest football showpiece plays itself out on the fields and in the streets of South Africa. But once the final whistle has blown on 11 July, it seems as though a lot of happy fans will be coming back to the country.

The opening match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup between hosts South Africa and Mexico drew a record South African TV audience. The tournament is also getting good viewership ratings in North and South America, Europe and China.

The majestic Soccer City Stadium, venue for both the opening and final match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, has won rave reviews from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who described it as "a five-star stadium" and one of the most beautiful in the world.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban's spectacular 2010 Fifa World Cup venue, has scored not only an engineering first for an African stadium with its majestic arch. It has also become the world's first "quantum" stadium.

After six years of sustained hard work and intense global scrutiny of their ability to deliver, South Africa's nine host cities have produced 10 World Cup stadiums – matching and exceeding international standards – which will soon be known to television viewers the world over.