Fútbolita

In case you missed it, It was a great closing ceremony to a great tournament!

CLASSY

UNIQUE

COLOURFUL

Felicitaciones to Espana’s Christina Santos who won the battle of the Fervent Futbolitas! Ella es oficialmente la Futbolita del Copa de Mundo and oh boy, did she go all out to party with the rest of her Madrilenos following Spain’s historic World Cup victory yesterday!

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who have closely followed the Futbolita World Cup and to our enthusiastic and fantastic futbolitas for a job well done! Let’s give a huge round of applause to the awesome Hanneke, Julia, Raio, Temryss, N’Bellia, Nabilah, Claire, Lucas, Lola, Monica and Verdy!

Here are photos of Cristina at the victory parade with fellow Spaniards as they drown themselves in a sea of yellow and red!

Also, a special mention also goes out to the lovely Larissa (below) for her fantastic photo and message to us (muchas gracias tia) direct from South Africa!

All photos © Christina Santos and Larissa da Villa

Hello futbolitas! Johannesburg is Ready to host the Final of the 2010 World Cup Finals between Holland and Spain!

(Photo Courtesy of National Geographic – Soccer City at Night with Johannesburg City in the background)

Johannesburg & Soccer City are ready to host the 2010 World Cup Final. Soccer legends, coaches, players & heroes will be at Soccer Sity for the Grand Final, also joint by world known superstars, presidents and heads of states from all over the World. Shakira will be singing “WAKA WAKA” at the closing cermony. Classical singer Andrea Bocelli has also arrived for the World Cup closing concert!

(This is the inside of Soccer City. Took this pic on a tour of the Stadium)

South Africans are hoping that Nelson Mandela will be present at the game, and even hand over the trophy to the winners, like he did in the 1995 Rugby World Cup when South Africa won. South African President, Jacob Zuma will be there to join him no doubt. Brazilian President Lula Da Silva arrived in SA today. Paris Hilton, her sister Nicky, and a few of her cousins are already in SA and update their Twitter pages every hour bragging about the South Africa, its beauty and the Soccer World Cup. Leanardo Di Caprio is also around. South African Oscar Hollywood winner, Charlize Theron is also in her home country for the World Cup and spotted at the Semi Finals. Tennis Sensation, Rafeal Nadal is on his way to South Africa for the final to watch his home team Spain. The Dutch Royal family were also at their semi and intend staying till the end. Jose Mourinho is on his way to SA.

The list can go on and on and on and on . . . . .  Going to be unforgettable experience for us South Africans to top off what has been an amazing month.

Signing off,

South African Futbolita

A local South African jeweler (Woosh designs) has created replica pendants of 3 of the world cup stadiums. The jewellery is made out of gold, silver and precious stones. The most elaborate and ornate of the pieces is the Soccer City necklace. It was created as a tribute to Ex president , Nelson Mandela. The pendant houses a rare coin bearing Mandela’s image and the chain is linked together by miniature handcuffs. The designer, Pillay, said “Of all the stadiums, Soccer City is the most beautiful, “If one looks at the stadium from the side view, it has a lot of brown patches, so we used Cognac diamonds to replicate the brown, and then in between, wherever there was white, we used white diamonds.”

Over nine carats of diamonds were used in the replica of Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium, not including the chain’s numerous diamond-encrusted footballs. .

The Durban stadium houses a 14 carat Tanzanite, the rare blue stone itself worth around $35,000

Source: smh.com.au

Signing off . . . South African Futbolita

Could Ghana become the first African team in history to make it to a Semi-final of a World cup? No African team has done this before and it would be fitting for the black stars considering that its the first African World Cup. The whole of Africa is behind Ghana.

The game wont be so easy for the Ghananians even with all the support. The South American teams have dominated this World Cup thus far, with one point all of them been top of there group, and all of them qualifying for the last 16. Except for Chile who had to face another South American team, otherwise who knows????

Ghana’s Prince Boateng, and Asamoah Gyan will be key for the “Hope of Africa” team. They are out to make history today, with South African’s all behind them. The entire country is in Ghana colours(except the Brazalian, Dutch and Uruguay fans ofcoz).

What they said about each other:

“They are fast, and strong, and they have done well in other games, even done well against Germany,” Diego Forlan, Uruguay

“Uruguay are a great team, especially in attack. This is what we have to watch out for because they have players like Forlan and Suarez,” Asamoah Gyan, Ghana striker.

Lets hope Ghana can count their lucky “Black Stars” tonight. Ghana for Africa!

I took the above pictures at the Ghana vs Germany game at Soccer City.

Signing off and Waving Flag

Your African Futbolita

(The Official Futbolita/Cultzero tee in Johannesburg, 2010 World cup – Courtesy of the South African Futbolita and Futbolito – Nabilah and Zaaker!)

PS : They even chose a Brazil game! Fantastico

Hello Futbolitas! We are into the Quarter Finals fo the 2010 World Cup already, I really don’t know where all the time has gone too. Its been a totally amazing and a grand memorable time for myself and all South-Africans. Im going to do a quick summary and stats update, as well as include some pictures . Bafana didn’t go through to the round 16, but they beat France and drew on the opening day with Mexico, with Tshabalala scoring one of the greatest goals this World Cup. The opening was phenomenal, with so many people behind the Host country. From there on, all other African teams have been eliminated besides the Black stars.

To date, by the end of round 16, there has been 123 goals scored in 56 matches, with an average of 2.20 goals per match. In the group stages, there were 101 goals scored. In the round of 16, there were 22 goals scored in just 8 matches, with germany scoring four of them eliminating England. Brazil and Argentina each scored 3 a piece also making it to the quarters. The quarters are too close to call, and see’s mouth watering matches, including:

Argentina face Germany. Argenitna has alot of travelling fans to SA, and have won the hearts of many locals as well on route to the quarters with there attractive attaccking football, and a forward line-up to scare any opponents, except Germany, who fear no one. Germany are always a force to rekons with and probably the most decipline team in the tournament in terms of keeping football simple. (Fan pictures below from Germany vs ghana game, and Argentina vs Nigeria game)

Brazil and Holland will be a clash of the titans, with both teams having tremondous support in South-Africa. Its too tight to call, even tough Brazil have won the world cup 5 times and the confed cup last year in SA, while holland are known as the great underachievers in football, always having a good team and great build ups to the world cup, yet never won it. Could this be an Orange world cup? (Brazil picture below taken at Brazil versus  Chile & Sandton shopping Mall).

Top goal scorers of the tournament thus far are:

4 goals – David Villa (Spain), Gonzala Higuain (Argentina) & Robert Vittek (Slovakia). Villa & Higuin will have another chance of increasing there goal tally, while Vittek’s Slovakia has been eliminated.

3 goals – Muellur (Germany), Suarez(Uruguay), Fabiano(Brazil), Gyan(Ghana) & Donovan(USA). All of these have the oppurtunity to go for the golden boot and put their team in the semi, except for USA’s Donovan, who were beaten by Ghana.

Update live from South Africa, Signing Off & Waving Flag

South African Futbolita    ¤=====<]

It is with a very sore heart that I write this! I really wanted to see Portugal go further! Tomorrow morning I have to tell my 5 year old that Portugal lost,and that the man she said she is going to marry failed to impress! She told us today, that when she is big “like a Mommy”, she is going to marry Cristiano Ronaldo, Lord have mercy!! Yes I did say that she is 5 years old – that fever has hit her too!

But dramatics aside! I said in my pre-match review, that to me Spain has the best team in this World Cup, Portugal’s defenders were great, and it was heartbreaking to see Eduardo so distraught after the match, Eduardo and Fabio Coentrao to me were excellent tonight! In the first half, we were doing great, and we should’ve taken the chances we were given! Sadly though in the second half, it was all Spain, and Villa managed to break our 22 unbeaten record!

The red card at the end, was absolute nonsense, someone sent me a message and said that the goal was offside, I don’t agree, that was too close a call to make!

It was nice to see the friendships between these players, before and after the match.

I want to leave you with this: Cristiano Ronaldo is not Portugal, he doesn’t go out on the field on his own, there are always 11 players out there! YES he is talented, but there is much more to Portugal then Ronaldo! I think people make such a fuss over him, that he feels pressure to impress, and then often becomes selfish! I want to ask that you show the other Portuguese players some respect, they are stars in their own rights!

Eduardo, Bruno Alves, Paulo Ferreira, Rolando, Duda, Ricardo Carvalho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Mendes, Liedson, Danny, Simao, Beto, Miguel, Miguel Veloso, Pepe, Raul Meireles,Amorim, Hugo Almeida, Tiago, Deco, Ricardo Costa, Daniel Fernandes and Fabio Coentrao.

These were the boys that came to represent our beautiful country! They might not have gone as far as we all hoped, but they didn’t embarrass, they played against the number 1 and 2 ranked teams according to FIFA, drawing 0-0 with their brothers and losing 1-0 to their neighbours, and for that I can only feel pride! Throughout the tournament, they showed humility and respect for the other teams, and South Africa!

Portugal go home, without achieving their goal, but I imagine they take happy memories with them, C. Ronaldo met the most amazing person on the planet, Nelson Mandela on Madiba’s request! You will recall Madiba wasn’t at the opening, because his grandaughter died in an accident, the night before! She loved Ronaldo, and at least before her very short life ended, she got a chance to meet her football idol! They also had dinner with Francois Pienaar, a Idol in South African Rugby. And of course, they will never forget the day they scored the highest number of goals in a game for Portugal!

I know tomorrow the Portuguese press is going to have someone to blame, I’m willing to bet that the names Queiroz and Cristiano Ronaldo, will be way up there on the list. But for many other Portuguese fans, we remain proud, and loyal to our team! We might be a small country in size, but we are huge in heart!

Portugal para sempre!

Good Luck to the remaining teams, may the best one win!

Signing Off, Your Portuguese Futbolita

Monica Knoesen

Beijinhos, it has been a pleasure!

I couldn’t be there myself last night, but made sure Futbolita was present! Brazil were on top form last night and made the victory over Chile look like a walk in the park!

@ SA 2010 – Futbolita

There is no room for mistakes; whoever loses this match will return home empty handed. Argentina and Mexico will once again be the protagonists of an electrifying match. Four years ago, in Germany, Argentina defeated Mexico 2-1 in the same instances, that day the hero was Maxi Rodriguez.

Pre-Match Numbers:

ARGENTINA

June 12  ARG 1:0 NGA
June 17  ARG 4:1 KOR
June 22  GRE 0:2 ARG

Goals in favor: 7 – Goals against: 1 – 2.33 goal ratio (per 90 minutes)

1- Gonzalo Higuain-3 Goals
2- Martin Palermo- 1 Goal
3- Gabriel Heinze-1 Goal
Martin Demichelis-1 Goal

Most active player:

Lionel Messi – 20 shots on goal – 217 passes

MEXICO

The numbers are by  far inferior than those achieved by the Argentine side. During the group stages Mexico obtained 4 points from the possible 9 (1 victory, 1 draw and 1 defeat). In comparison to Argentina, Mexico was only able to find the back of the net in 3 occasions. When it comes to goals against, Mexico has only given up one goal, just like Argentina.

Marquez - 1 Goal
Hernandez – 1 Goal
Blanco – 1 Goal

During the Argentine press conference, we could observe a unstressed Diego Maradona. Despite the fact he did not confirm the lineup, he did mention that Otamendi and Burdisso would play from the start. The inclussion of Burdisso was confirmed with the following statement: “Walter (referring to Samuel) is not 100% ready. It would not be fair to his teammates, if he is not fit to capacity, it could hurt the squad”.

The possible lineup will be:  ROMERO; OTAMENDI, BURDISSO, DEMICHELIS, HEINZE; DIMARIA, MASCHERANO, RODRIGUEZ; MESSI, TEVEZ and HIGUAIN.

Diego has chosen to strengthen the defense with the inclusion of Otamendi, the Velez Sarsfield defender will play his second cap in the FIFA world cup. Once again Diego has chosen to include Di Maria in the starting team, despite the critics he has received, many would like to see Pastore take his place, specially after the match against Greece. In attack, Diego has chosen to line the attacking trio of Messi-Tevez-Higuain. Argentina comes to this match with a highly offensive squad, both Di Maria and Rodriguez are known for their constant threat to the box, leaving Mascherano as the only defensive player in the midfield.

Mexico will rely in the experience of Rafael Marquez, who during this week said he had the formula to stop Lionel Messi. He also went on to say that the Argentine defense is slow.

This match sure promises to be one of the best in the world cup. A rematch 4 years in the making. Hopefully the Argentine side will be victorious.

Signing off,

Your Argentina Futbolito

Yaaay, here is Sony Fevacaster, Lusanda from South Africa with a message to Futbolita! She thinks that her fellow countrywomen are the best futbolitas and backs Germany to go far in the tournament. As they say… “Kenako!”

South Africa has been knocked out of the 2010 World Cup. At half time, all 45 million people where behind the country with SA leading France 2-0 and Uruguay beating Mexico 1-0, hopes were high. Vuvuzelas were as loud as the opening day and car hootings going off on all the national roads, with most people stuck in traffic rushing home to watch the game, listining on radio. South Africa’s performance on the day was good, but not good enough. France were reduced to 10 men although we were already 1 nil up at the time and we should have taken bigger advantage of that at Bloemfontein. The French were in shambels at this tournament, from their performance on the pitch to everything off it, ending in disgrace to loosing to SA as well as their very infamous coach refusing to shake Bafanas Parreira hand after the match.

Fans and supporters are proud of SA, but it’s a heart sore that we got knocked out on goal difference. There was alot of tears at the stadium, fan parks and at home, knowing that we were the first ever host nation to get knocked out in the first round. Our performace versus Uruguay is the difference between Mexico going through. There were mixed emotions yesterday as a win over France for SA was a great acheivement, considering that they were in the finals in 2006. South Africa’s performance was great on the day. The coach contract has come to an end and its back to the drawing board for SA who know we have to keeping on working hard to qualify for Brazil 2014, as we did not qualify in 2006. Bafana Bafana were seen as a adorable host nation, with millions behind them. Now all South Africans are focused on ensuring we still behind the World Cup and ,make sure that it is a success.

I believe that the more you know, the better it gets so I’ve put some stats and fixtures to help out our fans know about more about the World Cup and where we stand. Firstly, I will share some photos taken at the grounds of the stadiums from the first 2 rounds.

After the first round of games, there was plenty of noise on how terrible of a world cup it has been, with temperature reaching below freezing point and some calling it the coldest world cup ever, Vuvuzela’s taking most of the attention with the noise it makes, and a serious lack of goals.

The second round has been a complete turn around and BOYS AND GIRLS, are we in for one heck of a World Cup with the final group stage matches starting today!! In the first round of group matches, there has been 25 goals scored(on average of 1.57 goals per match), in the second round, there has been 41, almost double. Portugal’s thumbing of North Korea has had some effect on this high scoring average of 2.81 goals per match. Portugal’s 7 nil victory has been the biggest of the tournament.

The third round starts today and don’t be surprised if we see more goals as teams try to stay in the tournament and reach the final 16. The host nation, as well as all other Africa teams have not come to the party, not 1 of them are certain to qualify and rely on other results in their respective groups to do so. The first team to get eliminated was an African team, Cameroon. The only other team to guaranteed be kicked-out at this stage is North Korea. Nigeria & Honduras are yet to register a pint but have a mathematical chance of qualifying.

Argentina, Brazil & Holland are the only team to do as expected, winning all their matches, with Chile also bagging all 6 out of 6 points. There has been 10 dead-rubbers (Draws) thus far out of the 32 games. Shock results of the tournament include Spain’s defeat to Switzerland, Current World Champions Italy’s draw with New Zealand, and Germany’s loss to Serbia. England, the USA, Italy & New Zealand all have 2 points, drawing all their games, and need wins to go through. The top goal scorers of the tournament thus far is Gonzalo Higuan with 3 goals, playing 161 minutes of the maximum of 180. In second place is Brazil’s duo of Elano who has played 140 minutes, and Luis Fabiano who has played full 2 games. Asamoah Gyan of Ghana also has 2 goals, both from the spot, Diego Forlan, known as the Vuvuzela Silencer has 2 and so does David Villa, who could have easily had been top joint goal scoree had he converted his penalty.

What will the third round hold? One thing is for sure though, 16 teams will remain, and 16 will be going home. Don’t miss all the emotion live from South Africa!

Signing off & Waving Flag

Your South African Futbolita

Some thought its Kaka after scoring for Brazil, other thought it is Jose after beating Barca in the Champion League Semi-Final………

Made with 2500 standard Coke bottle crates – this huge ‘red fan coke man’ is very impressive. It’s located in Newtown Joburg at the fan park, and can be overlooked from the highway in the background. The ‘red fan coke man’ weighs some 25 tonnes and stands 16.5 meter tall.

Crafetefan – designed for Coca-Cola by Porky Hefer.
And made possible by Lesley Perkes and Mark Sinoff of Art At Work Art management. Cratefan is a recycling initiative, created using a skeleton of scaffolding clad with around 2500 1.25l Coca-Cola crates. All the materials will be reused/recycled once he has finished celebrating.

The Newtown Fan Park is situated in Johannesburg CBD as very close to Ellis Park Staduim

Signing Off & Waving Flag

Your South African Futbolita

Kisses xo Jabulani

The time has come. We have all been anxiously awaiting this day: WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010. Four years it’s been since we watched our countries step on the World Cup pitch in Germany. I’ve been making big plans for the USA vs. England match. I’ll gather with over 850 fellow Americans (and some English fans as well) to watch this historical match at the Nike Montalban Theater in Hollywood.

The USA buzz is sounding hopeful, confident, and intense. With two victories under our belt, 2-1 over Turkey and 3-1 over Australia, we are going into this match with a new level of confidence. US fans our enthused with our attack and our potential. You can’t ignore Edson Buddle and Hercules Gomez! These two WC additions have inspired new energy and a new offensive strategy.  Findley has demonstrated his attacking strengths as well, we just need him to find the back of the net… and he will!

We are setting our alarms anywhere from 1:30am in New York, to 2:30am in Chicago to 4:30am in Los Angeles. I’m not a morning person, but this is the most important event in the world… I don’t mind! I’m rockin’ my Landon Donovan Futbolita top & my USA jersey daily, changing my laces to red, getting ready to do something red, white and blue with my fingers & toes and challenging my English comrades to a verbal battle. Watch out world the USA is ready!  We’re so ready celebs like Brad Pitt and Charlize Theron have joined in support for the USA 2018 or 2022 bid for the World Cup. That’s right, let’s bring it back to the home of the brave… USA!

Signing Off,

Your USA Futbolita!

Waking up to the sounds of excitement and vuvuzelas, makes me wonder how other countries can go to the grounds without owning a Vuvuzela. SIMPLY ELECTRIFYING (Or as we say, its AYOBA)…….. The Atmosphere at todays game will be like no other in History.

Host name there starting 11 for todat crunching opener -  Coach will play his famous 4-2-3-1 line-up, which includes Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena (captain), Bongani Khumalo, Lucas Thwala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Teko Modise, Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Katlego Mphela. This is the same starting eleven that beat Denmark last weekend Saturday. Khune in poles, was choosen over Moneeb Joosebs who was in sublime form before the World Cup. Khune played in the Confed cup and has always been a favourite in front of Joosebs permitting his fit. No real Suprises in the team.

Bafana Bafana are now 12 games unbeaten, something they have never done before, making todays game too close to call. Parreira said: “I am more than satisfied with the side that started against Denmark, so there is no need to change. I am confident we can deliver the goods.” Interesting fact, a host nation has not lost an opener in 25 years.

South Africans are similar to Brazilians when it comes to soccer. “The people are in love with Bafana players. They are all celebrities. It was incredible and we are grateful to the nation. Now it is our turn to deliver,” Parreira said.

ONE THING IS FOR SURE, THERE WILL BE NO MEXICAN WAVE AT SOCCER CITY IN TODAYS OPENERS. THE VUVUZELA WILL BE BAFANA’S 12th MAN…….

Signing off

South African Futbolita

It’s dominated the back pages, news bulletins and radio phone ins and now the greatest show on earth is finally upon us, the Three Lions bandwagon is rolling on through the streets of England as supporters are hanging out their St Georges flags and I heard on the radio that two young lads have converted their living room into an actual stadium, grass pitch and all…

I haven’t gone to such extremes but I am incredibly excited now that the world cup is finally here. England of course kick off their campaign on Saturday and I will be glued to the big screen, I wish I could be in South Africa, but you can’t have everything!!!

I will of course have an eye on all of the LFC boys with their respective countries and wish El Nino and Co all the best with my adoptive nation Spain, however my heart is obviously with Stevie, Carra et al when they take to the pitch against the USA in Rustenburg. Steven Gerrard’s pride at being handed the captains armband in place of Rio Ferdinand was plain for all to see,

Let’s hope the reds captain fantastic can help guide the England boys to success!!!!

Come on!!!

Signing off

Your England Futbolita

Tonight, at Orlando Staduim In Soweto (Which stands for South Western Township just so you know), The Official Fifa Concert will kick-off the tournament. Just 24 hours to go, the atmosphere in SA is vibey, with Footballers, Stars and Celebrities been spotted everywhere you go.

(Photos courtesy of Gareth Cliff)

Signing off

Your South African Futbolita

With under 48 hours to go before the World Cup begins , thought I’d give you a sneak preview to the World Cup Opening cermony. (pictures courtesy of Bobby)

South Africa is ready, and with most countries having already arrived, its SHOWDOWN TIME.

The entire country came to a stand still today for 10minutes (12:00 – 12:10) as part of the “United We Stand” campign. It encouraged everybody to stop what they were doing and go outside and scream, shout, wave their flags and even blow your vuvuzelas!

An English supporter who just arrived in the country said it best, saying that he thought that the World Cup was over and that Bafana had won, the country was simply electrifying. He was also at France 98 and said, “South Africa is ready and this will be the Best World Cup Ever in terms of fans and football”.

Signing off

South African Futbolita

Its here, 2 days to go. These picture taken are of a Giant man playing soccer made of balls, hanging from the roof ,and giant Nike soccer boots (togs as its know in South africa). The mall is situated in Johannesburg CBD.

KeNako, Signing Off

South African Futbilta