African World Cup 2010 Qualifiers

African World Cup 2010 qualifiers include all the games played to determine the 32 finalists for the championship. FIFA World Cup will take place for the first time in the history in Africa, in 2010. Each nation on the continent dreams about this fiesta. However, what teams will qualify for Africa? The preliminary matches have begun on Saturday, 31 May, in Africa (Nigeria - South Africa can be watched live on Fifa.com) and the pressure is high with all the pickers on the continent: nobody wants to skip the historic event in 2010. Fifa.com wants to ask this question and of course, the answers will be numerous.

Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana, the four latest semi finalists of Euro 2008 are part of the favorites. An absence in South Africa would be for these teams a great disillusion. Morocco with Chamakh and Hadji, Mali with the three precious players Diarra, Keita and Kanoute, Guinea with Feindouno, Tunisia with Santos, Algeria with Ziani, Togo with Adebayon, Senegal with Sylva and Nigeria with Taiwo complete the list of serious candidates. The best arguments to convince are necessary as the debates are heated.

There are sites where you can express your opinions. You can express yourself taking into account fair play, respect, correction and common sense. You can express your arguments and discuss them with the other users. Fifa 2010 will be an exciting event for all the continents for sure, therefore a real source of excitement.
The first team will qualify for the World Cup, whereas the second one may play a barrage game. Qualifications start in September 2008 and finish in November 2009.

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The World Cup's African 'Big Five'

With the World Cup South Africa 2010 final approaching, the excitement is building and supporters of both teams, Holland and Spain are relishing the prospect of being crowned football world champions. But what happened to all of the African teams in this year's World Cup? All eyes were on the host nation already, so I think South Africa need no part in this article, so here is a run-down on the other 'big five'.

Ivory Coast

Upon qualifying, Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba commented "I am very happy indeed because Ivory Coast is going to the World Cup for the second time." Ivory Coast finished 3rd in their group, unluckily being placed with two competition favourites, Brazil and Portugal.

Cameroon

Cameroon qualified for an record sixth time for the World Cup this year after a last day qualification against Morocco. Cameroon finished bottom of their group with no points, a disappointing and huge let down for all of their fans.

Nigeria

Nigeria's qualifying match was against fellow African team Kenya, they went from 1-0 down, to 2-1 up in the second half. Nigeria also finished bottom of their group with a mere one point to their name.

Algeria

Algeria got through to the World Cup by the skin of their teeth, their coach Rabah Saadane had this to say about it "They played with heart - they had so much heart and I think that's what made the difference. I think we will have time to prepare ourselves for the Cup in Africa now." Algeria disappointed in a group that was won by United States and England, by finishing last with a single point.

Ghana

Ghana were the first team through to the group stages after a 2-0 win over Sudan. Chelsea midfielder and Ghana International Michael Essien commented "The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa." Ghana were the only team to make it through the first round of the World Cup, they were brave throughout the competition and sadly knocked out in the quarter finals on penalties by Uruguay.

So now you know of the 'big five' of African football teams featured in this year's World Cup, time to learn about the wildlife 'big five' of Africa. This consists of lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhino and elephant, which can be spotted in many Kenyan National Parks such as Amboseli and the world famous Masai Mara.

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Football World Cup 2010

The hugely popular 2010 FIFA Cup is a big craze among football lovers. There is a considerably huge number of online 2010 World Cup Ticket Sales with approximately one million of ticket request submissions. Isn't it astounding? You would be astonished to know that around 743 000 ticket submission applications from 160 countries have already hit the market!

The largest number of 2010 world cup ticket application requests from the abroad sport lovers have come from United Kingdom and trailed by USA. Jerome Valcke, the Secretary General of FIFA has stated, "We have had a phenomenal response from football fans around the world. We do expect a last-minute rush over the next few days to submit applications to beat the March 31 deadline - in particular in South Africa." He further added, "This is the best chance to secure a ticket at an early stage, so as not to miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the first FIFA Cup on African soil."

Interestingly, requests for the Team Specific Series comprised of fifty percent of the total applications. The major cause for the huge popularity of Team Specific Series is that it enables the sports enthusiast to follow his/her favorite team throughout the championship. Year 2002 marked the debut of this Team Specific Series package.

If you are also looking forward for the upcoming 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa then do not waste your time, as Football Cup tickets will vanish soon from the scene. Moreover, out of the three million 2010 Cup Tickets, international sport lovers will be catered with one million tickets.

So, without thinking twice, book your soccer world cup tickets at the worldcupticketservice.com. We are the renowned 2010 fifa Cup Ticket providers at cheapest prices. Book your affordable World Cup Tickets now!

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Combining Your African Safari With the FIFA World Cup 2010 (Part 2)!

Safari activities during your World Cup stay (Part 2)...

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein (Free State Province)

Home to the Bloemfontein Celtic football team, the Free State Stadium hosted a surprising US victory over Spain in the latest Confederations Cup semi-final!

Gross Capacity: 48 000.

World Cup Groups Concerned: A, B, E, F, & H.

Safari Activities:

- Gariep Dam Nature Reserve. Largest springbok population in the country! Also features mountain zebra as well as various antelope species.

- Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Home to the red hartebeest and the bearded vulture (lammergeier).

- Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve. A birdwatcher's paradise, and listed as "Wetlands of International Importance".

- Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve. Antelope species include the Oribi, Grey Rhebuck and Mountain Reedbuck. Bird specimens such as the bald ibis, the bearded and Cape vultures are also found here.

- Tussen die Riviere Game Reserve. Reputedly supports more game than any other sanctuary in the Free State.

- Willem Pretorius Game Reserve. Great variety of game and bird species, and well-preserved ruin of a prehistoric settlement (Leghoya people).

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape Province)

Nelson Mandela Bay is the first football-dedicated stadium of the city and surrounding areas. Hosts the match for third place and a quarter-final!

Gross Capacity: 48 000.

World Cup Groups Concerned: B, C, D, G & H.

Where to Go:

- Addo Elephant National Park. Saved the last 11 survivors of the Eastern Cape elephants that now proliferate together with buffalo, black rhino, hippo and 185 species of birds.

- Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. 58 mammal species and 293 bird species.

- Dwesa, Cwebe, and Hluleka Nature Reserves. A blend of forest, open grasslands and beautiful coastline beaches with incredible lagoons and trails.

- Karoo Nature Reserve. Located in the Valley of Desolation, and characterised by dolomite pinnacles and domes.

- Mountain Zebra National Park. Protects the last Cape Mountain zebra whose population now stands at +/- 300!

- Mpongo Game Reserve. Over 40 species of large game and prolific birdlife!

- Thomas Baines Nature Reserve. Wildlife includes Cape buffalo, white rhino, antelope and over 170 bird species.

- Tsitsikamma National Park, in the heart of the Garden Route. Incredible hiking trails!

- Tsolwana Game Reserve. Dramatic landscape home to springbok, impala, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, bontebok and white rhino.

- Wilderness National Park. Important wetland and paradise for birdlovers: 79 listed waterbirds!

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg (North West Province)

The Royal Bafokeng Stadium is named after the Bafokeng people who live in the area.

Gross Capacity: 42 000.

World Cup Groups Concerned: A, C, D, E & F.

Safari Highlights:

- Borakalalo National Park, the place "where people relax"!

- Botsalano Game Reserve. Renowned for its successful white rhino breeding program!

- Madikwe Game Reserve, the fifth largest reserve in South Africa with well over 10 000 animals!

- Pilanesberg National Park. Big Five area only two hours away from Johannesburg. Very pleasant, and stunning scenery!

- Rustenburg Nature Reserve. Home to 13 antelope species and predators like the leopard or caracal (seldom seen).

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit (Mpumalanga Province)

The stadium gets its name from the word "Mbombela", which in siSwati means "many people together in a small place".

Gross Capacity: 46 000.

World Cup Groups Concerned: D, F, G & H.

Best Safaris in the Area:

- Kruger National Park. Covers nearly 2 million hectares, and is by far South Africa's most precious and abundant wildlife preserve! Not to be missed!:)

- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve. Features 3 of the Big Five such as the buffalo, white rhino and leopard.

- Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve. Especially popular for birdwatchers!

- Mount Sheba Nature Reserve. One of Mpumalanga's top bird-lovers destinations!

- Mthethomusha Game Reserve. Owned by the Mpakeni Community, it is home to interesting San Bushmen rock art paintings.

- Sabi Sands Game Reserve. A true African paradise, including numerous prestigious private concessions such as Exeter, Indube, Inyati, Londolozi, Mala Mala and Sabi Sabi!

- Songimvelo Game Reserve. Over 20 species of herbivores have been reintroduced to the reserve!

- Timbavati Game Reserve. Home of the magnificent white lion! Also enjoy extraordinary bush programmes, such as the unique Ecotraining Course.

Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane (Limpopo Province)

Named after a local hero who fought against the Apartheid regime, the Peter Mokaba Stadium is a brand new facility inspired by the Baobab tree!

Gross Capacity: 46 000.

World Cup Groups Concerned: A, B, C & F.

Safari Areas of Interest:

- Blouberg Nature Reserve. World's largest breeding colony of Cape vultures!

- Mabalingwe Game Reserve. Malaria-free reserve host to the big 5!

- Mapungubwe National Park. World Heritage Site!

- Marakele National Park. A 'place of sanctuary' in the Waterberg mountains!

- Selati Game Reserve. Known for its indigenous Sable antelope herds!

- Tilodi Wilderness. Over 300 bird species and a wide variety of game.

- Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. Get an exclusive, intimate experience of the African bushveld!

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African Soccer

Congo Brazzaville

Did you know- Surprisingly Congo Brazzaville - a former French colony until 1960- won the African Cup of Nations in the early 1970s.

Ethiopia

Did you know- Ethiopia, one of the region's most impoverished countries, earned the African Cup of Nations in 1962. Five years ago, it was runner-up at the African Tournament.

Guinea

Did you know- In late 1968, Guinea, a former French colony in West Africa until 1958, finished tenth in the men's soccer at the Games of the XIX Olympiad in the United Mexican States. Eleven years later, by 1979, this French-speaking nation, one of the world's ten poorest nations, qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Tokyo (Japan). After that, between July 31 and August 11, 1985, the men's soccer team placed fourth at the FIFA Under-16 World Championship in the People's Republic of China, behind Nigeria, West Germany, and Brazil.

Liberia

Did you know- Despite having one of the top ranked footballers (George Weah) in the 1990s, Liberia, modern Africa's first black republic, has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

Mali

Did you know- By April 1999, Mali,one of the least-developed nations on Earth, was considered a dark horse. That year, this French-speaking nation came in third in the FIFA Under- 20 World Championship in Nigeria, at the expense of Brazil and Japan. In the semi-finals it beat Cameroon 5-4. Then the national squad defeated Nigeria (host country) 3-1. In the next round, the African country lost to Spain 1-3. In the medal-bronze game, Mali beat Uruguay 1-0. Following its success in 1999, five years later, the men's squad qualified for the semi-finals of the 2004 Olympic Football Tournament in Athens, Greece.

Zaire

Did you know- Zaire - the country now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo-won the African Cup of Nations in 1968. After that, between June 13 and July 7, 1974, it competed in the universal event in Munich (Germany).

Zambia

Did you know- Zambia, a state located in southern Africa, won the silver medal at the 1974 Nations Cup, behind Zaire. Two years later, the Zambian dictatorship, under the presidency of Kenneth Kaunda (1964-1991), boycotted the Games to protest New Zealand's participation.Under this atmosphere, the soccer team could not compete in the 21st Olympic Games in North America. However, this English-speaking country sent a national team to the Summer Games in the Soviet Union in 1980. Subsequently, Zambia, a copper-rich country, was the only African nation which qualified for the semi-finals of the Games of the XXIV Olympiad in Seoul, South Korea.

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Will an African Nation Win the World Cup?

One of the indisputable facts about the FIFA World Cup is that every tournament has either been won by either a team from the host nation's continent, Brazil or Argentina.

If you follow this logic, therefore, only Brazil or one of the six African nations will lift the trophy in Johannesburg on 11th July.

According to bookmaker Paddy Power, the African team with the best chance is the Ivory Coast. The bookmaker offers odds of 28/1 for the Elephants win in South Africa. Despite boasting some of the continent's best players in Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Didier Zokora, Emmanuel Eboue and brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure, the Ivory Coast were disappointing in the African Cup of Nations winning just one match before their quarter final defeat to Algeria.

They also have the problem of facing both Brazil and Portugal in Group G in the summer. Despite their talent, I think it could be a struggle for the talented side to even reach the World Cup knockout stages.

The team with the best chance could be the host nation South Africa. Despite their lowly FIFA ranking, the team's brave performances in 2009's Confederations Cup - where late goals resulted in defeats to Spain and Brazil - gave the country heart. No host nation has ever failed to get past the first round of a World Cup and with a bit of luck and the momentum a host nation often benefits from in a major tournament, they could surprise one or two people.

Nigeria's semi-final defeat at the African Cup of Nations was their fourth defeat at that stage of the competition in five attempts and they will also need to improve by the summer. With Argentina, South Korea and Greece in Group B they do have a chance of progressing although they will probably run into France or England at the early stages of the knockouts.

Algeria looked awful in their opening 3-0 defeat to Malawi at the African Cup of Nations before recovering to finish fourth. Victories over Mali and the Ivory Coast were promising before their meltdown against Egypt where they finished the match with just eight men. I think the Desert Foxes will find it tough against England and the USA.

Ghana were also handed a tough draw in South Africa, being pooled alongside Germany, Australia and Serbia. However, their gutsy performance in Angola should give them great confidence and they were just a few minutes away from taking the Cup of Nations final to extra time. If Michael Essien remains fit they could be one to watch in South Africa.

Cameroon boast the best record of any African nation at the World Cup although this is not a vintage Indomitable Lions side. Whilst they may be good enough to see off Japan in Mangaung, their matches against Denmark and Holland will be crucial.

Verdict

Whilst the bookmakers may believe Ivory Coast have the best chance of all the African nations, none of them look good enough to challenge the top sides. The best chances of some African success come with the hosts South Africa and a gutsy, organised Ghana side.

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