Archive for the 'News' Category

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) would like to welcome Greece, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Chile and New Zealand who arrived in the country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“It is a great pleasure to be able to welcome the six teams that arrived in South Africa today. With the football stars now arriving in the country, we are really starting to feel the excitement. The World Cup has well and truly landed,” said Chief Executive Officer of the OC, Dr Danny Jordaan.

Portugal

“We had a great trip, got some good rest and couldn’t have asked for a better weather. Now, two years after having started our hard work, here we are as one of the 32 nations playing in the greatest tournament of all.”

“We want to enjoy this World Cup as much as we can and now we have all of our attention focused on Ivory Coast. Our players are ready to ‘eat grass’ in order to succeed,” said Portugal’s coach, Carlos Queiroz.

Portugal play their opening game against Cote d’Ivoire in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth on 15 June. They then switch to Cape Town to play against Korea DPR on 21 June, ending their group matches in Durban to take on the Brazil on 25 June.

Greece

Greece will open their tournament against Korea Republic in Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth on 12 June before travelling to Mangaung/Bloemfontein to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria on 17 June. From there they will then make the trip to Polokwane to play Argentina in the final group match on 22 June.

Japan

Japan will play their first game against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Mangaung/ Bloemfontein on14 June before making the journey to Durban to play Netherlands on 19 June. They will then move from Durban to Rustenburg to play their last group match against Denmark on 24 June.

Netherlands

Netherlands will play their opening fixture against Denmark at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on 14 June. From there, they travel to Durban to face Japan on 19 June, then moving to Cape Town to face Cameroon on 24 June.

Chile

Chile begin the tournament in Nelspruit against Honduras on 16 June, moving to Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth to take on Switzerland 21 June. Chile will move to Tshwane/Pretoria to take on Spain in their final group game on 25 June.

New Zealand

New Zealand will open their tournament against Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 15 June. They will then travel to Nelspruit to face Italy on 20 June. They will then travel to Polokwane to play Paraguay in their final group match on 24 June.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) would like to welcome France, Uruguay, Korea Republic and Mexico who arrived in the country on 5 June for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“It is interesting that the three other teams in Bafana Bafana’s group all landed today. We would like to extend a warm welcome to France, Mexico and Uruguay who, even though they are up against the home team, will definitely find themselves very welcome in South Africa. As previous hosts of the FIFA World Cup and managing to get as far as the Semi Finals, Korea Republic is an inspiration to South Africa and it is an honour to have them in the country,” said Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, Dr Danny Jordaan.

Korea Republic
“This the third time I have been in South Africa, the players have long been preparing for the finals and they are happy to be here in South Africa to play at this World Cup. I hope they will be able to show what they are capable of and leave a giant footstep of Korean football at this tournament.”

“The atmosphere within the group is good, they are training in a joyful mood and they are eagerly looking forward to playing in the finals. The morale is very high,” said Korea Republic coach Huh Jung-Moo.

Korea Republic will open their tournament in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth against Greece on 12 June. They will then make the trip to Johannesburg to play Argentina at Soccer City Stadium on 17 June. Their final group match will be in Durban against Nigeria on 22 June.

Uruguay
“It’s an immense joy to finally be where the World Cup is going to be played. Of course I dream about winning the cup, but speculating about the subject makes no sense. We will know our real level on the 11th of June, when we face France,” said the Uruguay national coach, Oscar Washington Tabarez.

Uruguay will kick off their campaign in Cape Town against former World Champions, France on 11 June. From there, they will travel to Tshwane/ Pretoria to play South Africa at the Loftus Versveld Stadium on 16 June. They will then move to Rustenburg to play Mexico on 22 June.

France
France will kick off their tournament in Cape Town against Uruguay on 11 June. From there, they will take the long journey to Polokwane to play Mexico on 17 June. France will then travel to Mangaung/ Bloemfontein to face hosts, South Africa, in their final group match on 22 June.

Mexico
Mexico will kick off their tournament against hosts South Africa at Soccer City Stadium on 11 June. They will then move to Polokwane to face France on 17 June. Their final group match will be against Uruguay in Rustenburg on 22 June.

HD Versions of Univision, TeleFutura and Telemundo Are Now Available Throughout Chicagoland Area

Just in time for the kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Comcast announced the launch of the high-definition (HD) versions of the three most popular Spanish-language broadcast networks throughout its Chicago service area. Beginning today, Comcast customers in the Chicago market with HD television service will be able to view Chicago’s Univision (WGBO-TV), TeleFutura (WXFT-TV) and Telemundo (WSNS-TV) in crystal-clear HD. Univision and TeleFutura hold the Spanish-language broadcast rights for the World Cup in the United States and will broadcast all 64 games of the tournament, which is taking place in South Africa from June 11 to July 11.

“We’re pleased to add the HD versions of these popular Spanish-language broadcast stations to our lineup throughout the Chicago area,” said David Williams, Vice President of Marketing for Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region. “Now our HD customers throughout the Chicago area can enjoy the popular series, local news and other programming from Univision, TeleFutura and Telemundo in stunning high-definition. And beginning June 11, viewers will also be able to experience the passion and competition of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in HD, too, with Spanish-language coverage from Univision and TeleFutura.”

Comcast customers with HD equipment can find Univision HD on channel 182, TeleFutura HD on channel 194 and Telemundo HD on channel 193. Comcast customers who connect their cable directly to their HDTVs should rescan their channels to add these new HD channels to their lineup.

In addition to offering all World Cup games in HD in both English and Spanish, Comcast will be delivering soccer fans a multi-platform experience to enjoy the tournament that includes live games in 3D from ESPN 3D, games On Demand the day after they air and online coverage with live games and the latest news at http://www.comcast.net/worldcup/southafrica/index.asp.

Comcast’s World Cup offering is part of the company’s commitment to deliver more choice and control to its customers through its XFINITY services, which include more than 100 HD channels, 50 to 70 foreign-language channels, On Demand video choices increasing to 25,000 and increased broadband speeds of up to 50 Mbps today and even faster in the future. XFINITY also offers thousands of online entertainment choices through Fancast XFINITY TV (fancast.com) as well as converged applications that enable customers to program their DVR from the Internet or a mobile device and cross-platform features like Caller ID to the TV and PC.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) would like to welcome the national team of England, who arrived in the country on 3 June for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“It is a great privilege to be able to welcome England to our shores. England are one of the teams with a great FIFA World Cup tradition, with fanatical support wherever they play and at the World Cup in particular. Tickets for England matches have proved to be very popular and the Three Lions’ participation in the tournament is sure to add a great deal to the character of the event,” said Chief Executive Officer of the OC, Dr Danny Jordaan.

“I’m very pleased to be here and my team is happy to finally be in South Africa. I hope this World Cup in South Africa is good for this country and of course for England. We now have to concentrate on the tournament and prepare well for the event,” said England coach, Fabio Capello, on his arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport this morning.

England will open their World Cup campaign at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium against the United States on 12 June, before making the trip to Cape Town to face Algeria on 18 June. Their final Group Match will be against Slovenia in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth on 23 June.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) would like to welcome Korea DPR who arrived in the country this morning (1 June) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“I would like to welcome Korea DPR to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and we wish them well for their second World Cup appearance. Their first one in 1966 certainly proved to be an exciting one when they managed to beat Italy 1-0, getting to the last eight of the tournament,” said OC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Danny Jordaan.

“It is great for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to come to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and we have a great desire for success in the tournament,” said Korea DPR coach, Kim Jong Hun.

Fans Can Watch All 64 Live Matches from ESPN on AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV U-verse TV Launches ESPN World Cup Multi-Language Multiview App

AT&T customers will get to score a hat trick for the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). AT&T is bringing fans more ways than any other provider to follow the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) with live and on demand coverage across the TV, online and mobile devices.

A proud partner of the U.S. Men’s National Team, AT&T* today announced its multi-screen delivery of ESPN coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) and exclusive U.S. Men’s National Team content on AT&T U-verse TV, at AT&T U-verse Online and on AT&T mobile phones. AT&T also announced the launch of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) app that lets you watch up to four ESPN channels featuring soccer matches and content on your U-verse TV screen at one time, including the ability to choose from six different languages.

“The 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) from South Africa is one of the most anticipated sporting events in history, and AT&T customers will have more ways to watch all the action on the screens they use most,” said Dan York, president of content, AT&T. “AT&T customers will have 64 live ESPN games available live on all three screens: the TV, PC and mobile device. We’ll have up to two channels of live matches available on mobile, U-verse TV customers will be able to interact with and follow their favorite teams with our innovative 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) app, and live coverage of all matches and exclusive bonus content is available for AT&T High Speed Internet customers.”

AT&T’s multi-screen delivery of ESPN coverage lets you watch all of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) matches and more on the screen of your choice, including:

Mobile
– Live coverage of all 64 matches on AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV via the ESPN Mobile TV channel and a second channel that will be added to accommodate the airing of overlapping matches. AT&T is the only wireless carrier to offer all 64 matches from ESPN. To subscribe to AT&T Mobile TV or MobiTV, customers can text ATT to 3421. New subscribers to both services receive the first seven days free.
– Replays of select matches will be available through AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV.
– Full game analysis, player and team profiles and game highlights via AT&T Mobile Video.
– Additionally, with AT&T’s National Goal of the Week program, fans can text** GOAL to 22442 to view the best goals of the week and vote for their favorites.

AT&T U-verse TV
– An innovative 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) app with ESPN which includes a Multiview that lets you watch up to four ESPN channels at one time and also brings athlete bios, groupings and the latest team standings straight from South Africa to your U-verse TV screen. The Multiview includes ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes channels, and additional channels with the ESPN game coverage delivered in Arabic, German, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese — allowing fans to choose Multiview World Cup coverage from six different languages. You can choose which of the channels appears as the main picture with audio. The app is available to every U-verse TV customer at no extra charge on channel 618 and 1618.
– On demand content including replays of each match, 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Draw show, ESPN Press Pass news segments, highlights of all the ESPN matches, video features of athletes and teams competing in South Africa, and historic games from previous World Cup matches.
– Complete live coverage available on ESPN (619 and 1619), ESPN2 (620 and 1620), ESPN Deportes (621 and 1621) and your local ABC affiliate.

Online
– Complete live coverage available to AT&T High Speed Internet customers that log-in at ESPN3.com.
– Access to a daily video featuring previews and analysis of various teams and athletes competing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) at att.net/wc, prior to the tournament. Once the tournament begins, you can access daily videos featuring match previews, match recaps, including games and players to watch.

Additional Exclusive Content

In addition to ESPN’s coverage, AT&T customers will have exclusive access to content featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team’s “Road to South Africa” available online at AT&T FanZone, through the U-verse TV On Demand library and on mobile phones through AT&T Mobile Video.

AT&T will also have live, on demand and interactive content available in Spanish.

ESPN coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) is the latest example of AT&T delivering compelling and converged content across screens at the center of consumers’ lives: the TV, PC and mobile phone. AT&T has a unique set of integrated services and networks that make it easy for an audience of millions to enjoy and follow their favorite programming across devices. For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Standard data and messaging rates apply.

Marcello Lippi named the Italian provisional squad for 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero and Luca Toni will have no chance to participate in South African World Cup because he was leaved aout from the squad by Lippi.

Italy provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo)

Defenders: Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Grosso (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa)

Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Antonio Candreva (Juventus), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Simone Pepe (Udinese)

Forwards: Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Marco Borriello (Milan), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria).

Coach Dunga announced the Brazil squad for the 2010 World Cup.

The former Inter Milan forward, Adriano, and AC Milan player Ronaldinho will both miss the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.  Paulo Henrique and Neymar, the Santos players will stay ath the TV, they are not included in the 23 man squad.

Brazil Squad:

Goalkeepers:Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg).

Give Fraudsters the Red Card in South Africa

Payment card fraud is a global phenomenon. International travellers can be particularly at risk as they find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. Having prevented payment card fraud in South Africa for the last decade and with just 38 days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Retail Decisions (ReD), the world leader in payment fraud prevention, gives some tips to fans going to South Africa, so that they are not fouled while playing away from home.

Carl Clump, CEO of ReD comments, “We must expect that fraudsters will go to South Africa and look to prey on the forecasted 480,000 travellers predicted to follow the tournament across the country. Tourists are prime targets as typically they carry cards with high credit limits.”

Hot spots for card fraud are likely to be in major cities including, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elisabeth, where many of the fixtures are scheduled. Travellers and merchants must remain alert.

In order to safeguard travellers from fraudsters, ReD advises the fans to follow the following 6 simple suggestions:

1. Before leaving home, travellers should make a note of, or preferably photocopy both sides of the cards they intend taking with them, as well as passports and travel itineraries. These details should then be left in safe keeping with a family member or friend. Of course, do not give your PIN’s to anyone. Keep a copy of all important phone numbers with you, not in your mobile phone, in case you lose it.

2. Inform your card company of your travel dates and destinations so that suspicious transactions not in keeping with these plans can be identified.

3. On arriving in South Africa, many will want to obtain some local currency. Beware when using ATM’s! Beware of “shoulder surfing”, which occurs when somebody is watching you entering your PIN. After obtaining your cash, somebody may bump into you and your cards could be pick-pocketed. Beware of individuals offering to help you at the ATM. Only use ATM’s in well lit and populated areas. Be careful when using ATM’s!

4. If you have access to a safe in your chosen accommodation, use it for all your cards, important documents and valuables. Only go out with enough money, not all your money and only take one card with you.

5. Do not let your card out of sight in restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels or anywhere else you may use them.

6. If you believe something untoward may have happened to your card(s), call your card issuer immediately, even if it is in the middle of the final! On returning home, check your card statement as soon as possible for any unidentifiable transactions.

The song will be performed at the FIFA World Cup(TM) Final by Shakira and South African artist Freshlyground on July 11, 2010.

FIFA and Sony Music Entertainment announced that Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), written and co-produced by global superstar Shakira, has been chosen as the Official Song of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) in South Africa. The song will be performed by Shakira together with South African artist Freshlyground at the Closing Ceremony before the FIFA World Cup(TM) Final on July 11 in Johannesburg Soccer City Stadium. All proceeds from the song will benefit FIFA’s Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) “20 Centers for 2010.”

The song combines Afro-Colombian instrumentation and rhythms with a rousing Soca beat and Southern African guitar. The chorus borrows from a favorite Cameroonian marching chant made popular by the group Golden Voices.

“The Official Song is as much awaited by the fans as the Mascot or the Logo. It is part of the identity of the world’s most exciting sport’s event. This song is the personification of the African rhythm and identity and sets the pace for this unique event. I am looking forward to hear the song throughout the tournament and watch it performed by Shakira and Freshlyground at the Final,” said Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA President.

“I am honored that Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) was chosen to be part of the excitement and the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” said Shakira. “The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, race, religion and condition around a single passion. It represents an event that has the power to unite and integrate, and that’s what this song is about.”

Shakira continued, “African music is so inspiring and is poised to take its place on the global pop culture stage. I was proud to be able to work with one of South Africa’s most acclaimed groups, Freshlyground.” The song was co-produced by Shakira’s frequent collaborator, John Hill.

“We are thrilled to have collaborated with Shakira on Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), especially as we feel that the song captures the spirit and energy of the African World Cup,” said Zolani Mahola of Freshlyground. “We are certain the song will inspire people around the world to celebrate the gathering of nations at the place where it all started. Here in Africa!”

The song will be launched on April 28, 2010 and made available for download through digital retail outlets the week of May 11. It also will be included on “Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album(TM)” to be released the week of May 31 by Sony Music Entertainment. A Spanish language version of the track, Waka Waka (Esto es Africa), will be made available in certain markets. Proceeds from the album will benefit FIFA’s “20 Centers for 2010″ initiative, whose aim is to achieve positive social change through football by building twenty Football for Hope centers for public health, education and football across Africa, and other African charities.

Another education focused campaign co-founded by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and co-chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter is 1GOAL, a campaign that is championing global education. 1GOAL recently named Shakira an ambassador, adding her voice to the campaign’s call that the lasting legacy of this year’s FIFA World Cup be that every child can exercise their right to an education. Supported by some of the biggest names in the global football community and its governing body FIFA, Shakira will be campaigning with 1GOAL to ensure world leaders provide the funding to make universal access to education a reality for the 72 million children currently unable to go to school.

“Through ’20 Centers for 2010′ and 1GOAL, FIFA and its partners have committed to creating a lasting legacy of education for all – an issue that has been close to my heart for many years,” says Shakira.

In addition to her performance at the final match, Shakira will be one of the headline performers at the official FIFA World Cup(TM) Kick-off Celebration Concert on June 10, broadcast from Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg South Africa.

The video for Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) will be available in mid-May in standard definition as well as in 3D.