Pretoria - South Africans have been urged to shrug off the disappointment of Bafana Bafana's loss to Uruguay and instead focus on the success of the world's biggest sporting event.
Government has called on the nation to be gracious hosts during the soccer World Cup and to maintain support for the tournament regardless of the national team's performance.
"We are still in the initial stages of the tournament. And this is not the time to pull back, regardless of the disappointment we may feel after Bafana Bafana's loss to Uruguay," Government Spokesman Themba Maseko said.
The success of the World Cup depended on the hospitality of South Africans as the host nation and the country should not let Wednesday's result dampen the enthusiasm it had shown so far, Maseko said.
"After all, this is still our World Cup. It is upon us to make it a success," he said.
Government also urged South Africans to continue to use the Fan Parks and Public Viewing Areas that will be open to the public, free of charge, for the duration of the tournament.
"Since the opening game on 11 June 2010, South Africans have heeded the call to be good hosts, coming out in numbers to create a thrilling atmosphere for the tournament. We need to continue doing this, irrespective of Bafana Bafana's performance," Maseko said.
Government reminded soccer fans attending the matches to plan their trips to the stadia, fan parks and public viewing areas in advance and to make use to the park-and-ride as well as park-and-walk facilities.
Fans have been advised to get to the stadia and fan parks at least three hours before kick-off.
