Eight more nations qualify for 2010

Monday, October 12, 2009

Johannesburg - Eight more nations have successfully secured their place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup to kick off in June.

The United States, Cote d'Ivoire, Germany, Denmark, Serbia, Mexico, Italy and Chile all won their qualifying matches at the weekend.

They join Brazil, Ghana, Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, England, North Korea, South Korea, Australia and Japan who have already booked their spots for the world football spectacular to make up the 19 qualified teams to date, including hosts South Africa who qualify automatically.

This leaves 13 available positions to make up the 32 teams that will play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"We welcome these teams to South Africa next year. There might only be one winner at the end of the tournament but all 32 teams can be guaranteed that they will be part of the greatest World Cup ever," said the Chief Executive Officer of the OC, Dr Danny Jordaan.

He said the OC was impressed with the calibre of teams that have now secured their place among the 32 competing in next year's World Cup.

"The stadiums are almost complete and we are applying the finishing touches. We will be ready to welcome the world in 2010," said Jordaan.

Cote d'Ivoire drew with Malawi to gain their qualification on Saturday. The nation follows Ghana and hosts South Africa as the third team from the African continent to secure one of the 32 spots for the 2010 football spectacular.

"It is an honour to welcome a team such as Cote d'Ivoire to South Africa next year. They have proved themselves to be a strong football team and are one of the giants of African football.

"Their inclusion in the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a great benefit to the tournament and to African football," said Jordaan.

A number of European teams also managed to qualify over the weekend, with previous hosts Germany defeating Russia 1-0 to secure their 2010 spot.

"Having participated in almost every World Cup and being the host of the last tournament, it is a great honour to be able to host Germany next year in our country.

"They are strong contenders for the title and will be a great addition to the world class lineup of teams coming over for 2010," stated Jordaan.

With Americans having purchased the highest number of World Cup tickets outside of South Africa so far, totalled at 82 603, the qualification of FIFA Confederations Cup finalists, USA, is significant.

"The USA has already enjoyed success playing in some of the stadiums that will host the World Cup next year. Now that their team has confirmed their place in the tournament I am sure we can expect a spike in the number of people from the USA coming over to South Africa.

"We have always had a close football relationship and this will be continued at the World Cup. We as the Organising Committee wish them well next year."

Over the next month the rest of World Cup hopefuls will be battling it out for a position among the 32 World Cup participants.

On 4 December all 32 of the qualified teams will arrive in Cape Town, South Africa for the Final Draw which will see them placed into their groups for the tournament.