World Cup fever sweeps South Africa

Slide show: After months of anticipation, the games have begun, and the host nation has gone football mad

By Salon Staff

Published June 11, 2010 7:12PM (EDT)

Members of the Stars of Tomorrow soccer team play on a narrow strip of open ground between a busy highway and Khayelitsha township, near Cape Town, May 20, 2010. The city is one of nine South African cities hosting the 2010 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SOCIETY SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP) (© Mike Hutchings / Reuters)
Members of the Stars of Tomorrow soccer team play on a narrow strip of open ground between a busy highway and Khayelitsha township, near Cape Town, May 20, 2010. The city is one of nine South African cities hosting the 2010 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SOCIETY SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP) (© Mike Hutchings / Reuters)

Africa's first World Cup began Friday amid the buzzing blast of a million vuvuzelas -- South Africa's favorite head-jarring fan instrument. Fans from the 32 nations represented in the tournament have gathered to lose their collective heads in earth’s biggest, most colorful sporting event.


By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff

Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Slide Shows Slideshow World Cup