World Cup starts in South Africa · 2010-06-11 19:28
The World Cup kicked off in style today as South Africa showed just why it is known as the Rainbow Nation.
The country is making history as the first African state to host the tournament.
And they made a stunning start with a spectacular opening ceremony packed with colour, traditional dancing and music.
Fans filled the 91,000-capacity Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg ahead of the tournament’s first fixture between the hosts and Mexico.
The clash is the first of 64 matches over the next month with the final scheduled for July 11.
Over 1,500 performers took part in the celebrations, which were broadcast around the world in more than 200 countries.
In South Africa, ticketless fans went to the Fan Fests at venues around the country to watch on giant screens.
However, there was a air of sadness as iconic former South African president Nelson Mandela missed the opening ceremony.
Mandela's 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani was killed in a car crash last night, The Sun reports.
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