Bafana is Going Places

According to the 2010 Scorecard, an in-depth analysis of World Cup preparations, South Africa has exceeded all expectations and leapt past Germany in terms of preparations and excitement.

Dr Nikolaus Eberl, 2010 analyst and chief executive of Brandovation, said the week's celebration had sent shock waves through the world.

"The celebrations on Wednesday were unprecedented. Never before has the host country's fans celebrated before kick-off. We were shocked at what unfolded throughout the country," he said, adding that there was little excitement before Germany's World Cup in 2006.

"In Germany there was a dampened mood. It was very different (from) South Africa. People were anxious, moody and very unhappy with the national team's performance," he said.

The nation came together only after Germany had passed the group stages.

"Only 8 percent of fans backed their national team, so there was no vibe at all," said Eberl.

"South Africans showed the world that they can host a tournament of any scale. It shows how much locals care about their country and how proud they are, it was fantastic and came as a shock to many of us."

Not only have the celebrations and excitement spurred on Bafana Bafana, Fifa, too, was backing the national team now more than ever.

"Fifa has come to believe that the host team can get very far in the tournament. (It has) witnessed the entire country backing Bafana Bafana," said Eberl.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has also won the world body's approval.

"Fifa has so much belief in Bafana because Carlos has led them to a 12-game unbeaten streak," said Eberl.

Germany's opening ceremony was a disaster.

"Fifa (was) forced to cut down the opening ceremony for the 2006 World Cup to only half an hour because (it) feared the grass would burn. Franz Beckenbauer was also disallowed from participating in the opening ceremony," said Eberl.

"Fans booed Sepp Blatter when he came out to speak and production had to be halted during the opening. Fans were also disappointed that they could not drink German beer in the stadium."

Eberl believes South Africa is on track to host the most successful tournament yet.