Johannesburg, July 12 (IANS) FIFA president Joseph Blatter was fullsome in his praise Monday of South Africa as hosts of the 2010 World Cup.
‘After the Confederations Cup, I gave South Africa a 7.5 out of 10, but now – after a successful final draw and this tournament – I would give a 9, which in a University would earn the highest honours,’ Blatter said in a post World Cup press conference at the Sandton Convention Centre here Monday.
‘I have to give a big compliment to South Africa, its people and its government, the latter especially for giving the guarantees needed to stage the FIFA World Cup and for meeting them.’
‘They proved that they could organise the FIFA World Cup and a massive competition. FIFA trusted South Africa and from this trust, people gained confidence and South Africans can be proud of what they have achieved.’
Blatter said he agrees with South Africa president Jacob Zuma that this World Cup brought people together in a sense of unity and pride.
On the quality of football, Blatter said it was an entertaining tournament.
‘As a fan and a spectator, I thought we saw some good matches and some not so good matches, but it was always entertaining. But what we did learn from this World Cup was that there are no more small national teams… It was also good to see that three of the youngest teams: Ghana, Germany and Spain doing so well – it shows that our young players are making headway.
Blatter admitted that there was a ‘drop’ in the level of fairplay in the final.
The ill-tempered Sunday’s final between Spain and the Netherlands saw English referee Howard Webb booking a record 14 players and sent off Dutchman Johnny Heitinga.
‘Overall we saw an improvement in terms of fair play at this tournament, but the final caused this level to drop slightly. The referee and his trio had a very hard task during this game and he was not helped. I always say that football is a school of life, based on discipline and respect. You learn to win, which is easy, but when you lose – you must lose with discipline and respect.’
Blatter spoke about Nelson Mandela’s role in getting the World Cup to South Africa.
‘I met him for the first time in 1992 and he had a dream – to bring the World Cup to his country. The dream came true in May 2004 when South Africa were awarded the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He wanted to attend the tournament – and last night he fulfilled that ambition. So, I must pay a homage to the greatest living humanist – Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela.’
South Africa’s Local Organising Commitee chairman Irvin Khoza said the tournament provided many great memories.
‘One which stood out was Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing at the opening match – and the last time I’d seen him dancing was back in 1994 during the first time he voted. But the crowning experience was ‘Madiba’s’ appearance in Soccer City. His struggle was not in vein. This World Cup has made a statement. South Africa has never been so united.’
