3 Mar 2010

100 days to World Cup finals

8:32 am on 3 March 2010

FIFA officials brushed aside lingering doubts about South Africa's readiness for the World Cup football finals as cities across the nation staged street parties to launch the 100-day countdown.

FIFA's President Sepp Blatter insists the nation is ready, and he was bothered by naysayers who worry South Africa won't pull off the tournament the month-long tournament which kicks off on June 11th.

Construction is complete at all 10 stadiums, and only two have yet to host games to try out the new facilities.

South Africa is banking on 450,000 foreign visitors, though the actual number could be lower because of the global recession.