2010 FIFA World Cup

 

The quadrennial FIFA World Cup has undoubtedly become a football feast for fans all over the world. South Africa hosted the 19th FIFA World Cup this year from June 11th to July 11th, 2010.

The absence of the Chinese National Football Team from the event did not reduce the passion of Chinese fans for football. Although China is six hours ahead of South Africa, many were willing to stay up late for the live broadcasts of matches.

The matches were played at ten stadiums in nine host cities across the country, with the final match taking place at Soccer City Stadium in South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg.

In the final, Spain, the European champions, defeated third-time finalist the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time with Andrés Iniesta's goal in the 116th minute. Spain's first world title also marked the first time that a European nation has won the tournament outside its home continent. Host nation South Africa, 2006 FIFA champion Italy and 2006 runner-up France were eliminated in the first round of the tournament.