The World Cup in South Africa

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of WorldCupCompanions. All opinions are 100% mine.

World Cup 2010

On June 12th, The USA meet England in the first round of the FIFA (The International Federation of World Football) World Cup in Rustenburg, South Africa. The odds of the USA soccer team winning this game or getting through the first round are pretty slim. As I write, the odds of them winning the cup are 75/1, while England is third favourite with odds of 11/2. You can see up to date World Cup odds by clicking the link.

Fans have needed some grit and determination to get tickets for the games. Less than 10% of available tickets are reported to have been allocated to fans of the individual teams, although Americans might find it easier than the English because of the latter’s fans having a bad reputation overseas.

Wherever you need to come from, it’s an expensive business, so it makes sense to spend some more time in South Africa, if you can. Rustenburg, in the North West Province, is located in the beautiful veld below the Magaliesburg Mountains. The town was named Rustenburg by Dutch farmers who settled in the area – it means a place of rest. It is close to the Sun City holiday resort, on the edge of the Pilanesburg National Park, which is one of Africa’s top destinations for fun lovers.

While staying there, you could take a ride in a hot air balloon, try out the Gary Player Golf Course, and experience the Valley of the Waves – a water park with five flume rides, one with an exciting 17 metre drop. The more serious minded might like to check out the local history at the Paul Kruger Museum in Rustenburg or visit the Platinum Mines.

The other two games for the USA in the World Cup group round are at the famous South African towns of Johannesburg and Pretoria. For the England team, they are at beautiful Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. If you are lucky enough to be following your team, there are many more wonderful sights and experiences awaiting you in these areas.

In the meantime, or if you are stuck at home watching on the small screen, use the sponsor link below to keep up with all the World Cup information and gossip.