Miscellaneous Updates

This should be a little more uplifting than the last message. I am so excited for the World Cup next year. I want South Africa to show the world how great they are, and I know they will put on a great tournament.

Official Ball
This is an old one, but IOL reports that adidas and FIFA will be unveiling the World Cup ball at the final draw in Cape Town this December. (the ball shown in the picture in that article is the Confederations Cup ball, not the World cup one)

Stadium News
IOL also reports that the last roof truss was lifted in place for the stadium in Port Elizabeth. That stadium is scheduled to open in May, but it is not one of the Confederations Cup venues.

I'm not sure what to think of this one because it sounds like they are making the Durban stadium into an amusement park. But a cable car to scale the northern arch has been ordered. I wonder if rides will be offered during matches...

Off-topic: Rafa Marquez
I couldn't resist linking to this piece about Mexican defender Rafael Marquez. He's the one we love to hate. And now he admits he made a mistake in his nasty attack on Tim Howard last Feb. 11 in Columbus. Read about it.