（7月9日, 2006）
南非總統姆貝基在週日表示，他相信2010年在南非舉辦的世界盃會成功。他表示，南非會按期建設成專業的足球場，便利的交通設施，先進的通信設備和營造出一種節日的氣氛，南非有能力做到這些。
鏈結：http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-wcup-notebook&prov=ap&type=lgns
原文：South Africa president Mbeki promises 2010 tournament will be 'very successful'
By JOHN PYE, Associated Press Writer
July 9, 2006
BERLIN (AP) -- Thabo Mbeki has staked the African continent's reputation on his country running a smooth World Cup in 2010.
"As Africans, we know that we dare not fail," the South Africa president said Sunday. "I can understand that some people may have some skepticism but I have absolutely no worries that the World Cup will be a success."
ADVERTISEMENT
The main concerns are whether key infrastructure can be ready on time. Some local media have reported that FIFA has a contingency plan to move the World Cup if preparations fall too far behind.
"What we have to do is make sure we have a very successful World Cup with proper stadia, transport, communications systems and a festival spirit," Mbeki said. "We need to make clear that the African continent is as capable as any other continent of discharging its responsibilities."
Mbeki was in Berlin both to watch the World Cup final and to witness the signing of a document between FIFA and the European Commission to use the 2010 World Cup as a vehicle to promote African development.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he expected a "wonderful World Cup" in 2010.
"Not only does FIFA trust African organizers -- more than that, the market trusts Africa," said Blatter, who suggested the next edition of soccer's biggest tournament would generate more money than any before it.
TACTFUL PLATINI: Michel Platini, France's playmaker of the 1980s, says coaches have had a bigger impact on this World Cup than players.
"I could also have called it the World Cup of tactics," Platini, a member of the FIFA executive committee, told the tournament Web site fifaworldcup.yahoo.com. "Things have changed, because 20 years ago it was the players' World Cup. There was more freedom then, whereas now everything is dominated by tactics."
Platini noted that tactical systems have been more defensive, with many teams relying on one striker up front.
"In terms of the football on offer, I don't think Germany 2006 will go down in the annals," he said. "But, having said that, in terms of the organization and atmosphere, there's no comparison."
DANKE, DEUTSCHLAND: About 500,000 Germany fans crowded downtown Berlin on Sunday to cheer their World Cup team that fell short of the final but exceeded expectations by taking third.
Goalkeepers Jens Lehmann and Oliver Kahn led the pack of players onto a stage in front of the landmark Brandenburg Gate, kicking soccer balls and throwing T-shirts to fans.
The players all wore T-shirts with the German black-red and gold colors emblazoned with a large "Thank you Germany" on the front.
Fans waved banners saying "Thanks," "You are the world champions in our hearts," and more than a few variations of the message "Klinsmann must stay" -- a nod to the surge in popularity of German coach Juergen Klinsmann, who has yet to say whether he will remain in the job.
OBRIGADO, PORTUGAL: The Portugal team returned home Sunday to a cheering reception as thousands of fans wearing the national colors gathered at Lisbon's airport.
Portugal finished fourth in the World Cup after losing 3-1 to Germany on Saturday. It was the country's second best finish -- in 1966, when Portugal finished third.
Traffic was interrupted in the departures area of the airport as the thousands waved flags and scarves, chanted and shouted screams of support and thanks to the team.
Updated on Sunday, Jul 9, 2006 2:19 pm EDT
作者-岳東興-北京第二外國語學院-英語系
責編：盧爽