South Africans have been preparing for this very moment in time since it was announced that they had won the 2010 FIFA World Cup Bid way back in 2004.

Hopeful SA fans. (Photo | Simon Michael Herrmann)

Money was poured into the South African infrastructure, as the transport systems were upgraded, stadiums were built, new accommodations – from hotels to condos – popped up everywhere, and anybody advertising anything used a soccer ball to do it. An entire nation, with millions still living in absolute poverty and much needed development, put their hopes and dreams in this event, but as it approached, the eyes of the world glared with skepticism.

The international media mocked and questioned everything from President Zuma’s many wives and “take a shower” cure for AIDs, to the extremely high crime rate in South Africa. Merely weeks before kick-off, with threats of strikes, and ANC Youth League leader Malema’s crazy songs about shooting white people, the fears of the international community grew; these fears manifested themselves in slow ticket sales and reported under-booked accommodations all throughout South Africa. Cynics prophesied devastation, claiming that the developing nation was “in over its head” and could not truly handle an event of this magnitude. Many were truly worried, and others continued to hope.

The writer, at a match.

And then, it happened. The week before the first kick-off game of South Africa and Mexico, it was like a flag factory exploded and South African flag shrapnel stuck to everything from car rear view mirrors to babies’ diapers. Groups of school kids stood alongside streets before school blowing the famous vuvuzelas, holding signs, sporting smiles, and shouting the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s World Cup motto “Feel it! It is here!” Gangsters smiled at old white grannies, and the grannies actually smiled back. A tangible excitement hung heavy in the air as the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.

Only someone with serious nerve damage could not feel it; it was here indeed!

The first two weeks flew by and as we exit the group stage, the mouths of cynics have been muffled, at least for now, and the first World Cup to take place on African soil has not disappointed. Though South Africa’s team Bafana Bafana got knocked out in the first round, being the first host nation to not go through past the group stage, South Africans, still proud to be the hosts of this incredible World Cup, continue to show their enthusiasm and support for the rest of the world’s teams. From the controversy of the vuvuzela noise, to the many, many matches ended in draws, to big nations like France and reigning champions Italy going home early, to the refs dealing cards out like black jack dealers in a casino, this World Cup has proven to be one not to be forgotten soon.

The World Cup has been a nation's pride. (Photo | Marcello Casal)

Though a few incidents of crime have been reported, and blown out of proportion by the international media, crime has been surprisingly low, if South Africa’s normal crime statistics are taken into consideration. The infrastructure seems to be serving the millions of soccer fans just fine. South Africans have been named the proudest host nation to ever host the World Cup. And even many international fans who complained about the vuvuzelas until they were red in the face, have now opted to put that hot air to good use, pick one up themselves and blow it in support of their team. No matter what time of day or night you go out, the streets are filled with excited people. White supporters in Cameroon jerseys blissfully hug and take pictures with black supporters in Netherlands jerseys. Stadiums are electrifyingly full. Fan Parks are filled to the brim. Every bar and pub is packed during every game. Everyone is celebrating. Every day feels like Saturday. And this wonderful game of soccer truly seems to be bringing, not only a nation, but a world together.

Feel it! It IS here!