Archive for November, 2009

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Egypt v Algeria, Ireland v France

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Qaulifying Round action going on now!

The qualifying rounds are going on right now for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is being held this year in South Africa, 10 years after they held a World Cup (albeit in a different sport). For the low and uninitiated, FIFA is soccer. Though there is a vicious group of nasties that say the only World Cup worth watching will be in New Zealand in 2011, but no one wants to hear from them.No need to waste payday loans to find the scores or to get more TV channels, I’. Today, November 18th, is the last day of qualification – so whoever wins today goes.

South Africa automatically qualifies

For the African nations, South Africa is automatically qualified as the host nation – which won’t exactly guarantee them much.Currently, they’re ranked 84th in the world.Though soccer is their most popular sport, their cricket team and rugby team, the Springboks, are usually the strongest representative teams.  The Springboks are perennially one of the world’s best sides, and won World Cups in 1995 and 2007, being the only nation besides Australia to have won it twice.(That said, the Springboks aren’t doing themselves any favors lately, as they were beaten by two English club sides on tour.)

Egypt vs. Algeria

The last available spot for Africa was up for grabs, and it came down to Egypt and Algeria playing to break a tie, as they were even up.The venue, Al Merrikh Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan, was chosen November 11th via draw, and the two faced off in front of 50,000.  Algeria’s Antar Yahia scored five minutes before half time, and neither side was able score again, leaving Algeria the victors, 1-0.

The Republic of Ireland vs. France

Ireland vs. France shaped up to be a doozy, and seeing the Emerald Isle take on the frogs at Croke Park would be something else. However, the Luck of the Irish ran out, and the French team ran away with the series, having aggregated 2 goals to the Irish 1, putting paid Irish hopes of World Cup glory.In addition, Slovenia downed Russia on away goals, and Bosnia and Herzegovina fell to the Portuguese side.(Meaning that the goals scored by the away team will count double in aggregate points).) European teams usually get far more coverage in the news at times, but then again…they kind of came up with the sport there. In other news, Bahrain, after defeating Saudi Arabia, had to face off against New Zealand in a play off, and were defeated by the Land of the Long White Cloud, and Costa Rica is currently battling Uruguay, for the 32nd spot on the roster. (Here is a list of those qualified to go to the 2010 World Cup.)

This ought to be good

The wait is going to stink, but that being said, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is going to kick off in June of 2010.It would be worth some payday loans to watch.

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Football Tours – The Best Kept Secret

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

The 2010 World Cup tournament is in South Africa and promises to be the best ever. People are working hard all day to get their tickets and accommodation booked. In this article we are going to cover various topics around football tours, and hope to stir up in you, a sense of excitement, which is shared by billions of people around the world. Not many people are aware of how good a football tour can be, so we try to make you understand why it should be your next holiday.

Modern day football was formulated in 1863 in England, and as such the Football Association created the cornerstones for how the sport should be played today. It has probably become the worlds greatest game.The sport’s authority is an international body namely: Federation of International Association of Football or FIFA, as it is commonly referred to. The most famous competition being the FIFA World Cup hosted by different countries on a four yearly basis, other popular tournaments include the UEFA champions league and the FA Cup.

If you are wanting to join a team on a football tour, then you need to do some homework first. Make sure you choose a company who has positive experience in this field. Look at what sort of packages they can offer you, whether they are tours to various tournaments around the world or something more bespoke like university football tours.Items like accommodation, excursions and transport are the three most fundamental things to be discussed. Get a few quotations from various tour operators to see if you are not over charged dramatically.

Whether you’re a hard core fan, play football yourself, or coach others, you should consider going on tour, it could be just the answer for your next vacation. Take the family there and make it the most memorable ever.

 

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Tips on looking for great World Cup Packages

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

The soccer World Cup is coming in June 2010, this time it is in South Africa and there are many companies offering various world cup packages. Right now you might be looking into many different package options and no matter what you are interested in you should watch for some important things in them. Here are a few things to find in a good World Cup package.

First you should watch for the air travel that is being used. There will be packages that include different classes for travel, whether thats coach, business or first class. Your cost for this part will vary according to how far you have to travel. There are many airlines flying to South Africa, that include Emirates, Etihad Airways, South African Airways, Virgin and British Airways.

The next important part of the package is the accommodation. These will range from 3 star to 5 start hotels, to guest houses and apartments. You can also find hotels with hospitality areas. In these areas you can get free travel services and some will offer food and drink. You will not be able to get your hotel switched during your stay in most instances.

The proximity of your accommodation to a stadium will be important. You will have to watch for the location of your hotel especially if it is in Johannesburg. There are many matches in Johannesburg including the World Cup Final match. It also helps to check on venues in cities like Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. No matter what city your package takes you to you should check on where your hotel is and ensure there is adequate security provided.

You may even be offered side trips in your World Cup package. These short excursions will give you the chance to experience all that South Africa has to offer. You can get a safari trip or a trip to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. Ensure you read the details to see what is included in the different packages.

The tickets are the last part of the package to check out. You can get tickets for many games in a plan. The levels of games in the package, including Group Match and Final events, should be checked on. In many cases a package provider can offer tickets for all matches involving a specific country. Travel locations and dates will be different according to the team you follow.

Be sure to watch for the many factors involved when looking at the many world cup packages available. It helps to take a look into the air travel, hotel and tickets. Any additional travel services should also be watched for.

 

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Sports Tours Are Definitely Worth Considering For Your Next Holiday

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Maybe you feel a little stuck trying to decide what you want you want to do on your next vacation. Do not panic, there are options you have not considered. One consideration is sports tours.

You may have not heard about sports tours. They are simple enough to understand, you have all sat in front of your television to watch an event, such as a major golf or tennis tournament. You saw a lot of happy and excited people there watching the match, right? Many of the people you saw enjoying that special event were part of a sports tour.

If you do not know how they work, they operate about the same as any other holiday package. You decide which event to go to, and the tour operator does most of the rest of the hard work. Sports tours operate just like other organized tours where you might travel to Asia, Europe or even the USA.

An example will be helpful for you to understand. If you are a golf fan, you might want to go see the US Open. Companies that offer sports tours will have a package for you. It will include your hotel, tournament tickets, airfare and breakfast. Most tours will also include a few special things for you too. You could get invitations to special event like cocktail receptions, or greens fees for a few games of golf while you are there.

This is what is so great about sports tours. Most tours include perks that you would not receive when you make the arrangements on your own. You will be able to enjoy your event even more because the tour organizer will do most of the work for you. You will not have to worry about a thing.

Another example might help you. Maybe you love tennis and you would love to attend the US Open. Wouldn’t that be great? A tour package offered by one company includes 7 nights in a 5 star hotel, along with tickets on the lower level for the tournament. There is more too, there will be a special reception, including cocktails, as well as breakfast each morning and a city tour with a professional guide. All of that is included, and there could be more.

You do not have to worry about what to do on your next vacation or holiday. With sports tours you will have a thrilling travel adventure, combined with an exciting event that will give you a lifetime of memories.

 

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World Cup Packages For Soccer Fans to South Africa 2010

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

South Africa is playing host to the 2010 Football World Cup from June 11 to July 11. Millions of football fans around the world will be glued to their television screens to watch the matches. There are world cup packages available for the lucky ones who can afford it by selected tour operators.

For the football fanatic there are world cup packages available that allow you to watch your team for the duration of the world cup travelling across South Africa. On the other hand if you simply fancy taking in a game or two whilst enjoying the holiday of a lifetime in South Africa there are packages available for this too.

Johannesburg and the neighbouring cities will host most of the World Cup matches with two of the ten world cup stadiums being situated in Johannesburg itself and four other stadiums within driving distance. Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Pretoria will host the remaining games.

For the football games in Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Pretoria and Nelspruit you are recommended to secure accommodation in Johannesburg and fly directly there. These locations are all in northern South Africa within a few hours’ drive of one another. About five hours away is Polokwane which is one of the safest areas in South Africa.

Bloemfontein is right in the middle of South Africa and is host to a couple of the soccer games in its Free State Stadium. It is the judicial capital of South Africa and is a smallish-sized city.

Other games will be played in the cultural city of Durban which has lovely beaches and a busy nightlife. A potentially great place to mix your holiday with some football.

Cape Town will also host several world cup games. It is located on the southern tip of South Africa and is overlooked by the amazing Table Mountain. It is good option for those flying to South Africa from Europe.

Port Elizabeth is placed between Durban and Cape Town on the southern coast. To stay there during the world cup you will need to book a domestic flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town.

FIFA have selected tour operators worldwide who are allowed to sell travel arrangements with valid 2010 tickets. 350,000 tickets have been given by FIFA to them. These companies have accommodation and flights (both international and domestic) available for a wide variety of different world cup packages to cater to all demands and budgets.

Nobody as yet knows what teams will be playing at what location until the December 4, 2009 draw but bookings for the world cup packages are already fully available from the selected tour operators. The schedule of games has been fixed but where and at what time exactly matches will take place is not known.

If you world cup packages in a specific country, for example through an English tour operator you will be assured of an England match ticket as these tickets have been guaranteed (including several semi-final and final tickets).

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