The man who worked for 16 years to deliver the World Cup in South Africa has claimed it achieved an "image makeover" for the country and pointed the way towards a possible bid for the Olympics.
Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the 2010 organising committee, said that South Africa's widely commended hosting of the tournament, despite doubts in the years leading up to it, had changed international perceptions of the country.
"This World Cup has helped change the image of South Africa, achieved an image makeover of the country, almost a rebranding of the country. And also a demonstration of the capacity of the country," he said.
The infrastructure investment required to deliver Africa's first World Cup was the subject of intense argument, but organisers consistently claimed that changing perceptions of potential investors and tourists would be a key benefit.
Jordaan said that more than 3 million people watched the 64 matches live, making it the third best attended World Cup. Another 3 million watched in fan parks in South Africa and 4 million more in international fan parks, an innovation that saw large crowds watching on big screens in Berlin, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City and elsewhere.
Jordaan paid tribute to the South African public for embracing the tournament and backing other teams once Bafana Bafana narrowly went out in the group stages.
"The South African team dropped out in the first round and they started supporting every other nation – they supported England, Brazil, Argentina," he said.
"Every South African, if you walk in the street and talk to them, feels an immense sense of pride. "They are very proud of what has been achieved and very happy with the infrastructure that has been delivered for the purpose of this World Cup. Overall, there's a very, very positive spirit in the country."
© Guardian News and Media Limited 2010
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