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Back to To the Point

To the Point

World Cup Preparations in South Africa

The World Cup has been held every four years since 1930, with two exceptions during World War II. The first was in Montevideo, Uruguay, and this is the first on the continent of Africa. South Africa, where soccer is the sport of the black majority, has spent almost $4 billion on preparations.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

The World Cup has been held every four years since 1930, with two exceptions during World War II. The first was in Montevideo, Uruguay, and this is the first on the continent of Africa. South Africa, where soccer is the sport of the black majority, has spent almost $4 billion on preparations. But, in a country of widespread deprivation, there’s some resentment over the billions spent to build facilities that could become white elephants. Other than South Africans, Americans have bought more tickets than anyone else. How will the US team do in Saturday’s big test against England?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • KCRW placeholder

    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Darrell Satzman

    Producer

  • KCRW placeholder

    Scott Baldauf

    Africa Bureau Chief, Christian Science Monitor

  • KCRW placeholder

    Steven Goff

    Soccer Writer, Washington Post

  • KCRW placeholder

    Barry Glendenning

    Guardian

    NewsNationalPolitics
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