FIFA excited and fully focused on security ahead of England - Germany clash

Tie promises to be a classic...
By Zack Wilson
24 Jun 2010 13:09:00

FIFA head of media Nicholas Maignot has confirmed that the game's governing body is relishing the prospect of England against Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

Security will continue to be tight for the clash between the old rivals, as it will for all eight of what Maignot believes will be an exciting round of the tournament.

"The World Cup is meant to bring the best teams for one tournament. Now we have a game which sounds like a classic," he told reporters

"But from our point of view we should not forget there are eight games in the round of 16 and the tournament is going on. We will have close attention to the game, and the seven other games in the round.

"Security is a key element of the entire event.

"For every game the security has to be 100 per cent and our people together with relevant authorities have a daily meeting and they are working on those games. There will be a strong focus on security for all the games to come."

Meanwhile, Rich Mkhondo, chairman of the World Cup local organising committee, also confirmed that the tie was making mouths water all over South Africa.

"It is an exciting game and the World Cup sometimes brings these games ahead of time. Perhaps people want to see them later in the competition," he said.

"This is just one of the games that we are looking forward to. This is what the game of soccer is about - big rivals can meet earlier than expected. These are the games that we want to see."

Mkhondo was also pleased to see Ghana ensure that there would be some African representation in a tournament seen as vital to show that the continent can handle hosting global events.

"We wish to congratulate Ghana for keeping African representation in the tournament and wish them luck against the USA," he added.

"This is the first African World Cup and we have always maintained that we wished and hoped that African teams would do well and Ghana is making us very proud by doing so well.

"It is not disappointing (that other African sides have gone out). Football is a game and you win some and lose some. There are only six African teams in the tournament. How many have come in from outside Africa?

"The balance is not in favour of African sides but what we have done is shown the world that we can host an international event of this magnitude.

"When it comes to the field of play it's a different thing, so let's separate the two. We as event organisers are happy. The world cannot believe that this continent, led by this country, can host the event.

"When it comes to the field of play, we leave it to the administrators and players to perform. We are very proud Ghana are still there, but it is an admission that a lot of work is ahead of us."

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2890/world-cup-2010/2010/06/24/1993066/world-cup-2010-fifa-excited-and-fully-focused-on-security