Wednesday marked the 50 day countdown to the World Cup in South Africa, with the first game due to get underway in Johannesburg between hosts South Africa and Mexico on the 11th June.

It will be the first time the World Cup is held in Africa, and after considerable difficulties getting transport and stadia ready, organisers claim the country is well prepared for the estimated 350,000 travelling supporters.While some critics have argued the large sums of money could have been better spent on helping poorer South Africans achieve a higher living standard, others feel the tournament brings prestige.