Monday, June 28, 2010

Cape Town meets President Clinton


Friday, June 18, 2010

Clearly taken before the 0-0 result with Algeria...

Everyone is still smiling before the game between England and Algeria. With the USA having survived the ordeals of the afternoon, evening in Cape Town had a confident England facing the north Africans. Nothing is easy in this World Cup, but good will and a friendly picture with Prince William was the order of the day in the VVIP lounge.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Cape Town, more pictures...








Monday, June 14, 2010

Italy vs Paraguay - 1:1 Final...


The Green Point Stadium is a real beauty. This panoramic view gives some measure to this wonderful facility.

Dr. Dominic Maestracci, President of the Canadian Soccer Association and Dr. Michel D'Hooghe, FIFA's Medical Committee Chairman, have a brief friendly chat at halftime of the match in the VVIP lounge.

Italo Zanzi and George Tarantini wait with anticipation to see whether Italy will tie it up before the match is over.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Cape Town, a View from the Top of Table Mountain...

Saturday, June 12, 2010

USA Viewing Party in Cape Town...

Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was on hand to cheer the USA in gaining a tie with England in their opening match while at a viewing party organized by myself and U.S. Consul General Dr. Alberta Mayberry at the One & Only Resort in Cape Town.

Pictured above with Jerry Inzerillo of the One & Only Resorts, Secretary Donovan receives a CONCACAF medal from me commemorating his presence at the viewing party.

Other VIPs included (right to left) FIFA Vice President Geoffrey Thompson (England), FIFA Venue Coordinator Hugo Salcedo (USA) and FIFA Executive Committee Member Dr. Michel D'Hooghe (Belgium), all intensely wrapped in the tension of the match.

Brazilian Referee Carlos Simon makes the coin toss and Captains Steven Gerrard (England) and Carlos Bocanegra (USA) stand by to begin the game ultimately resulting in a 1-1 tie.

There were plenty of opportunities to yell and shout as both teams put on a great show in their opening match of the World Cup.

Staff and LOC members made good use of the Saturday night invitation to establish better relations with seven more matches still to be played in the Cape Town venue.

CONCACAF Deputy General Secretary Italo Zanzi overlooks the group at the bar during the viewing to see that everyone is happy and comfortable.

U.S. Consul General Mayberry pins me for the World Cup...

Friday, June 11, 2010

Following the Game...

I had great company at dinner in Nobu at the One & Only.


Michel Platini was accompanied by Jerome Valcke and his family.


IMG's Jeff Slack is an old friend of Chuck Blazer;


Chris Supino joined by George Tarantini


Dwayne Hampton next to Kerzner's Jerry Inzerillo, Michelle McLean chatting up Michel Platini before dessert at Nobu.

Opening Night...

Uruguay and France lined up for their National Anthems prior to the kick off of the Opening Match in Cape Town.

Chris Supino, Jerry Inzerillo, Miss Universe 1992 Michelle McLean, Mayor of Cape Town Daniel Pato, Chuck Blazer, Dwayne Hampton and George Tarantini

Chuck Blazer, Michelle McLean, Premier of the West Cape Province Helen Zille. FIFA Vice President Geoffrey Thompson

Cape Town is Ready to Shine,...

Tonight, the beautiful new Green Point Stadium glistens and is ready to host the match of France vs Uruguay in the night leg of the opening days matches. A beautiful sight in a beautiful setting.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

World Cups are Built on the Backs of Volunteers...

After years of helping to organize FIFA Events, I am eternally grateful for the masses of people who become part of the Local Organizing Committees as Volunteers. Here, days before the opening in Cape Town, I was able to pay tribute to the young men and women here who were maintaining and running the car pool and transportation center. Here are some shots taken with the great volunteers here in Cape Town. Thanks to all of you helping to make this World Cup a great success.













Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010

Pre World Cup Profile by Sports Business Journal

As the story appeared on the front page of SBJ today...


The full text of the story.