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The South African government congratulates the national football team, Bafana Bafana, on their performance against Mexico this afternoon at the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

Government also congratulates the South African people and all international visitors for the organised and professional manner in which they came together to celebrate this historic moment. We urge for more of this throughout the tournament and beyond.

Government is particularly humbled by the display of African and international solidarity at the opening ceremony, signified by the physical presence of a solid delegation of African leaders and others from beyond the continent.

Government spokesperson Themba Maseko today said, "The South African government thanks and pays tribute to all those who have supported us throughout our journey towards the hosting of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil.

"In particular, we pay tribute to the unwavering support displayed by our African sister countries. From the beginning, they never doubted our capability to host this event.

"We are therefore very pleased that so many African Heads of State and Government, as well as other eminent people from the continent, made it to South Africa to join hands with us and celebrate as we make history," said Maseko.