For Julian Schiffner, the only downside to the whole FIFA World Cupâ experience has been the vuvuzelas. "I am missing hearing the singing and the cheering in the stadiums, they really drown everything out. But otherwise there has been a really cool atmosphere - everyone has been in a good mood. I am also impressed by how well organised everything is. It has all worked very well."
Kurt Schoonraad, 5th Floor, the Soccer Mania dancers, SAMA-award winning vocalist and songwriter Claire Philips, The Plastics (pictured left), Capoeira Brazilian Dance and Drums and 12th Avenue Rock Band rocked the 3 000 strong crowd at the Bellville Fan Jol before and after last night's semi-final. Most fans supported Germany, and came with German flags emblazoned on their cheeks, while Spain's supporters made a colourful statement in yellow and red.
During the tournament, the team of more than 100 CHEC field workers and data capturers completed around 3 000 visitor surveys, captured the data, and shared some of their preliminary observations with the Final Whistle team.
Perceptions don't change easily, says Knott. They need a significant event - and the World Cupâ has presented exactly such an opportunity. It's the marketing opportunity of a lifetime, and by the time the final whistle blows on 11 July, more than 26 billion views of tournament footage, and more than 400 000 people will have visited South Africa.