The enthusiasm ...
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South African supporter Gregory Da Silva, who called himself The Egg Man, holds a 25-kilogram hat as he walks among World Cup supporters in Cape Town on June 17. |
On the field of play, South Africa fared worse than any host nation in World Cup history. Off the field, it was a resounding winner, overcoming past strife and present troubles to charm the world with pluck, hard work and warmth. The pre-tournament skeptics abroad - who forecast crime and chaos - had to swallow their words. At home, black and white South Africans joined together as never before, sharing pride in their formerly fractured country and marveling at the world's embrace.