“The Big Picture” is a news-in-photos section of the Boston Globe’s website, and this week’s feature is “Soccer in South Africa” with some awesome pics about the football fever that’s hitting this country. Most shots are amazing - and of course, the comments are rife with cries of portraying only the poorer, seedier side of life in South Africa (many of the shots are of little boys playing soccer without shoes and in tatty clothes). The pics are definitely worth a look at. And check out some of the wacky (and worthwhile!!) comments while you’re there:
Boston Globe: The Big Picture

At least it’s creating a stir, loads of comments, and lots of free publicity about South Africa’s hosting of the FIFA ™ 2010 World Cup next year.

I love the ones of Soccer City in Jo’burg:

South Africa’s new Soccer City Stadium is seen, under construction with the Johannesburg skyline in the background, on the outskirts of Soweto, South Africa on June 13, 2009. FIFA is concerned that some of the stadiums being built in South Africa for next year’s World Cup will remain idle afterward unless organizers take steps to guarantee future use. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell, files) #

An interior view of construction work at the Soccer City Stadium, on the outskirts Soweto, South Africa, Monday, June 15, 2009. (AP Photo/David Azia) #

But this one’s my favourite:

Children enjoy their soccer game the street near the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on June 16, 2009 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) #

Just look at the joy on those faces!!!