The atmosphere at this World Cup has been one of festive mood and pride among the locals, with South Africans pleased to have hosted the month-long extravaganza. This all culminates with the final to be played tomorrow night at the impressive Soccer City Stadium between two teams that have shown their pedigree throughout the competition, Netherlands and Spain.
With the showdown between the two European heavyweights beckoning, Goal.com hit the streets of Jozi to get a feel for the atmosphere in the run up to the final. There is no better place in Johannesburg than the shopping malls to get a solid picture of the city's mood and speak to a number of fans at one time.
For this reason the popular malls of Eastgate and Sandton City provided the perfect place to speak to fans and ordinary South Africans. There is a great deal of excitement in the city, and after being involved in every round of the tournament until the semi-finals, which were played in Cape Town and Durban.
The people of Johannesburg are pleased to have the world's best footballers back in the financial hub of South Africa for the final encounter, which will decide the title of World Champions for the next four years.The street vendors have been an important part of the vibe in South Africa, and they have sold countless flags, scarves and supporter items for the teams taking part.
Now their focus is fully on the two teams taking part in the final, and everything one can imagine, from flags, to aprons, to vuvuzelas and winter slippers can be found in the colours of Spain and Netherlands at busy intersections in Joburg.Yesterday was football Friday, and along with the usual Bafana shirts, the Dutch and Spanish teams were well represented in Johannesburg, with the locals taking sides ahead of the final.
More Dutch shirts were visible throughout the city, but there were also many Spanish supporters out and about in Johannesburg. came across an interesting character at Sandton City, rolling a shopping cart around with his Spain scarf on and playing the South African national anthem on a mouth harp to the delight of passers by.His name was Sandy, and he told Goal.com: "Spain have been the best team in South Africa, controlling the game and giving fans here a glimpse of what it took to win the Euros.
"Now I believe they will win the World Cup, and I support them in that. David Villa is a real hero of this World Cup and he has stood out for me. "As South Africans we need to be proud of what we have done, and of the two teams that have made it to our final."
A Dutch supporter soon butted into the conversation, adding, "The Dutch will win their first World Cup on Sunday, and it will be the most amazing party with the people of South Africa. Johannesburg will be a part of the Netherlands for the day and it will be wonderful to celebrate our first world championship." The Fan Fests and Fan Parks will be completely full tomorrow, with officials and advertisers warning people to get to the various venues early to avoid the disappointment of being turned away from a packed Fan Park.
The excitement is something contagious, and even those who were never football supporters or lovers of the beautiful game are now chatting about the merits of the two finalists, and how they will be firmly planted in front of their televisions or at a Fan Fest when the action gets underway tomorrow evening.
No matter where Joburgers will be watching the final, one thing is certain, we can't wait to see the new champion crowned. The Joburg atmosphere is warming up with excitement and anticipation for the final showdown which will put a stunning and deservingly grand end to this fantastic South African World Cup.