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The first World Cup to be hosted in Africa will provide an unparalleled business opportunity in four years time, organisers of South Africa 2010 said in Berlin at a presentation of their wares. Up to five million tourists are expected to flood into South Africa for the month-long jamboree, and the government has committed a R375-billion development package to the project.
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A first-half moment of magic by AC Milan star Kaka gave defending champions Brazil a 1-0 win over Croatia in their opening World Cup Group F match at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Tuesday. Kaka ended a frustrating opening period for the five-times winners when he sent a curling left foot drive zipping past helpless ‘keeper Stipe Pletikosa four minutes before the break.
Real Madrid star and France legend Zinedine Zidane on Wednesday explained his decision to retire after the World Cup finals in Germany and not play on with his club for another year. ”I didn’t make this decision overnight. It’s one I’ve mulled over for a long time,” Zidane told a news conference in Madrid, confirming what he had told French television on Tuesday.
A permanent ceasefire by separatist group ETA came into effect on Friday as a poll found the vast majority of Spaniards want their government to engage in talks with the armed Basque movement. The Opina poll released by the private Cadena Ser radio station said around 68% consider the ceasefire ”good news for Spanish society”.
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/ 2 February 2006
Mittal Steel chief executive Lakshmi Mittal said on Thursday that opposition to his hostile takeover bid for European steelmaker Arcelor could not weaken the "industrial logic" of his plan which would protect European jobs. The bid by Mittal would create by far the biggest steel group in the world, accounting for 10% share of global steel production.
Political leaders from around Europe joined the Spanish royal family on Wednesday in attending an emotionally charged mass for the 190 identified victims of the March 11 bombings in Madrid — amid fears that similar terror could strike other capitals.