Johannesburg – The local organising committee urged South Africans on Thursday to continue supporting the World Cup despite Bafana Bafana's 3-0 loss to Uruguay."We as South Africans are great hosts, we hope the nation of South Africa will remain great hosts," LOC spokesperson Rich Mkhondo told a media briefing at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg."As the organising committee we are saddened by the fact that the nation is in mourning, but we call on South Africans to remain good hosts as they have been for the past seven days."South Africa suffered a bruising loss to Uruguay on Wednesday night, with its goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune becoming only the second goalie in the history of the tournament to be red-carded.FIFA spokesperson Nicolas Maingot echoed Mkhondo's comments. He added that 75% of the tickets had been sold to South Africans.Following reports of touts selling tickets outside venues ahead of matches, Maingot urged fans to only purchase these through official avenues. FIFA was working with the police to avoid "ticket touting".Supporters of Argentina and South Korea were arriving at the stadium ahead of the match between their national teams at 13:30.Police replaced Stallion security guards at the stadium when they went on strike. They were dotted at various check points around the stadium, some in full police uniform and others in police tracksuits.Mkhondo said security matters had been settled and police were fully prepared to take on responsibilities at the stadium.
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