Franz Beckenbauer and David Beckham at the SWC draw (AP)

Read more on:   

• 2010 soccer world cup

Related Links

• Blatter launches fan fest
• Charlize: Magic moment for SA
• Foreign journo held for threat

Cape Town - An African side could make history at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa by reaching the semifinal, and possibly the final.

That was the view of Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, the only person to have won a World Cup medal as a player and manager.

The man nicknamed "Der Kaiser" said he believed a side like the Ivory Coast could go all the way or at least reach the semifinals.

"The Ivory Coast have world class players such as Didier Drogba and I expect them to do well as they have so much talent," Beckenbauer said.
He added, however, that the key for an African World Cup success lay in team work and not individual performances.

"There is so much talent in Africa, but the other African sides such as Ghana, Cameroon and even hosts South Africa could get to that milestone if they play as a team and not as a bunch of individuals."

Impressed

Beckenbauer was speaking at the handing over of the official Adidas ball that will be used for the tournament that kicks off on June 11at Johannesburg's new multi billion rand Soccer City. He was joined by England star David Beckham at the media briefing.

"I was impressed by the African sides in the 2006 World Cup finals," Beckenbauer said.

"The best Africa did then was a quarter-final place (Cameroon and Senegal), and as this will be the first time the World Cup is played in Africa, it could be the time for an African team to shine."

Support

Beckham, who agreed that Drogba was world class but did not stick his neck out as to which African side he fancied, said he was hoping to get a place in the England squad for the World Cup.

"I am hoping to go back and play for AC Milan like I did last season and impress the England coach, Fabio Capello," Beckham said.

"But If I fail then I will be in South Africa with my wife (Victoria) and sons to support England no matter what."

Beckham, a former England captain, added that he was excited about the World Cup being played in South Africa.

"It is my first visit to Cape Town and I have been amazed by the warmth of the welcome I have received," he said.

"I believe the World Cup will leave a great legacy for Africa".