US congratulates SA for SWC

Washington - The US government praised South Africa for hosting an "excellent" Soccer World Cup and congratulated Spain for capturing the trophy with a 1-0 finals victory over Netherlands.

"We congratulate and thank the people of South Africa for hosting an excellent month of soccer," State Department spokeman PJ Crowley said on Monday. "It was the first time an African nation hosted the World Cup, and South Africa proved its ability to do so quite nobly."

Spain defeated the Netherlands on Sunday with a goal in the final minutes of extra time to win the country's first-ever World Cup title, keeping the Netherlands winless in three final match appearances.

"We obviously congratulate Spain, as well, for its thrilling ... win over the Netherlands," Crowley said.