German Chancellor Angela Merkel, during a visit to South Africa Friday, expressed confidence in the country's ability to host the first FIFA football World Cup on the African continent in 2010, according to dpa. "I'm absolutely sure that South Africa will be a good host. I'm absolutely optimistic," Merkel told officials from the FIFA local organizing committee at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, outside Johannesburg. Soccer City is undergoing a major upgrade to enable it to host the opening match, as well as the final. Germany, which hosted the 2006 World Cup, has been advising South Africa on various aspects of preparation for the 2010 tournament, including the construction of five new stadiums. "Where we can be helpful, we will be helpful," Merkel said. Merkel was accompanied on her visit to the Soweto stadium by Oliver Bierhoff, manager of the German national team.
