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Britain's biggest bookmaker has now listed South Africa as odds-on favourite to host the 2006 soccer World Cup.
With only two weeks before Fifa, the world governing body, reveals the winning bid, betting trends have South Africa as the strongest contender.
The South African Football Association may be cautious about our chances and our soccer fans a little dubious, but United Kingdom punters seem to believe otherwise.
Earlier this week bookmaker William Hill closed its book on the 2006 bid battle.
South Africa, Germany and England are favourites with Brazil and Morocco as long shots.
"South Africa were 10-11 favourites with Germany 3-1 third favourites, Morocco 14-1 and Brazil 33-1," said William Hill spokesperson Graham Sharpe.
Danny Jordaan, chief executive officer of South Africa's World Cup Bid Committee, said: "It's heartening and reassuring that South Africa has managed to convince so many in the world that we are ready to host the prestigious World Cup tournament."
Jordaan said on Wednesday that Ricardo Texeira, who is the president of the Brazilian FA and also a member of the Fifa executive committee, will arrive on Friday for talks.
His visit follows recent reports that Brazil may back South Africa in the voting in Zurich on July 6 in return for reciprocal support from the Confederation of African Football in the 2010 race.
The most recent developments in the European football championships, Euro 2000, have contributed to South Africa's improved odds.
Both England and Germany were dealt hefty blows when they were eliminated after the opening round of that tournament this week.
But England came off worse, with an earlier threat of expulsion because of violence by their fans. Reports of soccer hooliganism have tainted England's image and pushed South Africa into a more favourable position, especially with the punters.
"England had been well- backed 5-2 second favourites, but this affair looks likely to scupper their chances completely," said Sharpe.
South African bid officials have remained cool about the vote of confidence from British punters, opting instead to concentrate on promoting South Africa as the ideal host country.
Jordaan said the bid committee would make presentations to the European Football Association and then to the world governing body on July 5, days before Fifa made its decision.
"Hopefully the Fifa executive will concur with the punters and journalists all over the world and give the tournament to South Africa." - Staff Reporter and Sapa
With only two weeks before Fifa, the world governing body, reveals the winning bid, betting trends have South Africa as the strongest contender.
The South African Football Association may be cautious about our chances and our soccer fans a little dubious, but United Kingdom punters seem to believe otherwise.
Earlier this week bookmaker William Hill closed its book on the 2006 bid battle.
South Africa, Germany and England are favourites with Brazil and Morocco as long shots.
"South Africa were 10-11 favourites with Germany 3-1 third favourites, Morocco 14-1 and Brazil 33-1," said William Hill spokesperson Graham Sharpe.
Danny Jordaan, chief executive officer of South Africa's World Cup Bid Committee, said: "It's heartening and reassuring that South Africa has managed to convince so many in the world that we are ready to host the prestigious World Cup tournament."
Jordaan said on Wednesday that Ricardo Texeira, who is the president of the Brazilian FA and also a member of the Fifa executive committee, will arrive on Friday for talks.
His visit follows recent reports that Brazil may back South Africa in the voting in Zurich on July 6 in return for reciprocal support from the Confederation of African Football in the 2010 race.
The most recent developments in the European football championships, Euro 2000, have contributed to South Africa's improved odds.
Both England and Germany were dealt hefty blows when they were eliminated after the opening round of that tournament this week.
But England came off worse, with an earlier threat of expulsion because of violence by their fans. Reports of soccer hooliganism have tainted England's image and pushed South Africa into a more favourable position, especially with the punters.
"England had been well- backed 5-2 second favourites, but this affair looks likely to scupper their chances completely," said Sharpe.
South African bid officials have remained cool about the vote of confidence from British punters, opting instead to concentrate on promoting South Africa as the ideal host country.
Jordaan said the bid committee would make presentations to the European Football Association and then to the world governing body on July 5, days before Fifa made its decision.
"Hopefully the Fifa executive will concur with the punters and journalists all over the world and give the tournament to South Africa." - Staff Reporter and Sapa