Johannesburg's streets were filled with the unrelenting chorus of the vuvuzela and car horns announcing the beginning of a long night of celebrations as South Africa - known by all football fans here as "Bafana Bafana" ("the boys") - drew 1-1 with Mexico at the opening match of Africa's first World Cup.
"I am really proud of Bafana Bafana. Yes, I was hoping for a win but they played really well and have done the country proud," said Isaac Maphalle, 21, after the final whistle.
The past week has been particularly impressive here - as though the reality of what it means to hold an event of this magnitude has finally sunk in. The entire country is drunk on World Cup fever.
Words can scarcely describe the electricity in this country at the moment.
United in footballThe energy has even spread to South Africa's poorest areas. Diepsloot is located near the affluent suburb of Fourways on the outskirts of the city.
"The game was fantastic. A draw is okay, we're happy Bafana Bafana didn't lose," said local resident Lefa Pienaar.
Just two years ago, there was a violent outbreak of xenophobia here, leaving many foreign nationals without homes and several dead - but today all of that seems forgotten.BBC Online.
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