2010 World Cup Opening Ceremony

From: http://www.boston.com/

The 2010 FIFA World Cup opened last Friday in South Africa, after years of preparation, with an Opening Ceremony at Soccer City Stadium - the first matches taking place over the weekend. Thousands attended the opening concerts and matches in person, while tens of millions watched events unfold on screens large and small across the world. Collected here are some scenes from the opening ceremonies, the first several matches, and fans young and old around the world riding emotional rollercoasters while watching the 2010 World Cup. (42 photos total)

A man watches the opening match of the 2010 World Cup between South Africa and Mexico in Bloemfontein June 11, 2010. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

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A South African flag incorporating the flags of each nation at the tournament is waved at the Opening Ceremony ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group A match between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City Stadium on June 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Clive Rose/Getty Images) #

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South African air force aerobatic planes fly by on June 11, 2010 during the FIFA WC2010 opening ceremony at Soccer city stadium in Soweto. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images) #

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A drummer performs during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony on June 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Clive Mason/Getty Images) #

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A performer in the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony in Soccer City stadium

Click here for the Full GALLERY: Opening weekend - 2010 World Cup