二○一○年世界盃 Nations gather in South Africa for their favorite sporting event!
Which soccer team will reign in South Africa this month? by Chip Ewald.
The FIFA World Cup-international soccer's biggest tournament- has been played every four years since 1930. It was originally planned as an alternative to the 1932 Olympic Games, which weren't going to include soccer. Now it ranks as the world's premier international soccer event and as history's most-watched sporting event. The last World Cup, in 2006, claimed a global audience of 5.9 billion. This number easily exceeds the 4.7 billion who viewed the Olympics in Beijing-the most-watched Olympic Games in history. Furthermore, this year's at-home spectators get an even greater viewing experience as several matches will be broadcast in 3-D!
Nearly 200 teams have spent the past four years competing to qualify for this year's tournament in South Africa. Since the tournament started last Friday, the world's 32 best national soccer teams have been facing off. During the next two rounds of intense competition, all teams but four will be eliminated. Those remaining teams will then contend in four final matches to determine their rank and ultimately the world champion.
This year's mascot: Zakumi
Once charismatic character will be cheering at all the major matches - Zakumi, the leopard. As this year's World Cup mascot, he symbolizes both his country and his continent. And his green hair, which helps him blend in on a soccer field, is fitting of his favorite sport. Zakumi combines "Za," South Africa's international abbreviation, and "kumi." the word for "10" in several African languages. So his name is appropriate for both the location and the year. And more importantly, Zakumi was "born" in 1994 - the year apartheid ended in his country.
A proud moment for South Africa
South Africa proudly claims the privilege of being the first African country to host the World Cup. Chosen by FIFA in 2004, South Africa is hosting matches at 10 stadiums in nine different cities. These venues range from Cape Town in the southwest to Polokwane, over 1,500 km to the northeast.
Since its first multiracial elections in 1994, South Africa has taken huge strides toward equality for everyone. It's hard to imagine a more appropriate place to bring together the world's races for their favorite sporting event.
More Information
People who can't travel to South Africa may still be able to feel as if they're watching the matches in person. For the first time in history, matches will be broadcast in 3-D. And, if anyone misses the action as it unfolds this month, they're in luck. After the tournament ends, Sony Pictures Entertainment plans to use the recorded 3-D footage to produce a feature film.
Grammar
....the world's 32 best national soccer teams have been facing off.
to face off- to meet face-to-face for a competitive reason.
Many people gathered to watch the two world-class chess players face off in Las Vegas.
The two political candidates will face off at a debate later this week.
Vocabulary Tips
tournament-比賽，錦標賽，連賽，(參賽者經過層層的比賽才能贏得冠軍).
*Wimbledon is one of the most important tennis tournaments.
*The golf tournament attracted a lot of attention because the grand prize is worth very much.
exceed-go over, go beyond.超越，超過。
*Our team's performance exceeded the school's expectations.
*Expenses to set up this branch office have already exceeded our budget.
contend-爭奪，競爭compete.
*Top dancers from all over the country came to contend for the title.
*Ricky will contend against his long-time opponent, Timothy in tonight's match.
ultimately- at the end, in the end.
FIFA- International football (soccer) association
eliminated-removed.
charismatic-具有魅力的，有非凡領導力的。 charisma-魅力，非凡的領導力。
*Sam is a charismatic businessman, so his employees are willing to follow his leadership.
*Kennedy was a rare and charismatic politician.
privilege-榮耀，擁有殊榮，殊榮，特權。
*I have the privilege to work for one of the best producers in the country.殊榮
*It's a great privilege to meet you.榮幸
*Senior executives enjoy the privilege of having a reserved parking space.特權
stride-take a large step, walking forward, moving toward the goal. 濶步，一大步，此指“進展”
*Many countries are taking strides to minimize vehicle exhaust.邁進一步。。廢棄物。
*The company has made strides in developing new products.
Chat Room
face off-來自曲棍球，一場球賽開始時，有二個球員face off 面對面來爭球。延伸為“和某人對抗”
face up to-勇敢面對。face up to something or someone.勇敢的面對某事或某人
He faced up to the challenge (boss). 勇於面對挑戰 (老闆，上司）。
face the music-勇於承擔責任（一個人闖禍就要 face the music)
Let's face it-面對現實吧，說真話。
Let's face it, we're not getting any younger。說真的，青春不再。
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nation/country/State (州）國家。
nation-a group of people share the common culture. 強調民族，人民。
country-has it's boundary. 有土地，領土
State-尤其是在政治學和國際法用到的國家。
Canada has English specking nation and French specking nation is it's country.
1 comment:
Thank you for sharing it.
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