Each desperately trying to sway the outcome, the five remaining countries in race pleaded their cause to soccer's governing body president Sepp Blatter, general-secretary Michel Zen Ruffinen and a large media contingent at Fifa headquarters.

A modest South African delegation kicked off the presentations, livening the ceremony with a scantily-clad Zulu warrior howling and dancing among officials and media, before bid members delivered a passionate plea for the continent's first ever World Cup.

``Our country's isolation from international football denied generations of players the opportunity to parade their skill on the world stage,'' said South Africa's football association president Molefi Oliphant.

``They understood the need for such sacrifice because it accelerated the collapse of apartheid and our return to the Fifafamily.

``South Africa's time has come,'' he concluded. ``This beautiful game is our game and this is our time.''

While it quickly ran down the financial, technical and infrastructure aspects of its bid package, the African nation spent extra time outlining the tight security measures in an effort to overcome fears about crime and safety, particularly in cities like Johannesburg. Opting for a more flamboyant campaign than their African rivals, England jetted in a 135-strong corps, including 70 media representatives, 19 flag-waving school children, football association members and football legends Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst.

Drawing attention to its modern facilities, financial stability and proven track record as host of major international events, England's 2006 campaign director Alec McGivan called the English bid a ``real bid based on reality not promises''.