Johannesburg — The atmosphere generated by the South African fans at the Ellis Park stadium is incredible, particularly to international soccer fans who are experiencing it for the first time.

In large numbers South Africans are cheering and singing shosholoza, Siyabangena and thiba ka mo in support of their national team. The sound of vuvuzelas is dominating the pitch.

At half-time neither South Africa nor Iraq had managed to score a goal.

Bafana Bafana were all over the visitors but failed to penetrate the solid Iraq defence.

The Confederations Cup, which is seen as the dress rehearsal for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be held from 14 to 28 June 2009 in four host cities, namely Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Rustenburg.

Later on Sunday, New Zealand will play their first game of the Festival of Champions in Rustenburg at 8:30pm in what will be a tough fixture against European champions, Spain.