The 2010 World Cup draw took place on Friday - a ball-juggler at the Cape Town International Convention Centre got in the spirit of things with a spot of keepy-uppy before the guests arrived
The day does not get off to the best of starts, however, as a security alert forces a bomb disposal unit to inspect a suspicious bag
But police soon give the all-clear and preparations - including cleaning the all-important red carpet - can continue
The World Cup is coming to Africa for the first time in the tournament's 80-year history and each of the six home nations will be able to count on the support of an entire continent
Cape Town is transformed into a hub of excitement as the draw edges ever closer and, while the 32 participating nations nervously await news of their first-round opponents, there is a carnival atmosphere among the locals
The dignitaries begin to arrive and they come no bigger than South Africa's president Jacob Zuma (right), who is accompanied down the red carpet by 2010 World Cup organising committee CEO Danny Jordaan (left)
Table Mountain provides a stunning backdrop for the draw and a group of traditional South African performers entertain the early arrivals on the red carpet
The fans festival on Long Street, Cape Town, provides supporters with a taste of things to come at next summer's World Cup finals
The England contingent of manager Fabio Capello (centre), his assistant Franco Baldini (left) and Football Association chairman Lord Triesman (right) are suited and booted for the big occasion
The hosts put on a colourful song and dance show on stage before the draw to give people a taste of the festival to come next summer
The draw edges ever closer and the Fifa chief Sepp Blatter gets his hands on the golden World Cup trophy
England star David Beckham strolls on to the draw stage as one of the celebrities to pick the balls out of the pot. Who will the English get picked against?
Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron looks on excitedly as England find out their fate. They will feature in Group C along with the USA, Algeria and Slovenia
England's group C is revealed. Their first game is against the USA in Rustenburg on Saturday 12 June. Memories of the World Cup defeat in 1950 in Brazil come flooding back
Algeria fans gathered in Trafalgar Square react with excitement and delight at the news that their team have been drawn to face England in the World Cup group stages
The draw ceremony comes to a colourful conclusion as the stage is showered with confetti
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