South Africa qualified for the World Cup Finals in 1998 and 2002
, and gained automatic qualification for 2010 as they were the host nation. Unfortunately for South African's they failed to qualify from the first group stage of any of these three championships. Despite this they are making a lasting impression on the footballing World through their vibrant hosting of the tournament (they are the first African Nation to host the famous tournament) and the passion of their millions of fans. South Africa's greatest success at International level arrived in 1996 when they won the African cup of Nations, a tournament that they again hosted. South African football warmed up to hosting the 2010 World Cup through the staging of the 2009 Confederation Games. This time they qualified from their group with a win over New Zealand, a draw against Iraq and a loss to European Champions Spain. A semi final defeat to the World Famous Brazil ended South African hopes.