S Africa celebrates 100-day countdown to World Cup

DURBAN, South Africa, - FIFA on Tuesday brushed aside lingering doubts about South Africa's readiness for the World Cup, as cities across the nation staged dance parties and celebrations to launch the 100-day countdown.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insisted the country was ready to host Africa's first World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, and said he was bothered by naysayers who worry South Africa won't pull it off.

"It's not so much that there's pessimism but that it's always being thrown into doubt. It's bad, because when there's doubt, there's no confidence. For me and FIFA, that bothers us sometimes," Blatter told a news conference in Durban's new stadium.