I think they knew they eventually had to award it to Africa, and perhaps the thought was to give it to South Africa, before it goes the way of Zimbabwe, so they might as well get it out of the way, since this one couldn’t be in Europe.
It’s a shame really, because many more Americans were interested in the WC over even 2006, but it may set things back here in this country because of the things like the Vuvuzelas and the bad officiating. It was a missed opportunity.
Hopefully the Brazilians will put on a good show in 2014, and at least here in North America, the games will be on in Prime Time for a change.