The most impressive element of the current World Cup competition is the fervent commitment to stamping out international racism.

The appeal is all the more dramatic and meaningful in this year's edition of the international football classic in that the host nation is South Africa, for all too many years the home of the racially oppressive system called apartheid.

Pictures of Nelson Mandela, the towering beacon of unity and fervent opponent of racism, are seen in evidence at the stadiums where the games are held throughout the nation.

Before the games begin player representatives of the competing national teams deliver statements condemning racism.