LASCOP

At least that's the conclusion you could draw if you believe the bean counters at KPMG.

Despite the billions of rand spent building stadiums and staging last summer's extravaganza, there was actually little economic benefit for the country, according to a recent report by KPMG.

Visitor numbers were well short of the predicted 450,000; economic growth actually slowed during the competition; and only 22 of KPMG's 100 largest clients reported any benefit.

Some consolation for losing out to Russia, I suppose. But not much.