  We show that, starting from known exact classical solutions of the Yang-Mills
theory in three dimensions, the string tension is obtained and the potential is
consistent with a marginally confining theory. The potential we obtain agrees
fairly well with preceding findings in literature but here we derive it
analytically from the theory without further assumptions. The string tension is
in strict agreement with lattice results and the well-known theoretical result
by Karabali-Kim-Nair analysis. Classical solutions depend on a dimensionless
numerical factor arising from integration. This factor enters into the
determination of the spectrum and has been arbitrarily introduced in some
theoretical models. We derive it directly from the solutions of the theory and
is now fully justified. The agreement obtained with the lattice results for the
ground state of the theory is well below 1% at any value of the degree of the
group.
