South Africa's 2-1 victory over France was not enough to take the hosts to the World Cup knockouts as Mexico followed leaders Uruguay through. For the first time in the history of the World Cup, the host nation crash out from the first round. Mexico were beaten 1-0 by Uruguay in the Group A finale, but South Africa couldn't capitalize by scoring a comprehensive victory over a ten-man France side. First-half goals from Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela were replied to by a Florent Malouda strike as Luis Suarez lifted Uruguay over Mexico. Uruguay finish top with seven points with Mexico coming second on four, beating South Africa on goal difference. France finish bottom with one point. France wretched! Looking to put aside their off-field plight, France looked brighter as the game kicked off, but were rocked by a double blow in the opening 25 minutes. Siphiwe Tshabalala's corner was met by Khumalo's arm before hitting the net to give Bafana the lead on 21 minutes, but referee Oscar Ruiz knew little about it. Shortly before the half-hour, Yoann Gourcuff was given a straight red card for an alleged elbow in an aerial challenge with MacBeth Sibaya.
Suarez gave Uruguay top spot Eight minutes before the break, it was two when Tsepo Masilela's low cross fell to Mphela, who outhustled Gael Clichy to hit the empty net. Mphela almost grabbed his second before the break, but his long-range effort was parried by the fingertips of Hugo Lloris. At this point, Suarez scored for Uruguay in Rustenburg to give the hosts a glimpse of hope. Game Over The second half began and the South Africans were on course to achieve the 'miracle' and score two more goals, with Mphela proving to be their most lively player. The Bafana number 9 hit the post and was denied by Lloris once again, but then came the decisive goal from Malouda to dash the hosts' hopes. A rare breakthrough from the insipid France saw Franck Ribery go through on goal before unselfishly setting up Malouda, who scored in an empty net on 69 minutes. South Africa hardly replied as they knew three goals were needed to outshine Mexico. Tshabalala had a clear-cut chance blocked by Lloris in injury time, in what could have made it the biggest-ever defeat for France by an African team.
