Farcical France crash out

Group A, 14:00 GMT, June 22, 2010
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa



France
1 - 2
South Africa

South Africa ended their Group A campaign on a high note with a battling win over France, as the hosts were eliminated from the World Cup on goal difference.


France exited the World Cup at the first round stage with barely a whimper after this humbling defeat by the host nation at the Free State Stadium.

 France, whose only point in the group came against Uruguay.

It was a bitter sweet win for South Africa as they have become the first host nation to be eliminated at the first round stage of the finals.

Scoring Summary

France	South Africa
Florent Malouda (70')	Bongani Khumalo (20')
	Katlego Mphela (37')

Match Stats

France

South Africa

10(4)	Shots (on Goal)	21(10)
10	Fouls	12
3	Corner Kicks	5
6	Offsides	3
50%	Time of Possession	50%
1	Yellow Cards	0
1	Red Cards	0
7	Saves	3

Match Information

Stadium:	Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Attendance:	39,415
Match Time:	14:00 GMT
Official(s):	Oscar Ruiz

Man of the Match: Katlego Mphela

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Katlego Mphela - The forward was energetic throughout the game and finally showed the form that he had produced in the warm-up games. He put himself in a great position to net the second and was a livewire throughout.

France verdict: Dismal, farcical, embarrassing, chaotic. You could never run out of words to describe France's display at this tournament. France were woeful even before they went down to ten men and didn't get any better. You have to pity Laurent Blanc.

South Africa verdict: After such a poor display in defeat to Uruguay, South Africa can exit the World Cup with pride with victory over the 'mighty' France. They may be the first host country to fail to emerge from their group, but they were never expected to go far. They only go out on goal difference and that, in a way, is a triumph.

Could do better: Franck Ribery - He may have got the assist for Florent Malouda's consolation, but yet again he offered very little for a player of such quality. You would barely think the Bayern Munich player has been in South Africa.

Stat attack: Thierry Henry has drawn level with Fabien Barthez in making the most World Cup appearances in French history (17).