BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- South Africa became the first World Cup host team to fail to advance from the first round despite beating also-eliminated France 2-1 Tuesday in Group A.
Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela scored a goal each in the first half against 10-man France. Florent Malouda pulled one back for the French in the 70th.
Uruguay and Mexico both advanced from Group A. The Uruguayans beat Mexico 1-0 in the other group match. "I really thought we could pull through," Khumalo said.
Khumalo put Bafana Bafana ahead in the 20th minute when he outjumped France midfielder Abou Diaby to knock a cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala into the net with his shoulder. Mphela doubled the lead in the 37th, outmuscling defender Gael Clichy to reach a low cross from Tsepo Masilela and shoot the ball across the line.
France, which played with 10 men after Yoann Gourcuff was sent off for elbowing Macbeth Sibaya in the 25th, made it 2-1 when Malouda knocked in a cross from Franck Ribery.
After playing with a lone striker in its first two matches, South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira opted to play two men up front against France - Bernard Parker and Mphela - and it paid off.
Be sure to stay with FanHouse for complete coverage from South Africa, as columnist Kevin Blackistone and soccer editor Brian Straus will be on location for the duration of the tournament.
Mphela gave the France defense fits, with strong runs and dangerous drives from distance. He nearly scored his second goal of the night in the 43rd with a right-foot drive from 25 meters (yards) that forced a diving save from France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Mphela continued to bother France's backline after the break, and should have scored in the 50th when he ran onto a pass from Steven Piennar, but his right-foot shot hit the crossbar.
The striker went close again five minutes later with a drive from 25 meters (yards) that Lloris punched away.
South Africa's attacking style brought the crowd at Free State Stadium to life, and the home fans roared with each Bafana Bafana foray into the French half.
Facing a 2-0 halftime deficit, France coach Raymond Domenech brought on Malouda and striker Thierry Henry to try to boost his team's flagging attack.
The changes had little impact until Ribery set up Malouda.
France, which was in the final in 2006, was also knocked in the first round in 2002.
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Comments (Page 1 of 4)
France just did not have good luck this World Cup and it's a shame for them.
France has been the biggest joke of the tournament. They acted like losers and played like losers. What a bunch of clowns.
im glad s a won, but they should be playing 4 cup
South Africa may not be going through to the next round but they played a good game against the former champions, France.
Hakuna matata.
The French performance in this cup has been nothing short of abysmal. From the lackluster and downright embarassing on-field play, to the silly off-field antics, this team has behaved disgracefully. They certainly don't bear much resemblance to the great team of 2006.
It's france. Who cares?
cheating bastards should not have been at the world cup
History repeats itself. France has once again surrendered.
frances war effort took a blow, Their white flag factory burnt down
Le French just were placed in a tough group play. They surly would beat the Americans by a half dozen croissants!
They are spoiled brats.lol
First, I would like to say it's a shame France did make it through. I love my USA team, but I would have liked to see France make it farther.
Second- You cannot say that the team, as a whole, acted disgracefully. 2 members of the team specifically caused the team to fail. Hopefully, next time around, and without the 2 bad apples, France will prosper.
Third- Go USA... Who would have thought that a nation that plays sports with their hands could find their way to the top ten??? "I fart in Englands general direction."
Hello Jason... If the USA advance from the group stage they will be in the 'top 16' not the 'top 10'... You need to get these little things right if you are to be taken seriously as a soccer fan by the rest of the World..Also, thanks for your good wishes towards the England team, very sporting of you..
I hate to disagree with you here but yes, I think the whole team needs to be called out on what's been happening during the last couple of weeks. I say that as fan of the French team (they're actually my second favorite side after U.S.A) but it was the entire team that walked off the practice field this past weekend, not just one or two men. It was shabby, and wouldn't be tolerated in other countries. They didn't show a lot of class there and they didn't show much skill on the field today against the Bafana Bafana. I am beginning to agree with the Irish fans that Les Bleus probably never should have gone to South Africa in the first place.
Umm.. As far as the standings for the 2010 World Cup, USA is in 10th place. You should understand what I'm talking about before you will be taken seriously. I didn't say anything about statistical standings. Next
I agree with BJ and PROU.. The South African team has nothing to be ashamed of. They played an awesome game and should be very proud of themselves!! The French should go home with their tails between their legs for their conduct. Totally disgraceful. This team is an abomination to the sport. My 9 year old has better manners and sportsmanship then those grown men!!
France played terrible. on and off the pitch. i feel bad for the coach, i forget his name but it would have to suck having to deal with those individual, selfish players.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, and the French quit.
I meant it's a shame they didn't make it through....