Friday, 18 June 2010

Forlan Afircan Stars: South Africa 0-3 Uruguay 16/6/10


South Africa line-up:Khune, Gaxa, Masilela, Mokoena (c), Tshabalala, Mphela, Pienaar (Josephs, 79'), Modise, Letsholonyane (Moriri, 57'), Dikgacoi, Khumalo
Uruguay line-up: Muslera, Lugano (c), Godin, Fucile (A.Fernandez, 71'), Cavani (S.Fernandez, 89'), Forlan, A.Pereira, Perez (Gargano, 90'), M.Pereira, Arevalo

Diego Forlan produced a magical performance to give Uruguay a foot into the knockout rounds and left a stunned South African team flailing miles behind. From the outset Uruguay looked to gain an advantage and South Africa were immediately on the back foot. Suarez, who looked very good all night long, started the firing line with a stinging shot saved by Khune. Forlan went on and produced one better with an absolute stunning strike from thirty yards which just sailed past the watching Khune.

The second half again followed the same pattern as the first as South Africa were unable to find a rest bite. Uruguay looked certain to get a second but for now it was elusive and the few chances South Africa had to equalise were fluffed. Luis Suarez made another jinxing run which led to a one-on-one with Itumeleng Khune who couldn't help but bring him down. Swiss referee Massimo Busacca, who in my opinion is one of the best in world, had no choice but award the penalty and brandish a red card to Khune. The crowd fell completely silent for a second time, Forlan was ready to take the penalty but was made to wait an age as South Africa readied substitute keeper Josephs. But some things are worth waiting for and Forlan's penalty was just superb blasting it above Josephs' diving body and into the roof of the net. The game was over and South Africa were sunk. There were few chances to reduce the deficit but a tired looking South African side just wanted to hear the final whistle and prepare for France. That wasn't before Suarez produced an inviting cross which was met by Maximiliano Pereira who tapped in Uruguay's third.

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