Just Khudn't Make It: France 1-2 South Africa 22/6/10

France line-up: Lloris, Sagna, Gallas, Ribery, Gourcuff, Cisse (Henry, 55'), Gignac (Malouda, HT), Squillaci, Diarra (c) (Govou, 82'), Diaby, Clichy
South Africa line-up: Josephs, Masilela, Mokoena (c), Ngcongca (Gaxa, 55'), Sibaya, Tshabalala, Mphela, Pienaar, Parker (Momvethe, 68'), Khumalo, Khuboni (Modise, 78')

France really did manage to entertain us this World Cup with their farcical performances on and off the pitch and Raymond Domenech's reign at France bows out with a defeat to South Africa. After the protests against Anelka's dismissal from the squad Domenech most certainly made a statement by playing a fairly reserve team. However despite all this France did start the game better and both Gignac and Cisse had good opening chances, the deputising Josephs pulled off decent saves to prevent France taking the lead. Twenty minutes in and the Free State stadium exploded into life as the Bafana Bafana took the lead; Hugo Lloris failed to collect a corner and Khumalo was on hand to head the ball home. South Africa's hopes of sneaking into the next round increased when Gourcuff got sent off, deservedly, for an elbow on Sibaya in an aerial challenge. As it worse than Behrami's yesterday there was no doubting that Gourcuff had to go and France were looking diminished. The inconceivable was becoming closer to achieving when Mphela benefited from a defensive lapse and put South Africa 2-0 ahead, knowing goal difference would be the key.

At the start of the second half South Africa there needed to be a two goal swing in their favour to go through and they certainly looked for them. Mphela again had a chance but a great fingertips save from Lloris onto the crossbar, just kept South Africa out. The hopes for South Africa were crushed by half-time substitute Florent Malouda who, after Ribery played the ball into him, tapped it in to make the score 2-1. The final result meant that both teams are out and South Africa become the first host nation to be knocked out in the group stage. As for France they need to move forward and forget this debacle especially as Laurent Blanc is to take over for the European Championship qualifiers.