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FIFA World Cup 2010 match 32 - Group A France: Lloris, Sagna, Gallas, Squillaci, Clichy, Gourcuff, Diarra (Govou 82), Diaby, Ribery, Cisse (Henry 55), Gignac (Malouda 45). South Africa: Josephs, Masilela, Mokoena, Ngcongca (Gaxa 55), Khumalo, Sibaya, Tshabalala, Pienaar, Khuboni (Modise 78), Mphela, Parker (Nomvethe 68). Both these sides knew that qualification was unlikely given that they only had one point each going into their final group game. To progress there would have to be a winner here and in the other group game between Uruguay and Mexico. There would also have to be a fair old swing in the goal differences. Naturally the host nation were looking to go out with a bang, if they had to go out at all, and faced with opponents in total disarray they probably fancied their chances of giving their supporters something to shout about. There was little in the French body language to suggest that they were suddenly about to spring into life but they did register the first worthwhile attack. Gourcuff played Gignac through on goal with a lovely ball but the finish was woefully weak and straight at the keeper. South Africa had barely threatened before taking the lead on twenty minutes. Lloris completely missed a right wing corner and Khumalo was able to head home above his marker at the far post. The possibility that South Africa might actually have a chance of qualifying then increased as France's World Cup turned yet sourer with the very harsh dismissal of Gourcuff. The red card was shown for an elbow and while there had been contact this was only because Gourcuff had got up early to win a clean header and the defender then jumped into his arm in a vain attempt to challenge. Optimism had probably turned to belief around the stands by the time half time arrived. Mphela doubled the hosts' advantage by bundling home from Masilela's cross after the French defence passed up two chances to clear and then news came through that Uruguay had taken the lead in the other group game. Ribery came close to spoiling the mood with an inswinging free kick that Josephs did well to palm clear after Gallas missed getting a touch but half time arrived with South Africa still in with a chance of pulling the most unlikely of rabbits out of the hat. France 0 South Africa 2 South Africa, as might have been expected, came out to attack after half time and Lloris was tested from distance on several occasions, the most severe of these from Mphela, but the keeper was equal to them all. Tshabalala prized open a clear chance with a superb ball into Mphela but the striker could only hit the post with his effort and gradually belief began to wane and France's ten men began to exercise a degree of control over proceedings. Twenty minutes from time France scored their first goal of the tournament. Sagna made a determined break forward before finding Ribery beyond the defence and his square ball across the box was tapped home by Malouda. South Africa continued to push forward as often as possible and Nomvethe produced a wonderful pass to give Tshabalala a clear sight of goal but, unlike in the first game of the tournament, his fierce drive was too close to Lloris who parried clear. There was obvious disappointment around the stadium at the early exit of the hosts but South Africa could at least depart the tournament with their heads held high. France left with heads bowed after a genuine shambles of a campaign. Full Time: France 1 South Africa 2 France: Lloris 6, Sagna 7, Gallas 5, Squillaci 5, Clichy 6, Gourcuff 5, Diarra 5, Diaby 4, Ribery 5, Cisse 3 (Henry 6), Gignac 3 (Malouda 5). South Africa: Josephs 6, Masilela 6, Mokoena 6, Ngcongca 5 (Gaxa 5), Khumalo 6, Sibaya 6, Tshabalala 7, Pienaar 5, Khuboni 5 (Modise 4), Mphela 7, Parker 5 (Nomvethe 6). Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Columbia) 5 Good: Riddance to France. Bad: France's entire campaign. Ugly: Franck Ribery.
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