(CNN)  -- France's tumultuous World Cup campaign ended in dismal fashion on Tuesday as the former world champions were beaten 2-1 by hosts South Africa in their final group game in Bloemfontein. Both South African goals came in the first half while French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff was sent off following a clash with MacBeth Sibaya to deal another early blow to France's slim hopes. France's nightmare ends but South Africa fall short French preparations for the match had been overshadowed by an apparent collapse in relations between coach Raymond Domenech and his players, with captain Patrice Evra left out of the side after apparently clashing with Domenech and other coaching staff and officials.
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France beaten 2-1 by hosts South Africa in Bloemfontein
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France leave out captain Patrice Evra for final group match
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France coach Domenech describes players' strike as "unspeakably stupid"
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Uruguay, Mexico advance to knockout stages
But the real misery was for @placeholder fans who saw their team -- traditionally among the strongest national sides in world football -- become one of the first to be eliminated from the World Cup amid turbulent infighting and allegations of treachery.