Group A: Recap

First half drama cooled by Malouda's strike

It wasn't that far off from happening... 

South Africa, needing a 3-0 win over France and a 2-0 Uruguay victory over Mexico to step into the knockout phase, appeared to be well on their way after goals from Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela took Bafana Bafana into the Bloemfontein locker room with a 2-0 lead.

The hosts picked apart a French side left in upheaval after striker Nicolas Anelka's dismissal from the team, the reaction from the squad by refusing to train and also French official's resignation in disgust at the fallout. 

Three hundred miles away in Rustenburg, former Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco captained el Tri but couldn't get his side going as Uruguay's striker Luis Suarez's 43rd minute strike put La Celeste into the interval with a 1-0 lead over Mexico. Needing only a draw to get through, Mexico threatened the South American's goal a few times but couldn't find the back of the net in the first frame.


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