Match Review & Highlights: France 1 – South Africa 2

June 22nd, 2010 | by: chris | View Comments

This match is part of our series: World Cup 2010 Upsets

Easily one of the most enthralling games at the World Cup thus far ended in the hosts making history, only not the type of history they’ll appreciate: South Africa are the first ever host nation to crash out in the groups of the World Cup.

But it certainly wasn’t for a lack of trying. They put on their best shoes and played their hearts out today and gave the world a reason to care – with a little help from Uruguay – for about 70 minutes. They outplayed France even before Yoann Gourcuff netted a debatable red in the aftermath of an elbow and sliced through the defense like a team we hadn’t yet seen. It was an extraordinary game for much of the 90 minutes, but the end result was not to be.

The opening was wonderful, a clear indication of two teams which simply had to win and win big to even had a prayer. It shifted slowly into South Africa’s favor and they got their stunner in the 20th, with Hugo Lloris, one of the few on France escaping criticism, judged a Tshabalala corner poorly and allowed Khumalo a free header into the net.

And the game was turned on its head when Gourcuff was sent off for a high elbow in the South Africa box, which looked harsh until you see his running start. Not exactly the safest play in football history, but certainly debatable.

Within 15mins South Africa would nab their second off a couple of lucky bounces, and with Mexico already down a goal, there was a palpable sense of delirium in the stands.

France made their changes and got one back through a Ribery run and quick hit to an open Malouda with South Africa pressing, and with the mountain of goal differential now up to 3 and fatigue set in, South Africa could do no more. They hit the post once but it wasn’t enough.

For France, it’s a blow but not entirely unexpect – this loss mirrored the rest of their campaign, right down to the end with Raymond Domenech reportedly refusing to shake Carlos Alberto Parreira’s hand. But in the end, it may be best: the complete overhaul which is inevitable just seems all the more necessary and acceptable.

As for the hosts, it will sting but the result and nature of their win will and should be celebrated. They well and truly played for their country on the night and gave everyone a reason to hold their breath for an hour or so. Everything the World Cup should be.

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