Feuding French flop

Jun 23, 2010 |

Bloemfontein

Hosts South Africa suffered World Cup heartbreak on Tuesday despite a stirring 2-1 win over 10-man France, crashing out of the competition on goal difference.
It means the Bafana Bafana are the first host nation to be knocked out in the first round of a World Cup despite finishing level on points with Group A rivals Mexico.

South Africa took the lead on 20 minutes when Bongani Khumalo rose highest to head in a corner from the left swung in by Siphiwe Tshabalala, sparking scenes of joy among the yellow-clad fans.
The contest was given a dramatic twist midway through the first half when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off for using his elbow against MacBeth Sibaya with beleaguered French coach Raymond Domenech burying his face in his hands. Bafana Bafana doubled their lead on 37 minutes when Katlego Mphela poked the ball past Hugo Lloris. France threw on Florent Malouda for Andre Pierre Gignac in the second half but the momentum was with South Africa.
Malouda scored for France with 70 minutes on the clock but it hardly mattered. To squeeze into the next round, France and South Africa were hoping to win by a big margin.
Domenech left captain Patrice Evra out of the team following a bust-up over expulsion of Nicolas Anelka from the squad. — AFP

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