World Cup Group A:Raymond Domenech's tenure as French coach ended in ignominy as South Africa secured a deserved 2-1 victory at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein this afternoon to send the former world champions crashing out of the competition.
The Bafana Bafana supporters dared to dream after going 2-0 up against a hapless French side that started with regular captain Patrice Evra on the bench after his training pitch row over the weekend.
Bogani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela both found the target to set the vuvuzelas into overdrive and France’s day was summed up when playmaker Yoann Gourcuff was sent off for leading with the arm in an aerial challenge on Macbeth Sibaya.
With Uruguay leading against Mexico in Rustenburg, South Africa knew that a few more goals against a dispirited French team could seal their place in the last 16. But Florent Malouda didn’t read the script, scoring after 70 minutes after he came off the bench at the start of the second half.
It was France’s first goal of the competition after 250 minutes, but failed to spark Les Bleus. Needing an improbable three goals to have any chance, the home side pushed forward but failed to add to their tally.
Domenech, who will be replaced by former French great Laurent Blanc, has called on his side to salvage some dignity before the game. And while defeat to South Africa will only add to his dreadful legacy, he saw signs in the game that all is not lost for the future of the side.
"Like everybody we're sad and disappointed even if in that game I saw a bit of what I expected from that team, some heart, generosity and solidarity," he said.
Uruguay finished top of Group A thanks to a goal from Ajax striker Luis Suarez two minutes before the interval.
It means they have avoided South American rivals Argentina in the second round and will take on either South Korea or Greece, who complete their group games this evening.