20' RSA Khumalo (1-0)
25' FRA Gourcuff (RC)
37' RSA Mphela (2-0)
70' FRA Malouda (2-1)
71' FRA Diaby (YC)
Another disaster from the France, as they should have blown out, thanks to some botched chances from Bafana Bafana. France will go home in disgrace despite having some of the world's best players.
RSA Verdict: A good showing, very fluid aggressive play. It's hard to say anything though, with the way the French have been playing. Bafana Bafana become the first host nation to not advance from the group stage, despite going out with a bang.
FRA Verdict: Well ,the state of French Sports, especially football is in disarray. Let's just turn our attention to Le Tour de France. Les Blues, who turned more into Les Miserables, were sent packing after picking up only one point.
Man of the Match: Siphiwe Tshabalala (RSA)
Mexico 0-1 Uruguay
43' URU Luis Suarez (0-1)
68' URU Fucile (YC)
77' MEX Hernandez (YC)
86' MEX Castro (YC)
A game Uruguay were very content to draw, though Mexico was not keen on taking any gambles. Uruguay played another game rather defensively, as Mexico was keen on aggressive play. On one of Uruguay's planned attacks however, Diego Forlan's young strike partner Luis Suarez, who had an excellent season in the Eredivisie, netted a classy header from a very good cross.
MEX Verdict: A thoroughly solid game from El Tri, but they were unable to find a breakthrough, in part because of the solid Uruguayan defense. Mexico could make a shock run, since a lot of their players are finding some good form. Mexico will advance to the round of 16 to play Argentina.
URU Verdict: Another defensive showing from El Celeste, becoming the first team in a considerable time to not allow any goals in qualifying, but Uruguay once again showed they have a proficient attack in a strike partnership as good as any in the world, and they are also getting solid play all around. The Group A Winners advance to play South Korea.
Man of the Match: Diego Lugano (URU)
Group A Final Standings (team, pts, gd)
Uruguay 7 (4)
Mexico 4 (1)
South Africa 4 (-2)
France 1 (-3)
Argentina 2-0 Greece
30' Katsouranis (YC)
76' Bolatti (YC)
77' Demichelis (1-0)
86' Palermo (2-0)
A fairly disappointing show from Argentina, but only because it was Argentina. It was a pretty dull match, as are most most games involving the Greeks, who just defend, defend, defend. Once again, Lionel Messi (19 shots, 11 on target) was unable to find the net, but that doesn't mean he's not making some really good runs.
ARG Verdict: A sluggish performance from the South American giants, but Argentina got the job done, and 3 points is 3 points. El Albiceleste won the group and will play Mexico.
GRE Verdict: Another decent turnout from the Greeks, who really turned their play around after their opening match against South Korea. You really have to say that Nigeria's red card in the second match was a gigantic turning point for Greek football, but they will be sent home early after failing to advance from the group stage.
Man of the Match: Martin Demichelis (ARG)
Nigeria 2-2 South Korea
12' Uche (1-0)
37' Ogbuke (YC)
38' Lee J.S. (1-1)
42' Ayila (YC)
49' Park C.Y. (1-2)
68' Kim N.I. (YC)
69' Aiyegbeni (2-2) (pen)
Easily one of the more exciting matches played, both teams were constantly fighting for a place in the next round. Nigeria looked the better team, but couldn't find the back of the net despite countless opportunities.
NIG Verdict: A positive showing in this game, but a disappointing performance overall from the Super Eagles, who more accurately played like Super Turkeys. A lot of it can be attributed from their coach, who instituted a much more defensive style then how Nigeria normally plays.
KOR Verdict: A decent showing, not great, but it was enough to see them through to the next round.
Man of the Match: Kalu Uche (NIG)
Group B Final Standings
Argentina 9 (6)
South Korea 4 (-1)
Greece 3 (-3)
Nigeria 1 (-2)
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