Hosts left with uphill task

South Africa ran out against Uruguay singing, a great sight. After seeing Uruguay's opening game and wondering if they'd play that badly again there were a few sneaking suspicions that ZA could get a surprise result against the South Americans. Alas it wasn't to be. Maybe the adrenaline had run out. Uruguay played superb football, Forlan was the standout player of the game and one of the players of the tournament so far. Suarez was annoying but effective and the midfielders in front of Uruguay's back four were superb, never allowing ZA to settle on the ball, never giving them a second. South Africa looked off the pace, took a touch too many, lacked the vision to really extend the Uruguayans. A few times players were open out wide but instead the South African player would turn back inside. Tshabalala was as disappointing here as he was impressive against the Mexicans.

The real shame was seeing the ZA keeper sent off, but there was no other choice after he brought down Suarez in the box. In the end the 3-0 score line was about right, and Forlan was the player that made Uruguay tick, he was ever present as an outlet to his midfield operating right along the line playing in front of the defence but dominating the space left by the ZA midielders.

This leave ZA in a very precarious position, they have to beat France and hope the Mexicans draw all 3 group games. The host nation has never gone out at the group stages before, but barring a small miracle all traditions come to an end at some point.