Hosts take short ride home, French should be made to walk.

It's the end of the group stages and the hosts stay at home but can put their boots away. They've left the World Cup with pride and have came out with real credit. They've played above themselves certainly in 2 of the 3 games and have so far hosted a superb World Cup.

France had a very varied line-up from the first couple of games, but after their recent conduct I'm surprised Domenach could find 11 players who'd line up for him. they have been a disgrace and deserve nothing more than to be going home. they almost repeated the 2002 trick of not scoring a single goal in the group stages but Malouda at least stopped that happening. France have been a disgrace, a squad in disarray, more mob than team, they could hardly be more French, just a few berets and some onion strings would complete the picture.

South Africa came into today with progression to the next round a real outside possibility, they would need a 4 goal swing for it too happen and hope the Hispanic nations didn't jut play ou a draw. there was a point just after half-time where it looked like the fairytale may just come true, I'm not sure many witch doctors lucky chickens bones would have foretold it, but the dream was very much alive. A goal was ruled out, a few chances went begging, and they hit the post when really they should have scored. Once France scored, really the writing was on the wall and by the end of the game they looked out on their feet. Pienaar played some lovely through balls and definitely added composure to the midfield. Tshabalala was as wonderful as he was against Mexico, his game against Uruguay was one to forget, but today he was superb, played some deft through balls, one of which really should have resulted in a goal, he gave width, pace and some really mature decision making.

I'm sorry their tournament is done but they leave with heads held high, their singing and dancing onto the pitch reminded many of us why we love this game so much. They gave us a wonderful opening goal to the competition and celebration to boot. I'm sorry to lose them but have nothing but praise for Bafana Bafana.

Uruguay and Mexico had a game that could easily have been played out for a draw to guarantee both a place in the last 16, but fear of facing Diego's Argentina as runners-up seemed to spur them on. Mexico met Argentina in the knockout phase in Germany 06 and provided one of the games of the competition but at the cost of progression. Mexico play some wonderful football and Giovanni seems to be coming into his own. Blanco is willing his body to catch up with his mind but he adds real composure and leadership. Hernandez could well be a steal for United at £7.5m judging performances so far. Uruguay stuttered against France, made the most of a off form South africa and played with enough guile and strength to overcome the Mexicans. A clash with South Korea in the next phase won't be too daunting for them, and with Forlan pulling the strings like a blonde Gepetto they should be in the last 8.

Iteems unlikely Africa will have a team present in the last 16 which is a real disappointment, but the hosts can be proud, France on the other hand should be made to pay their own expenses for this shambolic display.