Uruguay outclassed South Africa, achieving a comfortable victory. They dominated proceedings and despite the fervent home support Forlan was able to score a long range effort (with the help of a Mokoena deflection) and powered home a penalty after Khune was adjudged to have brought Suarez down with a trailing left foot (and was sent off for his troubles). The third, headed in by Pereira, put the icing on the cake but it was little more than Uruguay deserved. Forlan was the most impressive throughout, and alongside a very dangerous Suarez they have a strikeforce to be feared. South Africa made too many mistakes both on defence and attack. Mexico 2-0 France
For the most part the game was a closely fought affair although France never looked like breaking the deadlock. The opening third saw an entertaining end-to-end encounter in which France found it difficult to create many clearcut chances, while Mexico's attacking trio, as well as the marauding Salcido came close on a number of occasions. As the match continued a pattern emerged of plenty of unrealised industry from the French and swift dangerous counter attacking from the Mexicans.
The breakthrough finally came when Marquez played a delightful long ball for Hernandez to collect, round Lloris and slide home. Hernandez was on in place of the injured Vela which to my mind was no bad thing. Whilst Vela showed talent and skill I still maintain he misses too many goals! With Mexico in the lead French attacks became even more inert and non-threatening. The win was sealed when 37 year old Blanco scored from the spot after Barrera was felled leaving France needing a minor miracle to qualify.
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