Referee: Óscar Ruiz (Colombia)
LINEUPS:
France (451): Lloris, Sagna, Evra, Gallas, Abidal, Toulalon (Malouda 64'), Diaby, Gourcuff, Anelka (Valbuena 89'), Ribery (Clichy 47'), Govou
South Africa (451): Josephs, Gaxa, Musilela, Khumalo, Mokoena, Letshalonyane, Pienaar (Khuboni 62'), Dikgacol (Davids 77'), Mphela, Tshabalala (Booth 69'), Modise
France were rough and ready in this match, desperate as they were to hammer the host nation in order to have a chance of progressing into the second round, but Patrice Evra crossed the line when he picked up two yellow cards just seconds after the start of each half. His red card came after a scoreless first half despite South Africa pushing the attack. Mokoena shot wide and Tshabalala was robbed by a flying Hugo Lloris.
France became resistant with ten men but the dull period ended in the 57th minute on an interception by Kagiego Dikgacol. His clever ball to Gaxa streaking down the wing created some panic at the back for their opponents allowing Tshbalala to score his second of the tournament. Another lean period in the match that was only interrupted by substitutes and another Lloris save, this time on Mphela eventually ended on another South African goal. Dikgacol again getting himself involved, this time his chip across goal was headed down by Mphela for Aaron Mokoena to take his second chance.
France tried to press late in the match and were rewarded too late on a corner kick. Gallas flicked on the delivery at the near post and Yoann Gourcuff powered it past Moneeb Josephs who was installed in this match instead of Khune.
France 1 - 2 South Africa
Goalscorers:
RSA Tshbalala 57'
RSA Mokoena 70'
FRA Gourcuff 88'
Discipline:
FRA Evra 1'
FRA Abidal 39'
RSA Dikgacol 43'
FRA Evra 47' (off)
RSA Tshbalala 68'
Man of the Match:
RSA Katlego Mphela
| GROUP A | ||||||||
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Uruguay | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 9 |
| Mexico | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| South Africa | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 3 |
| France | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
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