JOHANNESBURG - South Africa went out with heads high on Tuesday, despite being the only hosts ever to exit the World Cup's first round, but France headed home in shame and Latin American giants Argentina cruised into the second round.
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 France's Alou Diarra (R) walks past head coach Raymond Domenech during the 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match against South Africa at Free State stadium in Bloemfontein June 22, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] |
Nigeria, one of Africa's few remaining hopes in the first World Cup on the continent, were eliminated after a 2-2 draw with South Korea. The Asian side qualified as second in Group B.
 South Korea Lee Jung-soo (L) shoots to score past Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama during a 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban June 22, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] |
In a tournament dominated by Latin America, Argentina maintained a perfect record, scoring two late goals to eliminate a defensive Greek side and topped that group.
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 Argentina's Martin Palermo (R) celebrates with coach Diego Maradona after scoring against Greece during a 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane June 22, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] |
They join Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico in the second round.
While France go home and South Africa bow out of their own party, Uruguay headed Group A after a tight 1-0 win over Mexico who went through on goal difference over the hosts.
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 Uruguay's Luis Suarez celebrates scoring a goal during a 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match against Mexico at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg June 22, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]
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Former champions France came bottom of Group A, in their most wretched tournament result.
South Africa's unwanted record as the first hosts to exit in the group stage, was tempered by an uplifting final performance from Bafana Bafana (The Boys) that left their vuvuzela-blowing fans smiling in Bloemfontein's Free State stadium.
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 South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala (R) takes a shot at goal next to France's Bacary Sagna (C) and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during the 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match at Free State stadium in Bloemfontein June 22, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] |
Playing their best game, Bafana scored twice in the first half before France got a consolation goal despite being down to 10 men for most of the match.
"I am proud of the boys. They made this country proud. They proved their good progression," South Africa's Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said, close to tears.
"It's something that brings back people's morale. It restores patriotism," said Katiya Mongezi, 32, a trainee pilot celebrating in Johannesburg. "We might have lost the game but we're still winning because we're hosting the World Cup."
