Abhay Puri zooms in on the player performances in South Africa's 2-1 win over Les Bleus.
FRANCE
Describing this French performance as pathetic would be an understatement. Other than their goalkeeper, most of the side looked out of sorts, resigned to going home early, and clearly affected by the chaos in the camp that had spilled over before the game. Domenech's reign is over, and I'm sure a majority of the French population will have harsh words for him (as did a certain Nicolas Anelka).
Hugo Lloris - 8
The only French player who seemed to care about the result of this game, Lloris was tentative in coming out to deal with the cross that led to the first South African goal, but after that was resolute at the back, and made a fair number of excellent saves to somehow keep his side in the game.
Bacary Sagna - 4.5
Was poor at the back, and looked out of sorts, beaten easily by Tshabalala and Masilela on a number of occasions.
William Gallas - 3.5
The less said about his performance, the better. Clearly not at his best. Or anywhere near.
Sebastien Squillaci - 5
Did an okay job and tried to cover for Gallas a few times, but provided no solidity either.
Gael Clichy - 4.5
Was torn to shreds by Pienaar and Mphela on the right, and while he made some good runs going forward, showed again that his defensive covering and positioning need a lot of work.
Alou Diarra (off 80') - 6
Tried hard, and played a wonderful pass to set up France's goal, but could not control the midfield at all.
Abou Diaby - 3
The Arsenal man had a terrible day at the office, first miscuing a clearance to set up South Africa's second goal, and then misplacing so many passes that you had to wonder what team he was playing for. Also picked up a yellow card.
Yoann Gourcuff - 5
Was fairly unlucky to get a straight red for what did not seem like an intentional foul.
Franck Ribery - 5
Made a few decent runs, but was far too selfish and underwhelming all night, with his only redeeming moment being his part in the French goal.
Andre-Pierre Gignac (off 45') - 5
Caught the eye with a couple of decent runs but was not much of a threat, and taken off at the half.
Djibril Cisse (off 55') - 5
Had a decent shot at goal, but otherwise kept quiet far too easily by the South African back line.
Substitutes
Florent Malouda (on 45') - 6.5
One of the few French players who made an impression with a couple of good runs and took his chance for the goal.
Thierry Henry (on 55') - 4.5
Again demonstrated that he is well past his best, and his handball (again!) was the low point in an anonymous display.
Sidney Govou (on 80') - 3.5
Barely got a touch, just like in the past two games, which he mystifyingly started.
SOUTH AFRICA
The heart really wanted the hosts to go through - they tried hard and looked spirited and determined, but just lacked that cutting edge that is required at this level, and were unable to capitalize on a truly and absolutely lacklustre French performance.
Moeneeb Josephs - 7
Made one excellent save in the first half, but could not do much about the French goal. Other than that he was not called upon much.
Anele Ngconga (off 56' ) - 7
Was carried off with an injury but did a good job at right-back, easily able to deal with Ribery as long as he was on the pitch.
Bongani Khumalo - 7.5
Took his goal well, and was solid at the back, clearing away every French cross.
Aaron Mokoena - 6
His positioning was poor when the French goal was conceded, but otherwise had a decent game.
Tsepo Masilela - 6.5
Made some good runs down the left and defended capably.
MacBeth Sibaya - 6
Was able to feed the other midfielders and win the ball back fairly well.
Thanduyise Khuboni (off 75') - 6
Did a good job in the holding role after a shaky first few minutes.
Steven Pienaar - 7
Made a lot of promising runs and created a few chances, but arguably should have done more.
Siphiwe Tshabalala - 7.5
His cross and set piece delivery was generally very good, and he played his heart out going for more goals, though he should have scored that sitter at the end of the game.
Katlego Mphela - 7
Was a constant threat to the French goal, aided by some laughable defending, but really should have scored at least one or two more to give Bafana Bafana a chance of progression.
Bernard Parker (off 64') - 6.5
Worked tirelessly but lacked a good finishing touch.
Substitutes
Sibonise Gaxa (on 56') - 6
Did well after being called upon, though he did not have to get involved very much as South Africa attacked for most of the second half.
Siyabonga Nomvethe (on 64') - 7.5
Made some great runs through the French defence, thanks in part to the fact that the French weren't really defending, but couldn't find a goal.
Teko Modise (on 75') - 6
Had a couple of decent shots but nothing to write home about.