2010 FIFA World Cup: Thanks for Coming South Africa, Day 11 Round-Up

South Africa's 2-1 win over France wasn't enough to get Bafana Bafana out of the first round of the World Cup, but hey, at least they now have a scalp of a former World Champion, after beating an inept Les Bleus to victory. 

However, soldiering on to Round Two was an impressive Uruguay and a never-say-die Mexico side, while in Group B, Argentina beat Greece 2-0 for a group-topping, perfect record. South Korea cried in midfield after securing an emotional 2-2 draw with Nigeria, who rounded out a bad day for the African continent by just missing out on qualification. Greece also went out, but no one's really going to miss them, are they?

1) South Africa (B)

Super performance, great fun going forwards, and playing to a soundtrack of vuvuzelas and manic home support, South Africa jumped to a 2-0 lead before squandering chance after chance to put France away and claim the second qualifying spot ahead for themselves. But there's a nucleus of a good side here—and here's to hoping for another World Cup visit from Bafana Bafana soon, eh?

2) Argentina (B+)

Messi wasn't on great form and the Argentines didn't exactly have their first team out against Greece, but the South Americans played some scintillating football. Speaking of Messi, he must be asking God—or Diego Himself (as he's known in Argentina)—why he hasn't scored yet. He was unlucky yet again today. Despite Maradona's thoughts that the team's defence was "solid", Greece were perhaps unlucky not to take the lead in this encounter, but then, it was all blue. We can't wait to see these guys play Mexico in Round Two.

3) France (F)

A horrible World Cup trip finished off by an embarrassing 2-1 loss to the hosts, France never got out of first gear during the tournament, and got what they deserved. We can think of another country that will get what it deserves if it loses or draws tomorrow  too...next up? The firing for Coach Domenech, if there's any justice in the world. A lifetime ban from the French team for Nicolas Anelka might be good too.

4) Uruguay (B)

Homer Simpson's favourite country aren't playing like Springfieldidiots right now, passing the ball beautifully. Unexpectedly, they kept on attacking Mexico, and won a game that could easily have ended 4-4. Special points go to the team themselves, which is a collection of male models. Girlies! Go Crazy! Next up? South Korea.

5) Greece (D-)

Defensively they stood up okay until the last 10 minutes of the game, when Argentina really started to pile on the pressure. A flukey DiMichaelis goal made it 1-0, and they were unable to stop Messi's rebound fall to substitute Palermo, making it two. Up front, it seemed that ten players had been given leaden feet and Samaras had to do all the running—and he could have given Greece the lead in the first half. However, he didn't, and Greece is on the way home. Next up? Can we suggest a change in tactics for the European Championship charge?

6) South Korea (B-)

Defensive failures aside, South Korea never gave up and we should all be pleased to see them in the second round against Uruguay. It should be a fun spectacle.

7) Nigeria (D-)

'Twas the defending that killed the Nigerians, and that's hardly surprising on evidence of the first two games. Although the Eagles finally put a couple of goals on the scoresheet, it wasn't enough and Korea somewhat hung on. Next up? Find a defensive midfielder who's Nigerian, in the same way as Jack Charlton used to trawl the old First Division finding midfielders who may have had a dog who was Irish.

8) Mexico (B)

Last but not least, are the Mexicans, whose sombrero-wearing, loud, passionate fans could be heard above the eternal ear-rotting buzz of the vuvuzela. Mexico had their chances to equalise/take the lead against Uruguay, but were unlucky. But it's good that a football team that likes to play football is going into Round Two. Next up? A monster match-up against Argentina. Expect goals galore!