South Africa left the tournament early as many predicted but they left it gloriously. Two goals to the good against a demoralised French side reduced to 10 men it appeared Bafana Bafana had a real chance of going through on goal difference. But then in a rare moment of cohesion, Franck Ribery burst through and his cross for Florent Malouda snuffed out thoughts of the 4-0 win that would have seen South Africa through. Had Katlego Mphela taken all the chances that fell his way, he might have had a hat-trick instead of just the one goal. Nevertheless, the hosts exited with their heads held high while France slunk home to Paris with seats booked in economy.