Bafana Bafana or "The Boys" was dealt a crushing blow to their hopes of advancing past the group phase when they were given a footballing lesson by Uruguay. After a confidence-boosting draw against Mexico in which South Africa played well, Parreira's players would not be faulted for thinking they could get at least a draw against Uruguay especially with home support.
South Africa dream came crashing down thanks to an almost perfect performance from Diego Martin Forlan Corazo. A perfect performance would be a hattrick obviously.
A change in tactic after a drab draw against France turned out to be a successful decision. Diego Forlan proved that he has progressed as a player and was simply unstoppable as the deep-lying striker ala Teddy Sheringham. The work rate and willingness to receive the ball makes Forlan an ideal link-up man.
Forlan's work rate in this game was undeniable, he covered 10km of grass, 4.2km while in possession. He was heavily involved in the game with 406 seconds of high activity time. Luis Suarez flourished with Forlan's promptings as he prowled menacingly inside the penalty area.
Suarez had a hand in two of La Celeste's goals. He won the penalty after he was tripped by Itumeleng Khune for Uruguay's second goal. Subsequently he supplied a delicate chip for the third goal.
Steven Pienaar was withdrawn after Khune's red card. However I guess the result was already a foregone conclusion and hence Carlos Alberto Parreira decided to give Pienaar some rest before the crucial final match against France. The Everton man is looking tired and jaded in this tournament thus far. South Africa can only hope that Pienaar's at the top of his game in the final group match which they need to win.
Suarez had a hand in two of La Celeste's goals. He won the penalty after he was tripped by Itumeleng Khune for Uruguay's second goal. Subsequently he supplied a delicate chip for the third goal.
Steven Pienaar was withdrawn after Khune's red card. However I guess the result was already a foregone conclusion and hence Carlos Alberto Parreira decided to give Pienaar some rest before the crucial final match against France. The Everton man is looking tired and jaded in this tournament thus far. South Africa can only hope that Pienaar's at the top of his game in the final group match which they need to win.
Uruguay now has one foot in the knockout phase so long as they avoid a heavy defeat against Mexico. The whole of South Africa will have one eye on the result of the France-Mexico match to know if their national team have any chance of advancing beyond the group phase.
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