South Africa v. Uruguay 0-3 16/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group A, Day 6. (17 of 64)


Pereira heading the third.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


Today at Pretoria, in his second game, Forlán moved his team one step closer to the qualification as they beat the hosts with a three-goal advantage. The great moment of the Atlético forward was assured when Khune was sent off. Throughout the match the inexistant team of South Africa showed us their real face after that astonishing game against México. This step gives the Uruguayans the upperhand with a game in hand and knowing the result the Mexicans are pushed to get three points in their next encounter against France. Forlán and his minions face the Mexicans at Rustenburg in the 22nd and that same day the locals will try to beat France in Bloemfontein.



Pienaar can't get too close.
[Photo: EPA via Daily Mail]


Massimo Busacca started the game and immediately the 9.1 surround sound supported by the annoying, ever-present vuvuzelas came into the audience and broadcast. As early as the 8th minute, Suárez and Forlán combined to make a decent opportunity that ended in a wide shot over the bar. In several fronts the Uruguayan team dominated, largely in the flanks where Fucile's prowess was beginning to worry Parreira.

Near the 24th, Forlán got away with the opportunity to score and found the back of Mokoena; the deflected shot impressed more than two in the stadium and gave the lead to the visitors. Immediately afterwards Tavárez commanded the full attack of his forces and in the subsequent minutes Suárez had some decent opportunities, mainly with his shot in the side-netting.



Forlán on the spot.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


It seemed a matter of minutes before Uruguay scored their second; Suárez run riot in his side as he fell in the box after an alleged penalty. South Africa's response was an M'phela header. There was not much of an action in the second part as each side looked carefully for their chances, specially the South Africans. The second of the night was courtesy of Forlán as he converted the penalty kick. The foul that led to the punishment was at times difficult to spot, but the slight contact made by Khune was worth the decision.

With ten minutes to go, Pienaar was subbed to bring the replacement keeper Josephs. Already in injury time, Forlán -the mastermind of the tournament so far- crossed to the wing for Suárez who later set Pererira to have the three-goal advantage. The flaws and lack of efficiency from the Africans showed the true nature of their footballing capabilities: what Mexico barely managed to pull out, the Uruguayans did with comfort and class.