It was always going to take something special for South Africa to go through today and they tried, even Uruguay did what they had to do to help, but South Africa just didn't do enough, despite beating France and finishing on the same points as Mexico who do go through.

All the tools were given to them, France were even reduced to ten men when Yoan Gourcuff was sent off in the 26th minute for a dangerous challenge on MacBeth Sibaya and while they managed to score against ten men, they also let one in too.

Nobody is to blame and instead of looking to blame someone, South Africa should be proud of what they have achieved. I write that because I have a feeling one or two people are going to come out trying to make sense of why South Africa didn't make it and the coach is going to get the blame and the simple truth is, South Africa are not ready.

There also isn't one specific reason - the football that South Africa have tried to play is the right football, they have just lacked a little bit of quality and experience and those things will now hopefully come.

The Goals

The first goal came in the 21st minute when a corner was crossed in, the keeper flapped and Bongani Khumalo jumped higher than anyone. He headed in against eleven men and South Africa were leading.

Just five minutes later Yoan Gourcuff is sent off and ten minutes after that Katlego Mphela finds himself a couple of yards out with the ball at his feet - he only has to shoot to score. He does and he does. 2-0 and even I am starting to believe it is possible.

Half time was approaching and Uruguay only go and score in the other game - helping out South Africa. I'm not just starting to believe, I've got down on my knees and I'm praying.

South Africa came out for the second half full of zip but they just seemed to lack something, I'm not sure what it was, but they kept going forward and they didn't give up.

But, it wasn't to be and France got a goal back, effectively making it near impossible for South Africa to get through. Bacary Sagna plays in Franck Ribery on the right, who crosses for Florent Malouda who has an empty goal to shoot into. Two-one.

So, France go home with their heads held low and if they're not, they should be - it was embarrassing to watch grown men act the way they did during this tournament. As for Bafana Bafana - hold your heads high boys.

Final Group A Table

Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
Uruguay	3	2	1	0	4	7
Mexico	3	1	1	1	1	4
South Africa	3	1	1	1	-2	4
France	3	0	1	2	-3	1