In the World Cup Football, a courageous South Africa and a disgraced France went out of the tournament on Tuesday after the hosts beat the 2006-Runners up 2-1 in their final Group A match. Uruguay and Mexico from Group A, and Argentina and South Korea from Group B, advanced to the second round.

At Bloemfontein, the victory with two first-half goals, was not enough for South Africa to progress. They became the first host nation to go out of the World Cup in the first round since the tournament began in 1930.

But the Bafana Bafana departed with their heads held high and with the adoration of their fans undiminished. France, the 1998 champions, suffered the ignominy of coming last in the group with one point. France's stuttering performance followed a players' revolt against coach Raymond Domenech which saw striker Nicolas Anelka sent home and captain Patrice Evra omitted from the team.

Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other game at Rustenburg, to finish on seven points. The Mexicans edged out South Africa on goal difference after both teams finished on four points.

In the Group B fixture in Polokwane, Lionel Messi marked his first match as Argentina captain with a win as they beat an ultra-defensive Greece 2-0. Messi became Argentina's youngest World Cup captain, two days short of this 23rd birthday. Argentina finished at the top of the group with an unbeaten record collecting nine points.

At Durban, South Korea drew 2-2 with Nigeria. South Korea finished second in the group with four points and progressed to the second round of the World Cup for only the second time in eight attempts. Greece made their exit with three points. Nigeria were eliminated without a victory.

In the Second round, Argentina will play Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Sunday. South Korea will play Uruguay on Saturday in Port Elizabeth.