World Cup - Group A decided

France a mess, Hosts out despite win, Uruguay and Mexico advance

Host nation South Africa restored some pride and piled more misery on France by beating them 2-1 in the final Group A Game. A draw would have been enough for Uruguay and Mexico to both advance, but in a keenly contested match, Uruguay won 1-0, securing top spot in the group and avoiding Argentina in the next round.

South Africa are the first host nation not to progress past the group stages, but they restored a huge amount of pride by beating the runners-up four years ago 2-1. The goals from Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela gave their supporters hope they could pull off the impossible, but when they chased the goals they needed to overtake Mexico, France gained a consolation goal from Malouda.

The French farce has been highly entertaining for the rest of the world, but especially the Irish. Watching them implode has led to "Karma is a bitch" being the most popular Tweet of the week! First they send home Anelka, then the players refuse to train, and then in today's game Domenech leaves captain Patrice Evra on the bench, and watches as Gourcuff got sent off for leading with the elbow. A man and two goals down with just half an hour gone - it is embarrassing for a nation as proud as France.

Uruguay are the surprise winners of Group A - they beat Mexico thanks to Luis Suarez header in the first half. Despite predictions that they may play out a draw, both sides went for it with the prize of avoiding Argentina. And in the end both sides could celebrate at the final whistle.

World Cup Day Seven

France need a miracle

Mexico beat France 2-0, leaving Raymond Domenech's men with just one point heading into the final group games. Mexico look on course to progress along with Uruguay - they both need just a draw when they meet each other next week. But France must hope there is a result in that match, and that they beat South Africa - or it's another embarrassing exit for the 1998 champions. One of the Mexican goal-scorers Javier Hernandez signed for Manchester United before the tournament - it looks like Alex Ferguson knows what he's doing.

Greece in first ever World Cup win

Their country may be bankrupt, but Greek spirits were lifted by their first ever World Cup win. They came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1. The Africans finished the match with just ten men - midfielder Kaita got a straight red card in the middle of the first half. By then Nigeria were 1-0 up, but the Greeks drew level just before the break. And Torisidos was the hero when he poked home the winner on 71 minutes. What a disappointing tournament for the Nigerians.

Argentina hit their stride

The tournament favourites eased past South Korea with a 4-1 win that was never in doubt. They took the lead on 17 minutes when a Messi free-kick was deflected into the goal. And then Gonzalo Higuan added a hat-trick - the first on 33 minutes, and two in the space of four minutes in the last 15 minutes of the game.