After a sparkling opening ceremony in Soccer City,to welcome the world cup to South Africa, the football started with the opening match in group A between hosts South Africa and Mexico.

In an entertaining but often scrappy game, South Africa took a 1-0 lead before Mexico managed to level the scores midway through the second half. South Africa managed to hit the post in the last minutes but the game ended in a draw.

Result....South Africa 1 Mexico 1

The second match of the day, in Cape Town, was between Uruguay and one of most fancied teams - France.

France could only manage a 0-0 draw against Uruguay.

Result....France 0 Uruguay 0

Diego Forlan produced the best individual performance of the world cup so far with an outstading display against host South Africa. A stunning goal from a long shot in the first half and a penalty in the second gave Forlan a brace as the hosts stuggled to keep up with the difference in class between the teams.

Result....South Africa 0 Uruguay 3

One of the biggest shocks of the world cup so far took place when Mexico beat France for the first time ever in senior competition.

France will be going home if Mexico and Uruguay draw in their final fixture after the Mexican's fluid and enterprising performance.

Result....France 0 v 2 Mexico

South Africa become the first host nation to be knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages after thier final match against France. However the South African team put in an excellent performance against a dispirited French team and led by two goals to nil at half time.

The French, having suffered revolt in their camp prior to the match, looked like a defeated team even before the match kicked off and the sending off of Gourcuff after 25 minutes certainly didn't help their cause. A second half goal from Maluda (their only goal in the competition) was their only bright spot.

Result....South Africa 2 v 1 France

In the other match Uruguay and Mexico only needed to draw to ensure a safe passage into the second round for both teams. To their credit they played a competitive match with Mexico coming close when the ball hit the bar from distance. However it was Uruguay who had the better of the game and Suarez headed the South American's into the lead just before half time. The result from the other game means that both teams progress to the second round.

Result....Uruguay 1 v Mexico 0