The dream of so many South Africans ended in an emotionally charged farewell for Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on Tuesday.

SA took advantage of a dispirited France on Tuesday to win 2-1 and restore pride, but it was not enough to see them through to the knockout stages.

France were on Tuesday 90 minutes away from completing their worst ever performance at a major tournament, or restoring their tarnished reputation.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said on Monday he would make sweeping changes for Bafana's final World Cup group clash against France.

Bafana Bafana's chances of advancing in the Soccer World Cup were delivered a blow on Thursday as Mexico beat France 2-0 in Polokwane.

Raymond Domenech must decide whether or not to shuffle his pack for France's Soccer World Cup clash with Mexico on Thursday.

Former world champions France and Uruguay battled their way to a goalless stalemate in a dour match on Friday.

With a derided coach and a grim Euro 2008, France have had it rough since the previous World Cup final, as Florent Malouda admits.

Uruguay will fancy their chances when they meet former world champions France at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium in the second match of the World Cup.

Despite France being plagued by scandal and an unpopular coach, Patrice Evra is going to the Soccer World Cup at the top of his game.