South Africa 0-1 Uruguay

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Diego Forlan - Uruguay

South Africa endured another disappointing opening half however this time they could not do enough to remain level at the break as a much more confident and high quality Diego Forlan-inspired Uruguayan side controlled the game.

Uruguay had the first chance when Forlan and Luis Suarez linked up however the angle was too tight for the Ajax man and he sliced his effort harmlessly wide. Oscar Tabarez clearly sent his side out to make a more concerted effort to be positive in the knowledge that a win would be a giant step towards the knock-out stages.

South Africa for their part were more wasteful in the opening exchanges with the understandably confident winger Siphiwe Tshabalala guilty of getting a little too carried away with his shooting prowess. Lacking in the fluency they had found as the game against Mexico had wore on, set-pieces offered a chance to endanger the Uruguayan goal however Bafana Bafana failed to capitalise. Suarez gave a glimpse of his ability in tight spaces when he turned on a sixpence to outfox Bongani Khumalo before unleashing a stinging shot which stung the palms of Itumeleng Khune in the home goal.

La Celeste took the lead midway through the first half when Diego Forlan smashed the ball past Khune with the aid of a deflection via the upper body of the unfortunate Aaron Mokoena who was desperately trying to close the dangerman down. However Khune had a point when berating his defence for allowing Forlan enough room, given the striker's deadly ability from distance.

Uruguay continued to have the upper hand and Suarez fired into the side-netting from a tight angle. South Africa created few chances but Teko Modise did cross in for Katlego Mphela who nodded wide under not inconsiderable pressure from Diego Godin. At half-time, the South Americans are excellent value for their lead.