WORLD CUP: South Africa 2, France 1

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BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa, June 22 (UPI) -- Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela each scored goals Tuesday, delivering home-standing South Africa a 2-1 World Cup victory over France.

The win boosted South Africa to 1-1-1 in Group A play but, combined with Tuesday's other group result in which Uruguay defeated Mexico 1-0, wasn't enough to push South Africa into the knockout round.

Uruguay (2-0-1) finished first in Group A. Mexico was 1-1-1 but had a better goal differential than South Africa and so was advanced. France, a pre-tournament favorite that saw much controversy after early on-field disappointments, was sent home with a 0-2-1 mark.

Khumalo put South Africa ahead in the 20th minute. Siphiwe Tshabalala sent a corner kick across the box where Khumalo was able to head the shot past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

France played much of the match down a man after Yoann Gourcuff was sent off in the 25th minute. About 12 minutes later, South Africa made the score 2-0 when Mphela converted a pass from Tsepo Masilela.

France got its first goal of the tournament 70 minutes into its final game. Florent Malouda had a clear shot after good work by Franck Ribery, before Malouda took the ball and drew the attention of South African goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs.