The second round of games in the 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage started on a low for all African enthusiasts as Nigeria and South Africa suffered defeats. Greece edged Nigeria 2-1 while South Africa were well beaten, 3-0, by Uruguay.

Greece came from behind to beat Nigeria at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Nigeria had a flying start to the game and took the lead in the 16th minute. Kalu Uche’s swinging free kick went over all the Greek defenders’ heads and left the goalkeeper wrong footed as it went straight into the net. 

For a moment, it appeared as if Nigeria would be heading for a comfortable win but a moment of madness by Sani Kieta turned the game on its head. Kieta needlessly kicked out at a Greece player after a minor tussle and the referee had no choice but to show him a red card.

Facing a team one man down, Greece became adventurous and began attacking more boldly. In the 44th minute, Greece made history by scoring their first World Cup goal in five attempts. A stray shot by Katsuoranis clipped the heel of Dimitris Salpingidis and ballooned over Nigerian goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, into the net.

Further glory for Greece was still to come in the 71st minute as they got a goal that gave them their first win at the World Cup finals. Enyeama, who had been outstanding for most of the match and had put up a star performance against Argentina, was the villain. The goalkeeper failed to gather a speculative long range shot and the ball wandered dangerously in the six yard box before Vasilis Torosidis pounced on it to score an easy goal.

Nigeria did try to launch a come back, but with ten men, it was always going to be hard. In the end it was a historic victory for Greece. Though it was too close for comfort, the win puts them in a good position to fight for qualification in the last group game against Argentina.

On Wednesday, Bafana Bafana’s hope for qualifying into the knockout round was dealt a major blow as they were soundly demolished by Uruguay. Inspired by former Manchester United striker, Diego Forlan, Uruguay took the lead after 24 minutes. Out of nothing, Forlan unleashed a savage 25-yard shot that deflected off a defender, flew over South African goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, and then dipped into the net. 

Things moved from bad to worse for the African side in the 76th minute when Khune was sent off for bringing down a Uruguay player. The resulting penalty was converted by Forlan as the Sevila striker continued to torture the South Africa.

The last nail in South Africa’s coffin was hammered in the 93rd minute. A superb move, which was started by Forlan, resulted in Alvaro Pereira firing the ball into the empty net from just six yards. It was cruel for South Africa but entirely deserved for Uruguay who had put up a spirited performance.

No host nation has ever exited the World Cup in the first round but the result has left South Africa lingering dangerously down that path.