We are down to less than two weeks until the start of the World Cup in Brazil and continue our Top 50 World Cup moments – today number 13: Khune Red Breaks SA Hearts.
It was the game that was meant to ensure that Bafana Bafana would play in the second round of the 2010 World Cup, but nobody sent the Uruguayans the memo.
Bafana had drawn 1-1 against Mexico in the first match and euphoria was growing but Uruguay’s game plan worked perfectly on that cold night in Pretoria.
They calmed the game down to minimize the influence of the supporters and scored the opener through a deflected shot by Diego Forlan.
Bafana never really looked threatening, it took 68 minutes for their first proper shot on goal, but they were not out of the game until the 76th minute.
Itumeleng Khune brought down Luis Suarez in the box. The Uruguay star appeared to be offside at the time, but it was Khune who received the red card.
Diego Forlan converted the following penalty and there was no comeback for Bafana into this game. Uruguay scored another goal in the 93rd minute and South Africa was heartbroken.
They would, however, restore some pride after beating France 2-1 in the final group match, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the first ever group stage exit of a World Cup host.
Who knows what would have happened, if Khune hadn’t seen the red card…
Do you remember this World Cup moment? Have your say in the comment section below.
