France exited the World Cup at the first-round stage with barely a whimper after a humbling 2-1 defeat by host nation South Africa in a Group A clash at the Free State Stadium.

South Africa, who also failed to make it through to the second round, took advantage with Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela both finding the target in the first half, although Florent Malouda stepped off the bench to pull a goal back for France.

On a day of drama Raymond Domenech stripped Patrice Evra of the captaincy and handed the armband to Alou Diarra instead. Then the coach saw his side reduced to 10 men after 26 minutes when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off.