It would be hard to think of any major team that has gone into a World Cup match in such a state of shambles and crisis as France. Having gone on strike and refused to train because of the way Nicolas Anelka was sent home for refusing to apologise for his outburst at Raymond Domenech at half time during the 2-0 defeat by Mexico, France seem a team in total chaos. The contempt for their own manager seems palpable, they have been condemned by the French Football Federation and now they have their survival in the World Cup to think about.

All this should be hugely encouraging for the hosts but they do not seem in much better shape with reports of a lack of confidence in manager, Carlos Alberto Parreira and a split between the players from Natal like Siyabonga Nomvethe and those from Soweto such as Siphiwe Tshabalaba. The hosts should back themselves to go through but they have written themselves off so completely you wonder if they really have the belief to do it.

It is possible to imagine a disintegrating France side which has lost all respect for its manager and federation producing something extraordinary in the Free State Stadium. But when Franck Ribery is forced to issue a statement that he did not punch a team mate on the official flight you wonder what kind of team this is. South Africa, needing a big win to have a hope of qualification, could not have asked for better opponents. However, they have their own divisions and against Uruguay they looked an outclassed, beaten team. Verdict: Draw.