South Africa 2 France 1: Domenech's France pay ultimate penalty for farcical campaign

Goals from Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela gave South Africa a 2-1 victory in the Group A game at the Free State Stadium although they, too, are out of the tournament.

After stripping Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra of the captaincy – the result of the squad boycotting a training session – Domenech, pictured, saw his side reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off.

Although Florent Malouda stepped off the bench to pull a goal back in the second half, France return to Paris today.

Domenech, who embraced his players at the end, said: "The over-riding emotion is one of sadness. We would have liked the dream to have continued.

"I shook hands with the players because we have been through some difficult times together. We need to be dignified in victory and defeat. Our goal showed we had taken a step forward.

"I have had a splendid adventure for the last six years, good times and bad times. It is impossible to summarise at the moment what has happened.

"I cannot analyse things yet. I am not concerned about myself only the French team and its future."

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is about to take over to try to revive France's fortunes and stop the team imploding.

Domenech added: "Good luck to my successor and the French team. I wish them all the best. I will be their number one fan."

It is also the end of the road for opposite number and veteran Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira with the governing body about to appoint a South African coach.

While Parreira was proud of the team even though they are the first host nation to exit the first round, he was baffled at Domenech's refusal to shake his hand.

Parreira said: "I was very polite at the end of the game but he claimed I had offended him. I cannot for the life of me understand why.

"One of his assistants said I had commented on Thierry Henry's handball (in the qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland) and that France should not be in the finals. But I do not recall making these remarks."

South Africa were only eliminated on goal difference and Parreira added:" If we had some luck we would be in the last 16.

"We could have scored more goals but this is not failure, only disappointment. I have to thanks the players for their work and commitment in the last seven months. What they have done is unbelievable."

France's goal-scorer Malouda said sorry to the fans for the events which undermined their campaign.

The Chelsea striker told French television: "Our behaviour wasn't exemplary. I want to apologise to the fans on behalf of the players."

Uruguay finished top of the group after a 1-0 victory over Mexico in Rustenburg.

Despite the loss, the Mexicans finished in second place and progressed on goal difference.