Forlán double undoes hosts

Diego Forlán struck twice and helped make a third for Álvaro Pereira to earn Uruguay a victory against FIFA World Cup hosts South Africa in Pretoria that puts the two-time winners in a strong position to reach the knockout phase from Group A.

Club Atlético de Madrid striker Forlán found the target midway through the first period and converted an 80th-minute penalty after South Africa had goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune sent off. In added time Pereira made it three to leave Uruguay on four points having drawn 0-0 with France last Friday; Bafana Bafana had optimism after sharing the spoils with Mexico in their opener but now need to beat Les Bleus on Tuesday to have a chance of progress.

Forlán broke the deadlock on 24 minutes with a fizzing shot from outside the box that deflected off Aaron Mokoena's shoulder and dipped under the crossbar. Things got worse for South Africa when Khune brought down Luis Suárez in the box; the goalkeeper was sent off and replacement Moeneeb Josephs was beaten by Forlán's penalty. In added time Forlán found Suárez, whose cross was turned in by FC Porto winger Pereira. Khune and Fulham FC midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will be suspended against France, who first take on Mexico on Thursday.