Uruguay leads South Africa 1-0 at halftime after Diego Forlan scores with long-range strike

Uruguay leads South Africa 1-0 at halftime

PRETORIA, South Africa — Uruguay leads South Africa 1-0 at halftime of their Group A match at the World Cup on Wednesday after Diego Forlan scored with a deflected long-range strike.

The striker’s shot from 25 yards clipped South Africa defender Aaron Mokoena before dipping over goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and under the crossbar in the 24th minute at Loftus Versfeld.

South Africa created few chances, with Siphiwe Tsabalala reduced to shooting from long range. The team’s best opportunity came in the 41st minute when Katlego Mphela headed wide.

South Africa playmaker Steven Pienaar picked up a yellow card in the sixth minute when Bafana Bafana were on the defensive. Pienaar was penalized for blocking Forlan’s free kick with his arm.