It was a day of joy and pain in South Africa, joy for Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina and South Korea, who all advanced to the last 16, but pain for hosts South Africa, who bowed out along with three other sides despite a valiant 2-1 victory over France.
Uruguay claimed first place in Group A after a third successive clean sheet helped secure a 1-0 win over Mexico, who nonetheless pipped South Africa to second place on goal difference.
It brought an unwanted piece of history for Carlos Alberto's men, who became the first host nation to fall in the first round, although at least they went down fighting.
There were further disappointments for African football fans with Nigeria's elimination later in the day following a 2-2 draw with South Korea who progressed along with Argentina after beating Greece 2-0 to claim maximum points in Group B.
Lionel Messi became Argentina's youngest captain at the FIFA World Cup at 22 years, but the night finished with the squad's golden oldie, Martin Palermo, celebrating after becoming his country's oldest scorer on the world stage at 36 years netting their second goal.
Next up for Argentina will be Mexico, their opponent at the last 16 stage four years ago, while Uruguay will face the South Koreans.
Looking at the games coming up tomorrow morning at 2am, England will take on Slovenia and USA will play Algeria.
At 6.30am, Ghana plays Germany and Australia face Serbia.
