FIFA have provided a remarkable and bizarre excuse for the embarrassing number of empty seats captured by TV cameras at the World Cup.

While the 2-0 scoreline was hardly dreadful, South Africa suffered two red cards and their error-strewn performance gave much cause for consternation.

NATHAN SALT: Here inside the smallest stadium at the World Cup stood a side harbouring some of the biggest expectations of any nation involved.

FIFA have provided a remarkable and bizarre excuse for the embarrassing number of empty seats captured by TV cameras at the World Cup.

CRAIG HOPE AND JACK GAUGHAN IN KANSAS: Boots belonging to the team's biggest stars were pinched along with official balls and key training equipment.