South Africa slumped to a 3-0 loss at the hands of a Diego Forlan-inspired Uruguay in Pretoria and, with one point from two games, the host nation are now facing an early exit from the competition.

Uruguay took a first-half lead through a deflected 25-yard shot from Forlan, who then doubled his side's advantage from the penalty spot 10 minutes from time after an incident which saw home goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune sent off.

Khune looked to have clipped Luis Suarez as the Uruguay striker attempted to round him, and although the South Africa goalkeeper protested his innocence, he was sent for an early bath.

Alvaro Pereira then wrapped up the victory for Uruguay with a third goal in stoppage time.

Following the defeat Parreira launched a scathing attack on Swiss official Busacca for his performance in the match.

When asked if he felt the red card given to Khune was too harsh, Parreira said: "I haven't seen it properly because there were some players in the way, (but) the players are really annoyed, very angry and very disappointed in the referee.

"Myself and everyone else said it was the worst referring performance in this competition so far.

"He was very unfair against our team from the very beginning, the way he acted against our team.

"He was giving fouls that weren't fouls, giving yellows that weren't yelllows and then he left the ground with a smile on his face.

"I hope we don't see his face again in this tournament because he doesn't deserve to be here."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez took a different view on proceedings, though, insisting his side deserved victory.

"In an earlier press conference I said I never talk about the referees, I talk about the circumstances of the game," he said.

"I think there were other instances of penalties that the referee didn't notice, but these are circumstances of the game.

"I certainly can't agree and I even laugh at the suggestion that Uruguay maybe won this game thanks to the referee, because I think we dominated the game throughout.

"But I didn't come to the press conference for that, I'm not here to talk about the referee or discuss my colleague's opinions, but in my view Uruguay won the game deservedly."

Uruguay now have four points from their opening two games after sharing a goalless with France in their first match and look to be within touching distance of a place in the knockout stages.

"We are very happy," said Tabarez.

"As I told my players the history of this game was not written beforehand, we had to write it ourselves during the match and I think the result is very good indeed.

"We've beaten a very good team, who were also in a position to win the match I think it's important to note.

"Nothing has been decided in our group but I think we've taken a very important step forward."

Regarding his side's overall performance at Loftus Versfeld stadium, Tabarez felt they were well worth the win but believes there are still areas to work on.

"I think in the first half we could have done a better job, especially in possession of the ball," he said.

"In the second half, we moved the ball better but I think we could have done more than that.

"(But) I think we dominated the game throughout, SA didn't have any occasions and didn't create any risks for us. They didn't really have a chance at all."

Uruguay currently top Group A, three points ahead of Mexico and France, who meet in Polokwane tomorrow, and also South Africa, who prop up the table following tonight's heavy loss.

In the final round of group matches, South Africa face France and Uruguay take on Mexico.

Bafana Bafana boss Parreira said: "We can't let our heads go down, we have to fight until the end.

"We still have a chance to get four points, France are difficult but it's not impossible to beat them."