Steven Pienaar insists South Africa will keep fighting until their slim hopes of reaching the last 16 of the World Cup are ended.

The host nation suffered a 3-0 defeat to Ururguay on Wednesday evening, which now means they have to beat France if they stand any chance of reaching the knock-out stages.

And although their fate is will out of their hands at this stage, the Everton man is hopeful they will remain contenters in Group A.

"If France v Mexico is a draw then everything can turn around," said Pienaar.

"For us it will be our last group game and we just have to make sure we give our best and make the people happy.

"We just have to wait and see how the other game goes and hopefully we can play a ‘cup final’ against France."

Diego Forlan scored twice for Ururguay in their win, including an deflected 30-yard opening strike, while the match also saw South Africa's goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune receive a red card, and Pienaar a caution.

"The goal definitely took us by surprise, because there were no chances in the game and the first goal came from a long-range shot, continued Pienaar.

"There were some decisions that were made that weren't that good, but we're all human beings and we all make mistakes so its part of the game.”