Why are South Africans celebrating defeat?

I was caught up in the euphoria of the moment on Tuesday night – when South Africa humiliated France.

Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national squad, played a fantastic game and really gave it their all. The guys definitely didn’t go down without a fight.

South Africans were knocked out of the World Cup – but people were partying – dancing, blowing the vuvuzela, singing – showing how proud they were of their men.

And I admit – I found myself partying along with them too.

Then someone from Argentina brought me back to reality. His words were something along the lines of, “I don’t understand people here – how can you celebrate defeat? It’s the World Cup – not a tea party! South Africa is out of the tournament. People should be in tears – not blowing their vuvuzelas.”

The Argentinean had a valid point.

South Africa is out of this World Cup, which they are hosting.

So why are/were people celebrating? It wasn’t enough to beat France, they failed to progress further.

When has second best been the best?

South Africa should have advanced to the second round – anything less is unacceptable.

Maybe I’m wrong.

Perhaps a South African should fill in the blanks for me? Because clearly I’m missing something.