France 0 Uruguay 0
A ten-man Uruguay held France to a goalless draw in the second fixture of Group A played at the Green Point Stadium, Cape Town. It was a highly one-sided match with France dominating the possesion in the midfield but failing to create oppurtunities as the Uruguayans defended deep in their half with 7 men behind the ball at all times. But, things could have been quite different had Sidney Govou, chosen ahead of Thierry Henry, knocked in Ribery's terrific cross from the left in 7th minute of the game.
Meanwhile, Uruguay chose to hit France on the counterattack and forward Diego Forlan spurned the best opputunity of the game wide of Lloris' goal in the 73rd minute. As the game progressed, Uruguay looked happy to settle for a draw as striker Luis Suarez was substituted for another midfielder. But, soon substitute Nicolas Lodeiro saw himself sent-off for a second bookable offence in a space of 20 mins. France sniffed a late victory, but Henry saw his glancing header just wide of the far post. Les Bleus also had a late penalty shout for a handball but was turned down by the Korean referee as Henry smiled ruefully.
Man of the Match: Jeremy Toulalan
The Frenchman dominated the midfield and read the game very well to cut out the Uruguayan counter-attacks, had the French forwards been more creative France would have won this game.
Official Man of the Match: Diego Forlan
The Atletico Madrid striker was fed off scraps from the Uruguayan midfield but was a constant threat to the French goal as he tried to inspire the Uruguyans to victory.
Lively Start
South Africa 1 Mexico 1
And so, the most awaited tournament in the world gets underway with a lively start. It took a late Mexican goal to deprive the hosts of a victory at Soccer City, Johannesburg.
But, it was Mexico who started the better of the two teams. The Bafana Bafana found themselves all at sea for the first 15mins as Mexico created a host of chances. But, they soon found their feet and came close to scoring towards the end of the half. The first-half ended goalless.
In the second half, South Africa made a single change and opened the scoring on the 55th minnute, as a delightful ball forward found midfielder Simphiwe Tshabalala's run down the left and he finished the move with a great left-foot strike that found the top of the left corner, goal-keeper Oscar Perez couldn't have done much about it.
Soon, the Mexicans were once again testing the South African defence, but the pressure created by the hosts seemed to get to them as they repeatedly failed to get the final ball.
Javier Aguirre then made two more substitutions and got the experienced Cuathemoc Blanco on the field. Mexico soon equalised, as Rafael Marquez found himself at the end of a deep cross and finished it without any errors.
South Africa continued to create clear-cut chances but were unlucky to be denied by the post just before the final whistle. Mphela's clever poke of a long-ball over the top, had the goal-keeper beaten but not the goal. South Africa's failure to convert their chances hurt them as Mexico used their experience to earn a draw.This result gives both the teams a good chance to qualify.
But, it was Mexico who started the better of the two teams. The Bafana Bafana found themselves all at sea for the first 15mins as Mexico created a host of chances. But, they soon found their feet and came close to scoring towards the end of the half. The first-half ended goalless.
In the second half, South Africa made a single change and opened the scoring on the 55th minnute, as a delightful ball forward found midfielder Simphiwe Tshabalala's run down the left and he finished the move with a great left-foot strike that found the top of the left corner, goal-keeper Oscar Perez couldn't have done much about it.
Soon, the Mexicans were once again testing the South African defence, but the pressure created by the hosts seemed to get to them as they repeatedly failed to get the final ball.
Javier Aguirre then made two more substitutions and got the experienced Cuathemoc Blanco on the field. Mexico soon equalised, as Rafael Marquez found himself at the end of a deep cross and finished it without any errors.
South Africa continued to create clear-cut chances but were unlucky to be denied by the post just before the final whistle. Mphela's clever poke of a long-ball over the top, had the goal-keeper beaten but not the goal. South Africa's failure to convert their chances hurt them as Mexico used their experience to earn a draw.This result gives both the teams a good chance to qualify.
Preview
Teams:
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
Matches:
South Africa X Mexico-
Mexico are the clear favourites for this game although South Africa are playing in their country. The current players of Mexico are some of the best they have produced ever. A lot of players like Carlos Vela, Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardardo, Carlos Salcido just to name a few are playing their club football in at some top European clubs. Coach Javier Aguirre has got things sorted out after Mexico were poor under Sven Goran Eriksson. Mexico have played the most number of warm-up games before this World Cup (12-) and they are playing some good passing football.
South Africa have gone 12 games unbeaten under Carlos Alberto Parreira. The manager, who guided Brazil to glory in 1994, will be hoping that South Africa don't become the first host country to be knocked out in the group stage.
Mexico have a team that is tactically stronger and should be able to beat South Africa based on their superiority in terms if skill, strategy and temperament.
Prediction: Mexico 2 South Africa 1
France X Uruguay-
France's recent poor run of form suggests that Uruguay are the favorites to win this game. French coach has dropped some big names like Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri and Patrick Vieira and also introduced a more attacking 4-3-3 system instead of the more preffered 4-2-3-1 just three games before the start of the World Cup. Domenech is also struggling to find a partner to William Gallas at the center of defence. This problem and the injury to Lassana Diarra has found France vulnerable at the back, which could well be exploited by the Urugyuan strikeforce. Uruguay have a strong attacking line-up, with Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan, curently one of the best strikers in one world football, well supported by PSV striker Luis Suarez.
The match may well be a draw or a Uruguayan victory, there seems to be little hope for France at this moment.
Prediciton: France 1 Uruguay 1
