France face Mexico in their second group match, desperately needing a win to change their fortune at the 2010 World Cup. A win will not only increase their chances to qualify for the last 16, but will also provide a morale booster to a team that showed lackluster performance in their last outing against Uruguay.
France has achieved the feat of reaching two finals in the previous three World Cups. They won their first World Cup in 1998, when they defeated Brazil in their home soil. The 2002 World Cup was sheer disappointment for the French public as Les Bleus were eliminated in the first round without scoring any goal. But in the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, they regained their lost glory, when under current coach Raymond Domenech and steered by Zidane they reached the final once again only to lose to Italy in penalty shootouts in Berlin.
But their performance in the first match against Uruguay in Cape Town was far from convincing. They could not grind a single goal against a 10-man Uruguay. Their performance has brought Domenech under a fresh wave of attack from the French press. Making things from bad to worse, recent downpours have transformed their training pitch into a quagmire at the five-star resort in Western Cape. After the refusal of Denmark to give permission to Domenech to use their facilities, France would be heading to their crucial second match with below par match preparation.
With a victory over Mexico, they will have more than a certain chance to qualify for the second round when they face hosts South Africa on June 22 in Bloemfontein. On the other hand, a loss would greatly diminish their chances to make it to the last 16. They would then need to overcome South Africa in a “do or die” match for both countries. Apparently, the French team in unperturbed by the events surrounding them. Defender Eric Abidal is composed regarding problems faced by Les Bleus. Talking to the media, the Barcelona player said, “We have to play for a win against Mexico and nothing less.”
He believes that there is nothing to worry as a slow World Cup start is common for big teams. According to him, France started the 2006 World Cup in similar fashion, but gained momentum as the tournament progressed. They defeated Brazil and Spain in their way to the final in Berlin. He said, “We have to step up a gear and make it out of the first round.”
Abidal is hoping his team will react to criticism by showing an enthralling performance at Peter Mokaba Stadium, one of five purpose built World Cup stadiums. On the other hand, FIFA has turned down a request from French management to replace their injured goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso. Carrasso tore down his left hamstring during training on Monday. FFF (French Football Federation) requested FIFA to replace the injured goalkeeper, but FIFA rejected the request as players are not allowed to be replaced once a tournament starts.
Meanwhile, Mexico is confident that they will overcome France to come out as real contenders for the World Cup. Mexican midfielder Andres Guardado, whose precise cross created an equalizing goal for them against Bafana Bafana in the World Cup opener, believes that Mexico can be the ‘revelation’ of the tournament. He said, “There are always lots of surprises in football and though no one probably gives us a chance of getting through to the next round or the quarter-finals, we remain confident.”
Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Guardado has brushed aside the media underestimation of the French team. He said, “How can you underestimate a team that boasts players like Gourcuff, Ribery and Gallas and reached two of the last three World Cup finals.”
It will be interesting to see whether France under Domenech comes out of the pressure to show their true credentials to the world. Domenech, who will be replaced by Laurent Blanc after the World Cup, has nothing to lose going in this World Cup, but for France it is their prestige in football that is at stake.
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