France vs. Mexico in World Cup South Africa 2010
France, the former World and European champions were less than convincing in their opening match of the World Cup in South Africa 2010 to say the least. Against a team like Uruguay, the French looked completely out of sorts and short of any game plans. The under fire coach Raymond Dominique got even more stick from the media and fans alike, but still one cannot help but back France to make some sort of an impression in the African safari in South Africa. The French, who were unfortunate to lose the final last time round against Italy on penalty shootouts, they still do have a number of players who can change the game on its head on their day. Their second match against Mexico will be a great opportunity for the team to come together and put up a performance which will silence the critics.
Although they have only played one game so far, and did not manage to score, but the fans may yet be reminded of the nightmare of the 2002 World Cup, when they were the defending champions, and did not manage to score a single goal in the group stages. As a result, they were sent home shamefully after a defeat at the hands of the un-fancied African side Senegal.
France in their first match dominated the possession, but could not produce the killer pass which would unlock the South American’s defence, and the decision to leave out Karim Benzima and Sameer Nasri was once again thrown in the face of the French team coach. Consequently, the team was limited to shots from a distance.
French captain Patrice Evra was relatively happy with his team’s performance and, applauded the opposition rather than criticising his own team, which to a degree was fair. However, it still does not hide the fact that the French were expected to do a lot better.
While the coach was also quite pleased to pick up a point in the first game, and it was evident that he was not bothered after a tame first half, Raymond made no efforts of changing his tactics. But it’s high time the coach changes his approach, as Mexico can be a handful and another low key performance may see them struggling to make it to the next round.
Looking at their opponents, Mexico held their own in the opening match of the World Cup against the hosts South Africa. Although ‘Bafana Bafana’ (South African football team) were no clear favourites against Mexico, but the occasion and the passionate home support meant that the South Americans were playing against more than just 11 players and they certainly did try to spoil the home teams’ party at first. However, the home side managed to edge ahead and a defeat looked on the cards, but it was only fair that Captain Rafael Maques equalised right before the end to share the spoils.
The two teams have met on six different occasions in the World Cup, and France has by far been the dominant side, winning 5 of the 6 while Mexico managed a 1-1 draw in England in 1966.
History may be against the Mexicans, but looking at the talent at hand and proper game plan, they certainly have the ability to knock the French over.
There is a feeling that there will be some big changes in the French team and Andre-Pierre Gignac may be starting in attack. However, realistically there cannot be too many changes from the team which lined up in the first game. What they need is only a good game plan rather than a number of big chances in the starting 11. Florent Malouda is also the one expected to be included, while Yoann Gourcuff may be the man making the way for him.
William Gallas has not been part of the training and remains doubt. While Mexico boss Javier Aguirre does not have too many headaches when it comes to team selection, although his team could not unlock South Africa’s defence more often. However, his team is expected to have a better plan for the French. The attack is lead by Javier Hernandez who has expressed his desire to play more game time, but according to the manager, Javier will have to wait for the right time.
France, who are certainly on paper as the favourites to win the World Cup in South Africa are by far the better side of the two. The ‘Les Bleus’ were quite toothless against Uruguay, but they should be able to overcome Mexico, only if they bring their A game to the field.
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