France vs. Uruguay: A Preview
The D-Day has arrived for two former champions, as they kick-off their campaign in the 19th Football World Cup in South Africa later today.
In the Group A tier, comprising of South Africa, Mexico, France and Uruguay, the latter two are past champions and have won three trophies between them.
Both remain determined, and look forward to garnering maximum points from the game that is set to provide enthralling action at Cape Town.
The French side, that won the World Cup in 1998, has been anything but impressive in the lead-up to the tournament.
They were the losing finalists in the 2006 edition, and only owe their presence in South Africa to a controversial playoff win over Ireland, featuring Thierry Henry's infamous handball.
Yet in true champions’ spirit, the team that slumped to an embarrassing 1-0 defeat against China in their final warm-up game, is charged up for the game against Uruguay and their danger man, Atlético Madrid’s Diego Forlán.
The coach of the team, Raymond Domenech, sounded a warning to his opponents. "I feel they are determined, even a bit aggressive and very impatient," the 58-year-old said in a packed news conference at Cape Town's Green Point stadium, the venue for the match.
Domenech’s team has been written off by many experts of the game, including some French critics.
In the build-up to the tournament, he has experimented big time, leaving the talismanic Henry on the bench and handing over the armband to Patrice Evra.
Left-back Evra, who was flanked by his coach at the press conference, claimed that he was raring to go. "I have confidence in myself and my quality, and that's what makes the difference - it's very much with my mentality that I built my career," he said.
In the 2002 edition of the World Cup held in South Korea and Japan, the French side was held to a 0-0 draw by the Uruguayans; both teams exited the first round of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Uruguay squad is also fully focused, and is not willing to give an inch to their European rivals.
The team would be relying heavily on Diego Forlán, who has transformed himself into a potent force ably supported by strike partner Luis Suarez.
Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez elaborated on his plans of tackling the mighty French at a news conference at the venue of his team’s opening match.
Just like Domenech, Tabarez was raring to go. "It's the most important not only because it's the first game, but because of the tradition France has in football and the great organisation in the selection of national selection. We're very motivated to confront them," he said.
The South Americans went through a light training session, with the influential Forlán looking impressive after recovering from an injury to his thigh earlier in the week.
The 31 year old has returned to the World Cup after eight years, and he returns to the tournament with his reputation established as one of the game's great finishers.
He played an instrumental role in leading Atlético Madrid to their Europa League triumph.
"Diego is a great footballer, he's terrific and he's here in tip top shape," Tabarez said. "He's really matured in his football and his personality. He has acquired a real presence in the squad and has real leadership now."
On the other hand, the team is also relying on the speed and agility of Suarez, the 23-year-old who has been on fire for Ajax Amsterdam.
"Suarez was a notable talent as a young player in Uruguay but he used to be criticised for losing possession and trying too many things," Tabarez said. "I don't have anyone else with the potential of Luis Suarez. I think we can turn this potential into reality in this World Cup."
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