Historians of French football did not have to
search too far back in the record books for worrying omens when the
World Cup draw was made. In 2002, when les Bleus
surrendered their crown in such meek fashion, it was a 0-0 draw in
their second game against Uruguay that truly confirmed their fall
from grace.
France do not approach the 2010 finals enjoying the lofty status
of world beaters, though. In fact, having infamously required a
Thierry Henry handball to edge past Republic of Ireland in a
play-off and suffered a defeat in a warm-up game against China's
second string, Raymond Domenech's side look ripe for another early
exit in Group A. With Lassana Diarra absent due to injury, and
Henry exiled to the bench, France are also grappling with an
experimental 4-3-3 formation that is open to exploitation.
In contrast, Uruguay - winners in 1930 and 1950, but competing
in only their second finals since 1990 - appear high in confidence,
with captain Diego Lugano boasting Oscar Tabarez's side are hitting
their best form. Whether that is enough to take advantage of
France's very evident problems remains to be seen.
Uruguay player in focus: Diego Forlan.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man? In recent seasons, Forlan has
proved to be the player for the big occasion and in May scored both
of Atletico Madrid's goals in the Europa League final. Forlan
top-scored for Uruguay in qualification with seven goals and, in
his only match of the 2002 World Cup, netted in a 3-3 draw with
Senegal. The striker has reached double figures in each of his past
six seasons in Spain.
France player in focus: Franck
Ribery.
The Bayern Munich star missed the Champions League final due to
suspension and must be keen to make amends. Ribery was one of the
breakthrough stars of the last World Cup but has seen his
preparations for the current tournament disrupted by a sex scandal,
though he remains a key figure for les Bleus. Raymond
Domenech needs Ribery to flourish in an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation
if the country are to enjoy a trouble-free group stage.
Key battle: Luis Suarez v William
Gallas.
The Uruguay forward is arguably world football's most in-form
player heading into the finals having scored a remarkable 49 goals
for Ajax last season. In Gallas, he faces an opponent who has been
recovering from injury and has yet to prove he can strike up a
productive partnership with Eric Abidal in the heart of Domenech's
defence, but the Frenchman's form at Arsenal was impressive in the
first half of the season.
Stats:
Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan scored 71 goals between them in all
competitions last season. France's five forwards - Thierry Henry,
Sidney Govou, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Djibril Cisse and Nicolas Anelka
- managed just 59.
Odds:
Uruguay (3.50), the draw (3.20), France (2.20) with
Bet365. Uruguay to win to nil is 5.50 and may be
worth a flutter with France looking unconvincing of late.
Prediction:
Uruguay possess some formidable firepower and with France still
adjusting to a new formation and struggling for form, we may have
an early shock on our hands.
