What: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Who: France vs Mexico (Group A)
When: Thursday 17th June, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane South Africa
Matter of Finishing
France were far from breathtaking when they battled out a rather uneventful draw against Uruguay in their first match, but they did show they are still a class above the rest in their group. Despite their lack of fluidity, Les Bleus were in control for large portions of the match, with only their finishing deserting them when it was needed the most.
Although their supporters will undoubtedly be disappointed at the bland performance of the 1998 World Cup winners, coach Raymond Domenech will be quietly pleased at the fact that his side were solid in limiting Diego Forlan and the rest of the Uruguay squad to very few chances.
Should France manage to find their groove in attack, or start capitalising on the chances they carve out, victories will come for the defensively solid Les Bleus.
Tightening Up the Back Four
There was plenty of hype surrounding Mexico before their first match against South Africa and it seemed to have an effect on the side’s ability to express themselves on the pitch. El Tri undoubtedly proved their ability to dominate a game, but also exposed their vulnerability at the back.
Javier Aguirre’s side dictated play for large portions of the match, setting up chance after chance, but failing to convert. This eventually cost them, as their susceptibility at the back saw them fall behind against the home side.
Although Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez got Mexico out of jail by equalising in the 79th minute, they will certainly be looking at their frailty in the back as a serious point of improvement. Not only will El Tri find it difficult to dominate France the way they did South Africa, they will also have to cope with the threat posed by the likes of Franck Ribery, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda.
Recent form
France:
Tunisia 1-1 France (30/05; Friendly)
France 0-1 China (04/06; Friendly)
Uruguay 0-0 France (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
Mexico:
Mexico 2-1 Gambia (30/05; Friendly)
Italy 1-2 Mexico (03/06; Friendly)
South Africa 1-1 Mexico (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
Players to watch
France – Franck Ribery: Les Bleus’ best moments in their opening match against Uruguay were produced by the crafty winger. Facing a tougher test in Mexico, the Bayern Munich star’s ability to take on defenders will be very important to France’s chances of managing their first win in the World Cup.
Mexico – Giovani Dos Santos: The 21-year-old has proven to be a real threat in attack for El Tri. And with the controversial exclusion of his brother still in his mind, Giovani Dos Santos has extra motivation to shine on football’s biggest stage. “I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment,” said the talented youngster, showing his hunger to be a vital figure for Mexico.
Match prediction
Defensive frailty aside, Mexico showed they have the quality to impose themselves on their opponents. Although they will unlikely be able to dominate France the way they did South Africa, El Tri will probably be more fluid in attack, with a better shot at finishing off their chances. Les Bleus will certainly still posses a threat with their spectacular players, but Mexico will be more prepared in this match, and will snatch a 1-0 victory.
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