The pressure has started to mount for France after an uninspired scoreless draw in its World Cup opener, a result that may force Raymond Domenech to make changes to his squad for its final two Group A matches.
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Les Bleus could really be feeling the heat if they can’t continue their success against Mexico. Another poor effort Thursday in Polokwane could doom France to a repeat of its recent international flops, but Domenech’s side has never lost to El Tri in six meetings.
France followed its 1998 World Cup title on its home turf by failing to score a goal in South Korea in 2002, and it couldn’t advance beyond the group stage in Euro 2008 after making the 2006 World Cup final. After Friday’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay, memories of those letdowns are quickly re-emerging.
Florent Malouda who has clashed with Domenech in the past, didn’t come in until the 75th minute against Uruguay, three minutes after Thierry Henry hit the pitch. Mexico draw 1-1 with South Africa in their opening match. Mexico will be equally hungry to claim three points after a 1-1 draw with South Africa on Friday, but coach Javier Aguirre isn’t prepared to make wholesale changes. He plans to stick with his three-forward attack, even though that led directly to Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal in the 55th minute prior to Rafael Marquez’s equalizer.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
World Cup 2010 South Africa Mexico vs France
