World Cup: France vs. Uruguay: Former champions play to a 0-0 draw
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A match between former World Cup champions produced an opening day dud, with France and Uruguay playing out a 0-0 draw today in Cape Town, South Africa.
France winger Franck Ribery and Uruguay striker Diego Forlan showed flashes of their potential, but the fear of losing the opening game stifled offensive tactics for much of the match.
The low point came when Uruguay substitute Nicolas Lodeiro, who came on in the 63rd, was sent off with two yellow cards after a wild challenge on Bacary Sagna in the 81st minute.
In the end, an early goalmouth miss from France forward Sidney Govou and excellent save from Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera left Group A as wide open as possible.
‘We lacked that last bit, the last pass,’ France Coach Raymond Domenech said.
The sellout match at the 64,100-seat Green Point Stadium had little of the thrills and drama of the 1-1 opener between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City, but the result left all four teams tied with one point. But Domenech still saw a difference since the two other teams had scored.
‘The other two have the advantage,’ Domenech said.
South Africa plays Uruguay next on Wednesday, one day before France meets Mexico.
--Associated Press