World Cup: Mexico starts Hector Moreno over Paul Aguilar

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Mexico Coach Javier Aguirre made one change to his lineup for Thursday’s crucial game with France, replacing playmaking defender Paul Aguilar with the more defense-minded Hector Moreno, who will primarily be charged with marking French star forward Florent Malouda.

That means World Cup veteran Oscar Perez is back in goal with Javier Hernanez and Andres Guardado once again on the bench.

For the French, in addition to Malouda’s expected return to the starting 11 at left wing, Coach Raymond Domenech has changed his formation after the team’s lackluster 0-0 draw against Uruguay last week, switching to a 4-2-3-1 lineup with Franck Ribery in the playmaker role behind striker Nicolas Anelka.

The starting lineups:

Mexico

GK - Oscar Perez

D - Francisco Javier Rodriguez

D - Carlos Salcido

D - Rafael Marquez

D - Ricardo Osorio

MF - Efrain Juarez

MF - Hector Moreno

MF - Giovani Dos Santos

MF - Gerardo Torrado

F - Guillermo Franco

F - Carlos Vela

France

GK - Hugo Lloris

D - Bacary Sagna

D - Eric Abidal

D - William Gallas

D - Patrice Evra

MF - Franck Ribery

MF - Sidney Govou

MF - Jeremy Toulalan

F - Florent Malouda

F - Abou Diaby

F - Nicolas Anelka

-- Kevin Baxter in Johannesburg, South Africa