What: France vs. Mexico, Group A, Matchday 2
When: Thursday, June 17, 2:30 pm ET
Where: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
TV: ESPN, Univisión
France and Mexico were both expected to move on from their group without any major problems. But Uruguay and South Africa, respectively, threw a large wrench in their plans, pullin off draws in their group openers. France were unable to mount any sort of threatening offense against Uruguay, settling for a scoreless tie. Mexico, on the other hand, were nearly upset by the hosts in the tournament opener until finding a late equalizer. Now, with Uruguay leading the group with four points, Les Bleus and El Tri square off in a do-or-die match that will likely decide their future.
France
Before the World Cup started, Eric Abidal admitted that he and William Gallas just couldn’t gel in the back. Then, against Uruguay, Les Bleus showed that the entire squad had not gelled.
Former France international Zinedine Zidane told Canal Plus that he saw no teamwork from the French: “They didn't play together and it was more a case of individual efforts.”
WATCH: URUGUAY VS. FRANCE RECAP
The lack of cohesion stems from the internal turmoil plaguing the squad—it was said that some players were upset that Thierry Henry was not in the starting lineup and Gallas was supposedly angered that Patrice Evra was named captain.
Obviously aware of the significance of the Mexico match, head coach Raymond Domenech will reportedly reintroduce Florent Malouda—the Chelsea winger was dropped ahead of Uruguay after arguing with the coach—into the starting line-up.
Mexico
Against South Africa—and as has been the case as of late—El Tri struggled to finish their chances. Head coach Javier Aguirre put his faith on Guillermo Franco and Carlos Vela, but Franco wasted his opportunities and Vela’s goal was ruled offside.
“We had our chances and we squandered them,” said Aguirre. “[We lacked] efficacy. This is about scoring goals.”
WATCH: SOUTH AFRICA VS. MEXICO RECAP
Aguirre will likely make some changes in the lineup ahead of France. Speculations include starting Javier Hernández in place of Franco and Efraín Juárez switching from midfield to right back so that Andrés Guardado can start in the middle. Also, Guillermo Ochoa or Luis Ernesto Míchel may replace Óscar Pérez, who looked quite shaky in goal.
Key Players
France: Yoann Gourcuff. Hailed as Zidane’s heir, Gourcuff has been out of form and had a bad night against Uruguay. Assuming he starts, the midfielder must find a way to communicate with his teammates if France are to succeed.
Mexico: Javier Hernández. The goal-scoring machine found the net 10 times in 11 games for Guadalajara in Mexico’s spring tournament, and has already established himself as El Tri’s future No. 9. Can he work the same magic for Mexico at the World Cup?
Final Analysis
Communication between players isn’t something that can be fixed in a matter of days. Unlike France, Mexico’s players get along pretty well on and off the pitch and that should ultimately prove to be the difference in the match.
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