v
Mexico
Group A, 18:30 GMT, June 17, 2010
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
Team Stat Comparison
Competition Stats
France player in focus: Florent Malouda. The Chelsea winger was a surprise omission from the starting XI to face Uruguay and France missed his energy and invention down the left. Malouda has dismissed reports that he had a bust-up with Raymond Domenech in training and could be restored to the first team to face Mexico.
Mexico player in focus: Giovani dos Santos. The forward was believed to be considering pulling out of the World Cup finals after his brother, Jonathan, was overlooked by coach Javier Aguirre, but performed well in the opening game against South Africa. Giovani is not afraid to let fly and is a danger in and around the box.
Key battle: Yoann Gourcuff v Rafael Marquez. Bordeaux star Gourcuff is France's creator-in-chief while Marquez is Mexico's defensive inspiration, so an intriguing battle of wills could develop between the two men. If Gourcuff is given space then he has the ability to unlock the Mexico defence, but Marquez will look to deny him that at every given opportunity.Trivia: If Javier Hernandez scores for Mexico, he will emulate his grandfather, Tomas Balcazar, who netted against les Bleus in the 1954 World Cup.Stats: France's forwards have not scored a goal in international football since Nicolas Anelka netted in the first leg of their play-off win over Republic of Ireland. That is a run of six games.Odds: France (2.30), the draw (3.20) and Mexico (3.25) with Bet365. Mexico to win 2-1 at 12.00 looks decent.Prediction: France are not convincing at all under Raymond Domenech and with Mexico adopting a positive approach, expect them to outplay les Bleus.
An upset?? Mexico 2-1??
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