Nigeria Content Online

France take on Mexico in a potentially decisive 2010 FIFA World Cup Group A match in Polokwane later today.

For the French
team, they will be trying to avoid a repeat of the 2002 World Cup
fiasco, which saw them being knocked out in the first round without
scoring a goal. The French were roundly criticised for their lacklustre
display in the 0-0 draw with Uruguay on Friday, and they know that they
need to step up the quality of their attacking play if they are to
trouble an equally good attacking side like Mexico.

Raymond Domenech
received criticism for not changing his tactics early enough in the
match against Uruguay, and he will want a result against Mexico so as
not to be go into the final group game against South Africa needing a
win. With Laurent Blanc waiting in the wings to take over after the
World Cup, Domenech is under pressure to deliver.

Head-to-head France
have by far the superior head-to-head record in the six previous
meetings between the teams, with five victories and a draw. The two
teams have played each other at the World Cup thrice with France having
the edge with two victories and a draw. The last meeting between the
two sides dates back to 27 May 2006; a friendly match France won by
1-0. Also, France have been unbeaten against CONCAF teams in four
previous matches at the World Cup, having amassed three wins and a draw.

Meanwhile, France reserve goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso has been ruled
out of the World Cup with a thigh injury. Carrasso pulled a left thigh
muscle in training on Monday and will miss the remainder of the
tournament, but a request to replace him was turned down. Mexico
manager, Javier Aguirre, has vowed to continue his attacking mentality
when his side take on the 1998 world champions. The Mexicans set out
with a 4-3-3 formation against South Africa, and are expected to keep
going with their three-pronged attack of Guillermo Franco, Carlos Vela
and Giovani Dos Santos.