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Controversies notwithstanding, France's manager Raymond Domenech can be credited with taking his team to the final in 2006.
The 2006 performance was against low expectations. Especially after the fiasco in 2002 when France, the then defending champions, and reigning European champions, were expected to retain their crown. But the weight of expectation proved too heavy and France faltered.
The expectations are even lower, this time around, in South Africa. So will France do as well as, or even better than in 2006, where they got to the final?
Domenech says his team will bid him a fitting farewell before he hands over charge to Laurent Blanc.
Against Uruguay, in France's opener in Cape Town on Friday, an unfit Thierry Henry is likely to be rested, and Nicolas Anelka is likely to take his place, partnered by Andre-Pierre Gignac, in the forward line, and backed by midfielder Franck Ribery.
Ribery missed playing in the Champions League final for Bayern Munchen owing to suspension. He will be looking to make amends at the World Cup, and his form will be crucial to France's fortunes.
Like France, Uruguay needed a play off to qualify for South Africa 2010. The South Americans did well in their home qualifiers, especially a memorable match against Peru that they won 6-0. Their away performances left much to be desired.
Uruguay striker Diego Forlan did well for Atletico Madrid this last season, an opened their scoring against Fulham in the Europa League final.
France and Uruguay were locked in a goal-less draw, the last time they met, which was at the 2002 World Cup. Neither team made it past the group stage.
Coach Domenech recently shifted to an attacking 4-3-3 combination, changing from the old 4-2-3-1, but that has had mixed results, so far -- aA win, a draw and a loss against Costa rica, Tunisia and China, respectively.
Twice champions in the 1930s, Uruguay are capable of upsetting France's applecart, given that the European team haven't played well in the last two years. As opposed to France's 1-0 loss to China last week, Uruguay are coming into this match from a 4-1 walloping they gave Israel.
France are plagued by injury and age concerns. Fortunately for them, defender William Gallas has recovered somewhat from his calf injury.
Their best asset in this World Cup is arguably their 23-year old goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, who is already considered among the world's top ten.
Uruguay's best chance is to score early, and hang on. That said, France start the match as favourites.
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Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger.
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