Uruguay vs. France: World Cup Betting Preview

Every match at World Cup 2010 must be treated on its own merits and while I think France are frightfully short to qualify for the last 16 they must also be opposed in their Group A opener versus Uruguay.

Possessing a manager, Raymond Domenech, who seemingly lost his players some time ago combined with an alarmingly lack of cohesion, France are a shadow of the side that Zinedine Zidane hauled to the final four years ago and quotes of a little over even money for them to start with a win over the South Americans are laughable.

With Karim Benzema left in Madrid and Thierry Henry told he can only expect a place on the bench, Domenech looks set to rely solely on Nicolas Anekla to spearhead the French attack and it is no surprise that Les Bleus have managed to score twice in only two games over the past 24 months.

That is a worrying statistic for all fans of the 1998 champions and they come up against a talented Uruguay side on Friday evening.

I, unlike plenty of others, still remain far from convinced by the talents of France playmaker Franck Ribery but he has a point to prove having been suspended for Bayern Munich in the Champions League and perhaps he can inspire France to a prolonged run deep into the tournament. I’m not so sure however and they desperately lack creativity in midfield.

The absence of the injured Lassana Diarra is a further blow to the Group A favourites and if Uruguay can see enough ball in the middle of the park then they certainly have enough quality going forward to cause France real problems.

In Diego Forlan, manager Oscar Tabarez can call upon a two-time European Golden Boot winner and his blossoming partnership with the prolific Luis Suarez in attack is one to savour. >

Youngster Nicolas Lodeiro is also one to look out for and, with France looking fairly ordinary up front, one goal should be enough for Uruguay to earn at least a share of the spoils.

A recent 1-0 defeat to lowly China which followed a 1-1 draw with Tunisia were hardly encouraging signs for France and quite how they have been installed so short is beyond me.

Low on confidence, and ability, they must be taken on against a Uruguay team in decent form and one which will be eyeing a place in the second round at the very least.

2pts Lay France (vs. Uruguay) @ 2.18 (Betfair)

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