An embarrassing first-round exit is definitely on the cards for 2006 finalists France after they suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat by Mexico in Group A on Thursday. Substitute Javier Hernandez, who is set to join English giants Manchester United next season, put the Mexicans in front in the 64th minute after beating the offside trap. Another substitute, 37-year-old forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, wrapped up the victory with 11 minutes remaining when he converted a penalty after Pablo Barrera was brought down by Eric Abidal. France, who won the World Cup in 1998 on home soil, have just one point from two games and will have to beat South Africa in their final group game to stand any chance of booking a last-16 berth. Even a win could not be enough to lift them through. Uruguay and Mexico, who both have four points, will qualify for the knockout phase at the expense of France and South Africa if they draw next week.
Franck Ribery: Unimpressive France failed to create any goalscoring opportunities, with the likes of Franck Ribery, Nicolas Anelka and Sidney Govou struggling to unlock Mexico's defense. Mexico, on the other hand, could have opened the scoring more than once in the first half. Carlos Vela volleyed wide from close range and full back Carlos Salcido sprinted into the area unopposed before seeing his shot blocked by France keeper Hugo Lloris. France had one half-chance through winger Florent Malouda, whose shot forced a fine save from Mexico keeper Oscar Perez in the 54th minute. Hernandez gave Mexico the lead when he latched onto a chipped pass and rounded Lloris before slotting home into an empty net. France's central defender Abidal clumsily fouled the penetrating Barrera to gift Mexico a penalty in the 79th minute. Blanco stepped up and notched home with aplomb to give Mexico a remarkable victory and leave Les Blues with an uphill to climb.
