The last matchday of
Group A brings the duel between
France and
South Africa at the
Free State-Stadium in Bloemfontein. Both teams have just a small chance to advance to the Round of 16. France and South Africa have to win their last group game and furthermore the other match in this group between Mexico and Uruguay may not end with a draw.
WC 2006 runners-up France will have just a small chance to qualify for the knock out phase. The
Les Bleus started with a goalless draw against Uruguay followed by a 0:2 defeat in the second game against Mexico. The French were weak in the offensive and have just a few chances. Record scorer Thierry Henry was in both matches substitute, coach Raymond Domenech has preferred Nicolas Anelka.
Similar to France also South Africa´s chances on the Round of 16 are on a minimum. The
Bafana Bafana started with a respectable 1:1 draw against Mexico followed by a 0:3 defeat against Uruguay, where Keeper Itumeleng Khune saw the red card and so he will miss the game against France.
Group A: France – South Africa Date: 22 June, 2010 - 16:00 CET
Stadium: Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein
Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Colombia)
France: Keeper: Hugo Lloris
Defenders: Bacary Sagna, William Gallas, Patrice Evra, Éric Abidal
Midfielders: Abou Diaby, Florent Malouda, Yoann Gourcuff
Forwards: Franck Ribéry, Thierry Henry, Sidney Govou
Coach: Raymond Domenech
Injured: Cedric Carrasso (3rd Keeper)
Booked: Jérémy Toulalan
Suspended: Nicolas Anelka
South Africa: Keeper: Moeneeb Josephs
Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena, Lucas Thwala, Bongani Khumalo
Midfielders: Siphiwe Tshabalala, Steven Pienaar, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Surprise Moriri, Teko Modise
Forwards: Katlego Mphela
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira
Injured:
Booked: Itumeleng Khune, Kagisho Dikgacoi
South Africa have the home advantage, they have been playing in this climate for years. But especially in the second game their performance was anything but good. Maybe their expectations were too high. Referee will be Oscar Ruiz from Colombia.
Last meeting: 7.10.2000, France – South Africa 0:0
Wins France: 2
Wins South Africa: 0
Draws: 1
Both Mexico and South Africa have to win this match to protect their small chance on the Round of 16. But I think this game will end drawn.
The best odds to this game you find at Expekt, Bwin and Interwetten.
