What: Mexico vs. Uruguay
When: Tuesday, June 22, 9:30 am ET
Where: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
TV: ESPN, Univisión
Mexico are coming off of an impressive 2-0 win against a France in shambles, while Uruguay thrashed South Africa 3-0. Tied at four points, a draw would see both sides through to the next round, with Uruguay in slot 1 and Mexico in slot 2. However, it is in each team’s interest to win and to qualify as No. 1 so as to not face Group B favorites Argentina in the next round.
Mexico
Against France, Mexico showed the quality of soccer that they are able to play when everything clicks. El Tri’s organization on the pitch completely shut down a troubled Les Bleus and their speed just killed the French backline.
Though the win gives them a good amount of momentum heading into their last group match against Uruguay, Mexico would do well to not underestimate their opponent.
“Maybe [Uruguay] don’t have the quality of a France, but of course they’re still dangerous,” said captain Rafael Márquez. “
To defeat La Celeste, Mexico will probably rely on striker Javier Hernández, who should have earned a spot in the starting lineup after his impressive goal against France. Also likely to play is Andrés Guardado—who has yet to start in a game—in place of Efraín Juárez after the latter earned his second yellow card of the tournament.
Uruguay
The two-time World Cup champs are also feeling quite confident after their defeat of South Africa, where star striker Diego Forlán scored two goals, and will look to carry that momentum into the Mexico match.
The last time La Celeste played Mexico, El Tri walked away with a 3-1 victory and third place honors in the 2007 Copa Ámerica. This time, however, the South Americans are sure that they’ll be able to beat Mexico.
“Mexico will be a difficult rival,” said defender Diego Godín. “They play good football, but we have the weapons to destroy their game and we know how to cause them damage.”
Uruguay, who have yet to allow a goal, will have playmaker Nicolás Lodeiro back in against Mexico after serving a one-game suspension for earning two yellow cards against France.
Final Analysis
Both sides should come out looking for the victory to ensure their qualification into the next round. Uruguay’s biggest threat is Forlán and their strength is their defense. Mexico have the tools to shut down Uruguay’s offense, and the weapons to break open La Celeste’s rear guard. In the end, El Tri’s speed and organization should undo Uruguay just as they undid France.
What: France vs. South Africa
When: Tuesday, June 22, 9:30 am ET
Where: Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein
TV: ESPN 2, Telefutura
France are essentially out of contention in 2010 following a stunning 2-0 loss to Mexico. Host nation South Africa put on a great performance in the tournament opener, but then fell 3-0 against Uruguay and now find themselves at the bottom of the group. Tied with one point, Les Bleus and Bafana Bafana each hope that a dramatic win, coupled with a huge loss by either Mexico or Uruguay, can see them into the next round.
France
News from the French camp just keeps getting worse and more ridiculous. First, striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for insulting head coach Raymond Domenech during halftime of France’s loss to Mexico. Then, captain Patrice Evra had an argument with fitness coach Robert Duverne. To cap things off, the players refused to practice on Sunday as a show of support for Anelka, who reportedly retired from the international scene. Just moments after the demonstration, team director Jean-Louis Valentin resigned right on the spot. It’s a rough curse that one of the Irish.
“The indignation of the French is great,” said French Minister of Sports Roselyne Bachelot.
Nonetheless, the players have vowed to do everything in their powers to restore France’s honor—or at least whatever’s left of it—against South Africa on Tuesday.
With no Anelka around, Thierry Henry could start up top in possibly his last World Cup appearance.
South Africa
After pulling off a draw in the tournament opener, the Bafana Bafana thought they could upset Uruguay. La Celeste, however, proceeded to shut down the host nation.
“I think our performance against Mexico was pure adrenalin,” defender Matthew Booth told the BBC. “The second and third games are always games where players tend to show their true qualities. We don't have a lot of depth.”
South Africa will hope to get some more of that adrenaline pumping as they face an ailing France. The Bafana Bafana go into their last group matchup without versatile midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi (accumulation of yellow cards) and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune (red card against Uruguay), and with the pressure of likely becoming the first host nation not to reach the knockout rounds.
Final Analysis
The last thing the newly renamed Les Miserables could have afforded to do was miss a practice session. The disheartened French team will have their hands full with a South African side looking to take advantage of their apathetic foes, but a wounded beast can be the most dangerous kind. The two sides will want to put on a good show to keep whatever ounce of hope they have alive, but in the end both squads will say farewell to the World Cup.
Join the Debate! MLSsoccer.com's "ExtraTime Radio" is LIVE every day during the World Cup, 5-7 pm ET. Call in at 888-MLS-GOAL.
Poll: Where will Mexico finish at the World Cup?Fabiano to miss cup final
