Uruguay 0-0 France: Millions Around World Have 90 Minutes Stolen From Lives

Uruguay set out conservatively against the French, and with France’s pro-tournament problems executing in attack carrying over into the World Cup, the second match of South Africa 2010 ended 0-0.

The draw, on the back of a 1-1 draw between South Africa and Mexico in the day’s first match, sees all four teams in Group A with one point after one round of action.

The most exciting development of the second match was the 81st minute sending-off for Nicolás Lodiero. Lodiero came-on in the second half for Ignacio Gonzalez but picked up two cards in 18 minutes to leave Uruguay on ten men after 81 minutes. Lodiero, who many has expected to start for Uruguay in these finals, will be suspended for La Celeste’s second match, on June 16 against South Africa.

The best chance of the match came within the opening moments, when Franck Ribery broke through the right side of the Uruguayan defense to create an opportunity for Sidney Govou. Ribery’s cross across the face of goal was barely missed by his opposite winger, leaving the match drawn.

Uruguay’s few chances came off the counter, though French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was never significantly threatened.

France had two opportunities late in the match. While up a man, Thierry Henry had a half-volley opportunity from nine yards blocked by an Uruguayan defender. Henry also had a dead ball chance from twenty yards that he put into the Uruguay wall.

France’s next match is against Mexico on June 17.