Historians of French football did not have to search too far back in the record books for worrying omens when the World Cup draw was made. In 2002, when les Bleus surrendered their crown in such meek fashion, it was a 0-0 draw in their second game against Uruguay that truly confirmed their fall from grace.

France do not approach the 2010 finals enjoying the lofty status of world beaters, though. In fact, having infamously required a Thierry Henry handball to edge past Republic of Ireland in a play-off and suffered a defeat in a warm-up game against China's second string, Raymond Domenech's side look ripe for another early exit in Group A. With Lassana Diarra absent due to injury, and Henry exiled to the bench, France are also grappling with an experimental 4-3-3 formation that is open to exploitation.
In contrast, Uruguay - winners in 1930 and 1950, but competing in only their second finals since 1990 - appear high in confidence, with captain Diego Lugano boasting Oscar Tabarez's side are hitting their best form. Whether that is enough to take advantage of France's very evident problems remains to be seen.
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