[1]France, the 1998 world champions and 2006 runners-up, were left teetering on the brink of World Cup first round elimination on Thursday when they slumped to a 0-2 defeat against Mexico.
Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco converted a late penalty to clinch the victory after substitute striker, Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez, had put the Central Americans ahead 64 minutes into the Group A showdown at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Mexico’s first victory over France left them and Uruguay level on four points ahead of a June 22 clash and both will advance to the next round by drawing.
France play South Africa, who have a point each, at the same time and if either wins and the other game delivers a positive result, goal difference could come into play.
Mexico broke the deadlock on 64 minutes when Hernandez raced on to a lobbed Rafael Marquez pass, rounded Lloris and calmly stroked the ball into the net.
Domenech’s worst fears were realised after 79 minutes when Eric Abidal fouled Pablo Berrera and 37-year-old Blanco made a long run before placing a low spot kick wide of Lloris into the corner of the net.
— AFP
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sp06192jpg-208