World Cup 2010 Results: France Falter Again Against Superb Mexicans

France will need to produce both a fantastic performance and receive large slice of luck if they are to make the second round of the 2010 World Cup.

Mexico brushed aside Raymond Domenech’s side with a confident attacking performance, after goals from Javier Hernandez and 37 year old Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

The 2-0 win leaves the French needing to win big against host’s South Africa and hope Mexico and Uruguay do not draw.

The results means the French cannot finish top of the group and would surely face Argentina in the round of 16, if results did go their way in the final round of matches on Tuesday.

Domenech made one change from the dreadful draw against Uruguay, Florent Malouda replacing Yohan Gourcuff. The change in personal meant a change in tactics. The 4-3-3 that had only recently been employed was replaced by the 4-2-3-1, with Franck Ribery in behind Nicolas Anelka.

The pace was frantic early on, with Mexico having the better of the ball. Giovani Dos Santos, the driving force in the 1-1 draw with South Africa was at it again.

The pace of Dos Santos and Carlos Vela was clearly troubling William Gallas and Eric Abidal. Vela was played through only to blaze his volley over the bar; ignoring the options he had inside.

It was a sign of things to come from Mexico, the ball over the top was too much for the French. Hugo Lloris, in goal for France, had to rush off his line to stop Mexico going ahead.

France failed to create anything, even with Ribery behind the Anelka, and looked to be playing for themselves rather than the team.

Bacary Sagna and captain Patrice Evra were unable to create anything from the flanks while Abou Diaby, the best player in their previous game, was unable to beat Rafael Marquez in the middle and find a shooting opportunity.

Domenech made a change at half time, with Andre-Pierre Gignac replacing the disappointing Anelka. Still France failed to create any clear cut chances.

Mexico broke the deadlock just after the hour. Hernandez, a recent Manchester United signing, was played onside by Abidal. He controlled the ball superbly with his chest and rounded Lloris to slot the ball into the empty net.

Thierry Henry and Djibril Cisse sat looking on from the bench, while Domenech threw on Matthieu Valbuena as Mexico continued to attack.

They doubled their lead with ten minutes remaining as Pablo Berrera, who replaced Carlos Vela early on, was brought down by Abidal.

It was a clear penalty, and the two nil lead that followed was no more than Mexcio deserved. Experience was required and they needed to look no further than Blanco. The 37 year old slotted the ball confidently past Lloris, who guessed the right way.

France failed to create anything in the last ten minutes, and Mexico held on to move onto four points in the group and leave the French needing a miracle on Tuesday.

Some might say that it is out of French hands, but whatever happens on Tuesday, Laurent Blanc has a big task ahead of him when he takes over as coach of the national side.