Ten-man Uruguay hold off France

The 2006 FIFA World Cup finalists France drew 0-0 with Uruguay in their opening Group A game in Cape Town despite playing the final stages with a man advantage following the 81st-minute dismissal of Uruguay substitute Nicolás Lodeiro.

Lodeiro had only been on the pitch 16 minutes when he was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Bacary Sagna, but despite some late pressure Raymond Domenech's side were unable to find a way through.

Earlier in Group A hosts South Africa had drawn 1-1 with Mexico, and France looked to take command of the section with a bright start. On seven minutes Franck Ribéry crossed low for Sidney Govou whose side-foot shot from close in skimmed wide.

Though France enjoyed most of the possession, Uruguay carried the cutting edge with Luis Suárez and Diego Forlán aiming to strike on the break. On 15 minutes the France defence backed off Forlán who took advantage to cut inside and curl a shot that Hugo Lloris palmed away. Two minutes later Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera tipped over Yoann Gourcuff's free-kick from near the touchline.

As the half wore on France, who had surprisingly started with Abou Diaby in midfield in place of Florent Malouda, lost their momentum and did not test Muslera again until Jérémy Toulalan shot low from fully 40 metres on 56 minutes. Eight minutes later Lloris did well to hold a Forlán free-kick, then with 17 minutes remaining the Club Atlético de Madrid striker flashed a volley wide.

Just as Uruguay were growing in confidence, the momentum swung France's way with the dismissal of substitute Lodeiro on 81 minutes, but though Les Bleus pressed forward they were unable to take advantage. Uruguay are next in action against hosts South Africa next Wednesday before France meet Mexico the following day.