Preview: France – Mexico

(GSM) – With both sides desperate to get the upper hand on a qualification spot from Group A, Mexico and France square off on Thursday in Polokwane with three crucial points on the line.

Mexico drew 1-1 on Friday in the World Cup opener against hosts South Africa, needing a second-half equalizer from Rafael Márquez and a late respite from the goalpost to salvage a single point.

France, meanwhile, were frustrated to no end by Uruguay on Friday as Les Bleus were held to a goalless draw in Cape Town.

There has been much criticism of the French team entering the tournament, and even more has been placed upon lame-duck manager Raymond Domenech after an uninspiring result against Uruguay.

He will likely shake up the starting XI against Mexico with players like Thierry Henry, Florent Malouda and André-Pierre Gignac going from the opening whistle.

After picking up an injury in a training session, ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas will have a late fitness test to see if he can go on Thursday.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre was pleased overall with his team’s effort in a tough environment against South Africa, and he expects his side to take a lot of confidence into the match with France.

Aguirre is not expected to make any changes to his squad.

Three French players – Patrice Evra, Franck Ribéry and Jérémy Toulalan – are all on yellow cards and would miss the third match against South Africa if they are booked.

For Mexico, Efraín Juárez and Gerardo Torrado are in the same position.