POLOKWANE, South Africa — Mexico carries loads of confidence into its second World Cup match, today against a French team in disarray.
Mexico scored a late equalizer in the tournament’s first game against South Africa, taking some of the gloss off the opening-day celebrations for the host nation. It was a far better performance than France managed in a 0-0 draw with Uruguay.
The French struggled early in the 2006 World Cup, but then surged to the final, where they lost to Italy. Mexican captain Gerardo Torrado sees no reason to fear France.
“They have their names, we have ours. But names don’t play, men do,” Torrado said Wednesday. “Nothing short of a win is good for us.”
Mexico’s lively strikers Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos could cause defenders William Gallas and Eric Abidal problems with their pace and trickery after combining for some promising moves in the 1-1 draw against South Africa.
“They have a lot of potential in attack, but so do we,” Abidal said.
Defender Rafael Marquez, who scored the goal for Mexico against South Africa, hurt his right calf muscle in the second half. He’s positive he is now fully fit.
“I’m fine now . . . at 100 percent,” he said. “I’ve had trouble with the calf and against South Africa I even was thinking of being taken off, but I’ve been able to recover over the past few days.”
Meanwhile, FIFA turned down a request from France to replace injured goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso.
Carrasso tore his left hamstring in training Monday, and the French Football Federation hoped to replace him by asking FIFA for special consideration.
Carrasso’s injury is expected to keep him out for a month. He was a backup to Hugo Lloris.
Footnotes.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has a herniated disc, an injury for which team physician Enrico Castellacci said was impossible to offer a prognosis. Federico Marchetti will replace Buffon on Sunday against New Zealand.
• England midfielder Gareth Barry will return from a six- week injury layoff and play against Algeria on Friday.
• South Africa midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will be suspended for Tuesday’s match against France after getting a second yellow card.
