Uruguay 0 France 0:Neither France nor Uruguay managed to take advantage of the draw between their group opponents earlier in the day, as they too managed just a point in their opening game of World Cup 2010.
South Africa’s 1-1 draw with Mexico this afternoon meant a win for either of their group rivals this evening would have given them an early advantage, but there was little to cheer for either side, least of all France, who failed to finish off a dominant performance, even after Uruguay were reduced to 10 men.
Raymond Domenech's side, who drew their first two group games in 2006 before going on to reach the final, struggled for ideas against a well-drilled South American outfit.
Winger Sidney Govou had by far the clearest chance to score for France in only the seventh minute, side-footing a Franck Ribery cross wide with the goal gaping.
Uruguay played the last nine minutes with 10 men after substitute Nicolas Lodeiro's dismissal for a second yellow card.
France had appeals for a penalty dismissed when Thierry Henry's stab towards goal seemed to hit Victorino's lower arm in the 89th minute.
That, however, was as close as they came, with Henry hitting the wall from a free-kick and for a third World Cup in a row, France failed to win their opener.