France, Mexico goalless after lively first half

Former champions France were drawing 0-0 with Mexico at half-time Thursday in a lively World Cup Group A match at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The fourth meeting of the countries in the history of the tournament kicked off before a large colourful crowd in cold conditions with each team making one change from their opening encounter last Friday.

Florent Malouda replaced Yoann Gourcuff in the French line-up while defender Hector Morena came in for Paul Aguilar in the Mexico side as teams ranked among the world top-20 sought maximum points and a share of first place with Uruguay.

Saudi Arabian referee Khalil al-Ghamdi stamped his imprint early with a fourth-minute caution for veteran Mexican striker Guillermo Franco amid much protest.

Mexico had a couple of early half chances that were not put away by Carlos Vela and Franco while a slick French free-kick manoeuvre fizzled out as Franck Ribery overhit a cross.

The Central Americans were more threatening as the halfway point of the opening half approached with a William Gallas intercept taking the sting out of one move and Carlos Salcido firing past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris only to miss the target.

It was Lloris versus Salcido again on 27 minutes with the French goalkeeper doing well to push away a hard, low drive after the Mexican cut in from the left flank helped by timid defending.

Mexico suffered a blow when Vela limped off to be replaced by Pablo Barrera, who put Lloris under pressure almost immediately from a cross that the goalkeeper unconvincingly punched away.