The World Cup is as much a proving ground as a soccer tournament for Uruguay and France.
Although they have won three World Cups between them—Uruguay in 1930 and ’50, France in ’98—both are a shadow of their former selves as they head into Friday night’s Group A match.
The French are predictably embroiled in tournament turmoil and look unprepared to reach the final, which they did four years ago under Zinedine Zidane’s leadership. Uruguay hasn’t advanced past the round of 16 since reaching the semifinals 40 years ago.
Thierry Henry’s feet helped France reach the World Cup final four years ago. His hand is the main reason Les Bleus are in South Africa.
France begins its quest for a second World Cup title when it faces Uruguay in Cape Town on Friday.
Henry helped France win the 1998 World Cup as host, scoring three goals. He added another three in 2006 and was named to the tournament’s All-Star team as France fell to Italy in the final on penalties.
While Henry is the national team’s all-time leader with 51 goals in 121 games, it was his hand that earned France a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
A clear handball allowed Henry to keep control of a pass before delivering a cross to William Gallas, who scored the winner in extra time of a 2-1 aggregate victory over Ireland in the qualifying playoffs in November.
FIFA rejected Ireland’s demands to replay the game due to the missed call.
The controversy only intensified the scrutiny on France, as it struggled through qualifying with a 6-1-3 record to finish second to Serbia in a seemingly favorable group. That came after the team exited the 2008 European Championship early, going 0-2-1 with one goal.
A spark from the start...
Uruguay and France both realize a loss in their World Cup opener would make it difficult to reach the second round.Teammates want Henry to start...
Teammates want legendary player Thierry Henry to be on the field when France opens World Cup play against Uruguay.
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