World Cup History: Uruguay vs France

#3 2010 World Cup, South Africa: Uruguay 0-0 France

Diego Forlan (no.10) tussling with Jeremy Toulalan in a battle for possession

It took another eight years for the next installment of France vs Uruguay, after the pair were once again drawn in the same group.

Uruguay came into the tournament after failing to qualify for three of the previous four World Cups following their 2002 group stage exit. France were eager to do one better than their 2006 performance, where they were runners-up to an Italian side who defeated them on penalties after a sensational game which saw Zinedine Zidane retire after his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi.

So for the third time in World Cup history, the pair were facing off - the second fixture on opening day in Cape Town. However, this fixture failed to spark into life with a fairly boring display of football, only briefly illuminated by the occasional moment of skill and trickery from either side.

In a game of few chances, forwards Diego Forlan and second-half substitute Thierry Henry came closest to winning the match for their respective sides. The only notable highlight from the match was Nicolas Lodeiro, off the bench, receiving two second-half bookings in 15 minutes.

So, can Uruguay maintain their unbeaten run against the French or will Didier Deschamps' side have the last laugh this afternoon?