France v South Africa: match preview

Group A
France v South Africa
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: Tues June 22, 3pm BST
Oh, the irony. France qualify for the World Cup at the expense of Ireland amid a cheating scandal and then suffer their own Roy Keane-style mutiny once in South Africa.
For Saipan, read Knysna and the Raymond Domenech-Nicolas Anelka bust-up that has seen the Chelsea forward sent home and resulted in his furious team-mates boycotting training on Sunday.
But with reports of rifts within the South Africa camp too, it is incredible that both nations can still sneak into the knock-out stages with a victory in Bloemfontein.
The likely outcome, however, is elimination for both. Losing the hosts will be a blow, but the French will not be missed.

Touchline duel
Carlos Alberto Parreira v Raymond Domenech
Having coached Brazil to the 1994 World Cup, Bafana Bafana coach Parreira will be adept at dealing with the strife that comes with national team management, but he has had his issues with senior players questioning team selection at this World Cup.
Parreira has not been publicly humiliated by his players in the manner of Domenech, however, and the France coach must be wishing the minutes away until he can board a flight to Paris and draw a line under the sorry saga of his six-year reign.
Talking tactics
Domenech might as well leave his players to wrestle control of the tactics board. His squad has lost all respect for the 58-year-old, so expect key men like Thierry Henry to be restored to the line-up by the unofficial players’ committee.
South Africa must win handsomely to retain any hope of qualification. They will go for broke, but they lack the quality to beat the French, split as they may be.
Key clash
Steven Pienaar v Patrice Evra
South Africa’s golden boy has yet to shine at the World Cup and he has borne the brunt of criticism from media and supporters alike.
But if Bafana Bafana are to have any hope of victory, the Everton midfielder must win his battle with France captain Evra.
Evra, despite the turmoil within the French camp, remains perhaps the world’s best left-back, but if his focus is elsewhere, Pienaar could take advantage.
What they are saying
Teko Modise: "We are not focusing on any individuals. We are concerned about ourselves and how we are going to beat France. We still have plenty of self belief and confidence that we can finish the group stage with a win."
French players’ statement: "We will do everything individually and also in a collective spirit to ensure that France regains its honour with a positive performance on Tuesday."
Teams (probable)
South Africa (4-4-1-1): Josephs; Gaxa, Khumalo, Mokoena, Masilela; Modise, Sibaya, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala; Pienaar; Mphela.
Substitutes: Walters (G), Ngcongca, Davids, Booth, Thwala, Parker, Nomvethe, Moriri, Sangwene, Khuboni.
France (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra; Toulalan, Diaby; Ribery, Gourcuff, Malouda; Henry.
Substitutes: Mandanda (G), Carasso (G), Reveillere, Planus, Squillaci, Clichy, Govou, Diarra, Valbuena, Cisse, Gignac.
Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Colombia)
Previous meetings
Played 3; France 2, Draws 1, South Africa 0
1997 (Lens, friendly): France 2 South Africa 1
1998 (Marseille, WC): France 3 South Africa 0
2000 (Johannesburg, friendly): South Africa 0 France 0
Fact: This is France’s fourth game in the finals against African opposition. In the previous three they beat South Africa 3-0 in 1998, lost 1-0 to Senegal in 2002 but beat Togo 2-0 in 2006.
Prediction: France are in pieces and Bafana Bafana will want to leave a good impression. Has the making of a draw.