Evra Anxious Over France Pressure

| Monday June 14, 2010 00:00

.Group A is evenly poised after France laboured to a drab goalless draw with Uruguay on Friday, following South Africa's 1-1 draw with Mexico. France face Mexico on Thursday before playing South Africa five days later.

'We do not want to go into our last game having to beat the home side on their turf,' said Evra.

Deflated France coach Raymond Domenech believes South Africa and Mexico now have control of the group, having each scored a goal.

 France did create the odd chance against Uruguay but lacked real cutting edge in Cape Town, even when Uruguay went down to 10 men.

'We lacked that last bit, the last pass,' Domenech admitted. 'The other two have the advantage now.' Amid talk of ongoing unrest in the French camp, Domenech, who steps down as coach of the national team after the World Cup, left Barcelona striker Thierry Henry on the bench along with Chelsea winger Florent Malouda.

 The best chance of the match fell to Sidney Govou early on but he snatched at the opportunity when unchallenged only six yards from goal.

The game descended into a war of attrition and although Uruguay substitute Nicolas Lodeiro was sent off for two bookable offences with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, the 1998 World Cup winners failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage. 'We had to guard against an unlucky counter,' added Domenech.

'It is almost a beautiful 0-0. But the result is what it is. They were good, solid in defence.'

Despite his concern about the pressure growing on France, Evra was more optimistic than Domenech.

'We really wanted the three points, but I am really proud of the team,' said Evra, who was controversially appointed captain in place of the deposed Henry.

'I think we did well. It's the first match. I'm confident for the games ahead. We really deserved to win. Apart from free-kicks, I couldn't see where Uruguay were going to be dangerous.'

France's next match is against Mexico on Thursday, one day after South Africa face Uruguay. (BBC)