Match Preview: URUGUAY versus FRANCE

 VERSUS

Match: URUGUAY versus FRANCE
Date: June 11th 2010
Time: 2030h
Venue: Cape Town Green Point Stadium
Capacity: 69070 People

Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)

Country:Japan
Date of Birth: 17.04.1972
Height: 181 cm
Place of residence: TOKYO
Occupation: Referee
Mother tongue: Japanese
Other languages: English
International since: 2004
First international: Thailand-United Arab Emirates (13.10.2004)
Hobbies: Golf
Fondest memory: FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007: Final Spain - Nigeria

Analysis:
Form: 
Uruguay are coming off of 3 match undefeated streak in which they beat Costa Rica to qualify before destroying Switzerland 3-1 and Israel 4-0 in Friendlies.
France are on a very bad run, as since there Thierry Henry handball-goal qualification they have played three miserable friendlies. Spain beat them 2-0, they barely beat Costa Rica 2-1, tied with Tunisia 1-1 then shockingly lost to China 1-0.


Key Men:
Diego Forlan number 10 of Uruguay is really one of the best and most complete attacking players in the world, and this is the most important tournament in his life. He has achieved much, but now must lead his country with goals and the legendary attacking play he is able to provide to cap his career. (His Twitter feed is at the bottom of the page)

Franck Ribery France no.7 is the key to stimulating the lately dormant French attack, but has much on his head. He missed the Champions League final due to suspension; he has a pending court trial for an out-of-marriage relationship with an underage prostitute.

Men to watch:
Yoann GOURCUFF No.8 an attacking midfielder and No.8 should give the support that Ribery needs to make France the attacking beast they can be. This young talent is France’s greatest hope.

Alvaro Pereira No.11 can give the left wing power, speed and danger that could help surprise and overcome the stiff French team.

Previous Matches:
The two teams have played 6 matches, and surprisingly have won 1 each, and drawn two each.  In these usually close and low-scoring games Uruguay have scored 2 goals and France 3.


Most likely scenario:
France edge Uruguay 2-1... or a 1-1 draw is highly likely.


A slight surprise would be:
Uruguay manages to beat France 2-1.


A real upset would mean:
Uruguay silences happless France with a 3-0 win.


Recommended Recipe for your meal to accompany this game:
A good meal to accompany this game will need to be long and patient with good wine.

A French Salade Lyonnaise should make a nice green layer for a hearty three course meal to symbolize the likely three goals that will fall in this match.

This should be accompanied with a 1998 Saint-Emillion Grand-Cru Bordeaux wine to encourage Gourcuff to play like he does for Bordeaux and 1998 because it was indeed a very very good year for the French National team.

A good Uruguay Fideo with carbonara would be an ideal accompaniment to the Uruguayan slow-roasted lamb. To the lamb a heavy Tanat wine should be poured and enjoyed.

And what would such a meal be without some fromage? I propose a fresh St.Marcelin to delectate and accompany the lamb.

Whatever happens a Creme Brulee will symbolize the hard defensive crust of both teams.

Recipe for Salad Lyonnaise:
Ingredients
8  cups  (8 oz.) frisée or tender inner curly endive leaves, rinsed and crisped
About 1/4 pound French bread, sliced and toasted
1/2  pound  side bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3  to 4 large eggs
1/4  cup  white wine vinegar
1  tablespoon  Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Preparation
1. Tear frisée into bite-size pieces and place in a wide salad bowl.
2. Tear bread into 1/2-inch chunks and scatter over the greens.
3. Put bacon in a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium heat and stir often until browned and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to towels to drain.
4. Break eggs into drippings in pan, and when whites are firm on the bottom, slide a spatula under each egg and, if desired, carefully turn over. Cook until whites are no longer clear, about 1 minute total. With spatula, transfer eggs to a plate (place side by side); keep warm.
5. Quickly discard all but 2 tablespoons fat from pan. Turn heat to high, add vinegar and mustard, and whisk until mixture boils.
6. Pour hot dressing over frisee and bread, add bacon, and mix. Spoon into wide bowls and top each serving with a hot egg. Season to taste with salt and pepper.