Miserable start for France

France's Yoann Gourcuff takes evasive action as Uruguay's Ignacio Gonzalez falls right next to him.

France failed to rise to the occasion again with a lacklustre performance in a tepid 0-0 draw with Uruguay.

France, runners up four years ago, had the chance to stamp their authority on the group by beating one of the outsiders. Instead, after an encouraging start, they lost their way completely, barely tested goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and failed even to take advantage of an 81st-minute red card for Uruguay substitute Nicolas Lodeiro.

Image: Uruguay's Ignacio Gonzalez (right) falls next to France midfielder Yoann Gourcuff