On paper a draw against the home nation in the opening game of the tournament might not seem a bad result for Mexico but coach, Javier Aguirre seemed more disappointed in the aftermath claiming;We werent capable of really putting away our chances, the team was confident, but we mi sed a few chances and things got complicated after they scored. The South African goalkeeper played really well and kept them in the game in the first-half.His team had dominated the play in the 1st half and if Guillermo Franco alone had taken his chances they could have been 3 or 4 nil to the good by the half time whistle.But in the 2nd half it was all about the South Africans with Siphiwe Tshabalalas strike setting the tournament off with bang and sending the Soccer City Stadium into delirium. In the end Mexico could have so easily lost the match but Marquezs late equalizer rewarded their 1st endeavour and now leaves them equal with points in Group A.But all is not lost, neither France nor Uruguay set the heather alight in their drab, draw in Cape Town and if Mexico can match their 1st half performance against South Africa they will definitely trouble the French on Thursday.On paper the French are clear favourites with superstars such as Frank Ribery, Florent Malouda, William Gallas, Sidney Govou and Nicolas Anelka in their ranks but they were far from impre sive in qualification and seemed to have brought this form into the tournament.Frank Ribery against UruguayThe main chink in the Frances armour seems to be their madcap, coach Raymond Domenech who frustrates the fans of Les Blue with maddening tactics and baffling, player choices. Rumours abound of splits within the French camp and a le s than harmonious team spirit with the infamous Thierry Henry at the heart of problems. But if the French can unite then Mexico Ivan Rodriguez Jersey will have a huge problem on their hands.The Mexican defence was left exposed by simple through balls and troubled by the speed of a limited, South African attack. Especially in the 2nd half Rodriguez and Osorio looked slow and indecisive lacking the organizational skills of Marquez who was employed in midfield. If Anelka and Govou can get behind the defence they will surely punish the Mexicans so a defence marshaled by Marquez must be aware and responsive to the threat.The key question for Aguirre is whether to utilize Marquez in the midfield where he may be more an attacking force (proved by his goal against South Africa) or at centre half where his presence was mi sed on Friday. The defence is a major weakne s for Mexico and their inability to handle simple through balls and set pieces a major obstacle to po sible, tournament progre s.Marquez against South AfricaGiovani Dos Santos impre sed as the main attacking force but the chances he provided for the two strikers; Vela and Franco, were spurned and wasted. Aguirre should replace the aged Franco with his new, superstar Javier Hernandez who should be more of a threat to goal. Also, Efrain Juarez should be replaced by the criminally under-used Andres Guardado easily Mexicos best player in qualification. youtube: Realistically a draw would not be disastrous for either country depending on the result in the South Africa vs. Uruguay match. However, a win for Mexico means a draw in their last match should ensure qualification but it is a risk Im sure they would rather not take.Mexico have been lauded for their daring, free-flowing attacking play in recent games and if Dak Prescott Jersey they can add a cutting edge to this they may begin to add much needed goals to their performances. But a major doubt remains about the defence and if the French begin to gel into a unit and perform as a team instead of many highly, paid individuals then Mexico will suffer and as a result probably, leave the tournament early.A Mexico win would be perfect, a draw acceptable and lose and its a disaster.Game prediction Mexico 3 -1 France