Blanco Does the Dommage

(contains spoilers) Cuauthemoc Blanco made a cameo appearance as substitute for Mexico against France and within minutes the match turned Mexico’s way. He replaced Guillermo Franco in the 62nd minute with the game scoreless.

Two minutes later Rafa Marquez punted a long through ball to Javier Hernandez, another substitute, who was just offside. The officials gave Mexico the benefit of the doubt and Hernandez skilfully rounded Hugo Lloris in the France goal and slotted home the opener.

13 minutes from time, Eric Abidal was penalised for a foul on Pablo Barrera and a penalty was awarded. Replays showed that it may have been more a case of Barrera falling over Abidal.

At that point, Blanco who is more famous for not covering large distances than anything else these days, took a run up seemingly longer than the 12 yards between ball and goalkeeper. His technique worked and although Lloris guessed correctly, he was unable to prevent the excellent penalty form doubling Mexico’s lead.

France now face South Africa in their last game. Both sides need to win and hope Uruguay and Mexico don’t draw. The two Latin American sides could both progress with an agreed draw but Mexico have an incentive to win. The second place side will almost certainly meet a rampant Argentina.

Photos from Mexico’s Win over France