Former champions France failed to set the World Cup alight as they struggled to a 0-0 draw against 10-man Uruguay in an uninspiring start to their campaign.

Rarely can a team have arrived at a World Cup with more baggage than France, unsettled by rumoured internal strife and criticised at home for poor form. They did little to appease their detractors against the South Americans yesterday, with neither side able to take the early initiative in Group A after South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 in the opening match of the tournament.