The pressure has started to mount for France after an uninspired scoreless draw in its World Cup opener, a result that may force Raymond Domenech to make changes to his squad for its final two Group A matches.
Les Bleus could really be feeling the heat if they can't continue their success against Mexico.
Another poor effort Thursday in Polokwane could doom France to a repeat of its recent international flops, but Domenech's side has never lost to El Tri in six meetings.
France followed its 1998 World Cup title on its home turf by failing to score a goal in South Korea in 2002, and it couldn't advance beyond the group stage in Euro 2008 after making the 2006 World Cup final.
After Friday's 0-0 draw with Uruguay, memories of those letdowns are quickly re-emerging.
"Because the environment we're in is not easy. There's a lot of expectation," midfielder Florent Malouda said. "Even if we're shut away, it can touch the players a bit and it can affect the way they play."
Count former French star Zinedine Zidane among those already fed up with Domenech. He called the leader of the 2006 team he captained "not a coach," and said "there is no teamwork" among the current roster.
Malouda, who has clashed with Domenech in the past, didn't come in until the 75th minute against Uruguay, three minutes after Thierry Henry hit the pitch. Neither helped, as France failed to take advantage against a 10-man squad after Nicolas Lodeiro was sent off in the 81st minute.
Domenech may use Henry to replace Nicolas Anelka up front Thursday, while Malouda could also start at the expense of either winger Sidney Govou or midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.
France has a history of success on its side versus Mexico. Les Bleus are 5-0-1 against El Tri, though they haven't met in the World Cup since 1966. Most recently, France won 1-0 in a 2006 home friendly.
Mexico will be equally hungry to claim three points after a 1-1 draw with South Africa on Friday, but coach Javier Aguirre isn't prepared to make wholesale changes. He plans to stick with his three-forward attack, even though that led directly to Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal in the 55th minute prior to Rafael Marquez's equalizer.
"It's what has brought us here and we're not going to change," Aguirre said. "Yes, we do leave a lot of space at the back, but we're going to continue this way."
Marquez, fit to play after recovering from a calf injury, knows he'll be tested against France's front line.
"They are very strong in attack and defense, even though in attack they are not living up to the level that we're accustomed to seeing," Marquez said. "But they have big players that can make the difference at any moment."
French defender William Gallas, however, may not be able to go. Recently released by Arsenal, Gallas is in doubt after suffering a calf injury in training.
