Uruguay announces starting 11 for France

Published Jun. 9, 2010 7:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez picked his starting team for their World Cup opener against France, with defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo the surprise picks on Wednesday.

Victorino's callup means Andres Sotti will be on the bench, while Arevalo starts ahead of Walter Gargano for Friday's match.

Diego Forlan of Atletico Madrid is partnered up front by Ajax's Luis Suarez in the lineup.

Uruguay also faces Mexico and host South Africa in Group A.

Tabarez said he was looking for balance with his team, while he was also mindful of the side France was expected to pick.

``You have to keep in mind the strength of the rival, which is the starting point for all one can do defensively,'' Tabarez said. ``We also have to put them under pressure when we have the ball.''

---

Team: Fernando Muslera, Mauricio Victorino, Diego Lugano, Diego Godin, Maximiliano Pereira, Alvaro Pereira, Diego Perez, Egidio Arevalo Rios, Ignacio Gonzalez, Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan.