Uruguay names starting XI for France

Uruguay names starting XI for France

Published Jun. 9, 2010 11:23 p.m. ET

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez named his starting team for Friday's World Cup match against France, with defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo the surprise picks on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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Tabarez said he was looking for balance in 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.

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