France, Uruguay post scoreless tie

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - A Group A match between former champions produced an opening-day World Cup dud, with France and Uruguay drawing, 0-0.

Even if France's Franck Ribery and Uruguay's Diego Forlan showed flashes, the fear of losing the opening game stifled both offenses.

Both were bothered by a slippery pitch at Green Point Stadium that made deep passes next to impossible.

Uruguay's Nicolas Lodeiro was ejected after a wild challenge on Bacary Sagna in the 81st minute earned his second yellow card of the game.

Uruguay sometimes had at least seven players in its penalty area to contain a lone French attacker.

Uruguay faces South Africa next; France will meet Mexico.