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PASADENA - Rose Bowl
Uruguay demonstrated that unlike the other teams in this group, they understood the winning mentality that makes the difference between winning plaudits and winning trophies. Though by now their earlier robust tactics meant they had a few players missing through suspension, they could all afford to be rested for this match anyway, with qualification already assured.
Almost definitely through themselves and needing only a draw for mathematical certainty, France also chose to rest a few players. Henry and Cantona were given a run-out up front, while Giresse, Ghengini and Battiston came in for Zidane, Kopa and Amoros.
Despite both sets of reserves trying hard to earn a more permanent place in the side, they entirely cancelled each other out. After a fine run from Battiston, he squared to Cantona who back-heeled into the path of Henry cutting in from the left, who opened his body in trademark fashion and lifted the ball over the stranded Maspoli, but just over the bar as well.
France continued to dominate possession, but in truth Uruguay always looked comfortable. Andrade and Nasazzi kept Cantona and Henry under lock and key. Cantona, such a star for Manchester United, had rarely ever convinced for Les Bleus during his career, and only threatened once here, when he shimmied past Matias Gonzalez and chipping over Gestido and Maspoli, only to see the ball come back off the bar.
At the other end, Ghiggia and Nestor Goncalvez combined to set up pre-war centre forward Pedro Petrone, but Joel Bats was equal to his shot.
In the second half, as word filtered through that Yugoslavia were beating Portugal, both sides eased off and were content to see out the draw.
Uruguay had looked accomplished and hungry, and would fear no-one in the knock-out stages.
France had yet to truly find top gear, but had done enough so far, and would feel there was more to come.
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