Fix rumours overshadow Mexico clash with Uruguay

The shadow cast by one of the most shameful episodes in football history provides the backdrop to the meeting between Mexico and Uruguay this afternoon in a match that could end France's stay in South Africa.

Les Bleus' shock defeat by Mexico means the two Latin American countries find themselves needing only a point for both to go through to the knockout stages of the competition, a situation some fear will lead to them contriving the required result.

That was what happened in Spain in 1982 when Germany and Austria knew a 1-0 win for Germany in their final group game would see both sides advance and eliminate Algeria.

For Uruguay, a point would be enough to top Group A but, with Argentina looking strong favourites to top Group B, Mexico do have an incentive to go for a win.

Three points would ensure Javier Aguirre's squad top the group and probably give them a better chance of reaching the quarter-finals at the expense of South Korea, Greece or Nigeria.

Playing for a win, however, inevitably carries the risk of being picked off on the counter-attack and suffering a defeat that could allow troubled France to sneak into the knockout phase by beating South Africa in their final match.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said his side would approach the match "as if we were just setting out on the group phase," while Aguirre underlined his side's priority was getting into the last 16.

An independent view on the likely outcome of the match comes from the bookmakers, who have set shorter odds on a draw than for any other match so far. But the fact that they are still prepared to take a wager on the fixture indicates that they do not regard a stalemate as a foregone conclusion.

"We are prepared to believe that the game will be competitive until someone proves to us it isn't," said Graham Sharpe, spokesman for British firm William Hill.

Key to match

• Ambition. For both Uruguay and Mexico, a place in the last 16 will represent mission accomplished as far as their pre-tournament objectives go.

Whether this match will degenerate into a non-competitive encounter will largely depend on the extent of Mexico's desire to get the win that could mean they avoid Argentina in the second round and give themselves a better chance of going further.