The French soccer team is on the verge of an early exit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup after a surprising 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their second pool game this morning.

The 1998 champions have just one point from two games before facing hosts South Africa in their final pool game next week.

Even a win might not be enough for them to qualify and escape another disaster after their Euro 2008 flop.

Uruguay and Mexico, who top the group with four points each, will both qualify if they draw next week, eliminating in the process France and South Africa, both on one point.

France were outplayed for the first 45 minutes during which they did not create a single chance.

Mexico, by contrast, came close to scoring on several occasions.

Raymond Domenech's men, who have frustrated their fans with uninspiring performances for years, can expect a stiff challenge against South Africa next week in Bloemfontein.
 
With their fate out of their hands, they will have to wait for the results of the Uruguay and Mexico=s game before knowing whether their game against South Africa holds any importance.

Coach, Domenech said he was disappointed with the 2-0 loss to Mexico.