France endured another lacklustre start to a World Cup campaign as they were unable to find a way past Uruguay during a goalless draw in Cape Town.

Raymond Domenech's side, who drew their first two group games in 2006 before going on to reach the final, struggled for ideas against a well-drilled South American outfit.

Winger Sidney Govou had by far the clearest chance to score for France in only the seventh minute, side-footing a Franck Ribery cross wide with the goal gaping. Uruguay even played the last nine minutes with 10 men after substitute Nicolas Lodeiro's dismissal.