France and Uruguay face rematch

Thierry Henry led France at the Under-20 World Cup

By Thomas Lyford-Pike BBC Sport Online

Uruguay and France have met only once in the World Cup - the South Americans running out 2-1 winners in 1966.

But when they turn out against each other in a do-or-die match on Thursday, many of the players will be familiar with their opponents.

By a quirk of fate, France met Uruguay in another winner-take-all match at the under-20 World Cup in 1997.

1966 fact

Pablo Forlan, Diego's father, was on the Uruguay bench

Six Uruguayans and five of the French squad all figured in that match, and Victor Pua was in charge of the "Light Blues" just as he is now.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier was in the opposite dug-out.

Their quarter-final meeting in Malaysia was a gruelling affair that went to a penalty shoot-out.

They pushed us all the way - they're a great team

Victor Pua in 1997

After more than 120 minutes of football, two goals and one red card - France's William Gallas - Uruguay prevailed after Nicolas Anelka missed from the spot.

The goals were scored by two players who will feature prominently five years on.

David Trezeguet gave France the lead on 27 minutes before Nicolas Olivera equalised midway through the second half.

As they do now, France paired Trezeguet in attack with then French captain, Arsenal's Thierry Henry.

Their number was completed by a trio of defenders - Mikael Silvestre, Willy Sagnol and Philippe Christanval.

There was little to choose between the two teams but Uruguay are very powerful

Gerard Houllier in 1997

Trezeguet and Henry faced a defence that included Gustavo Munua in goal.

This time they will be hoping to have more luck against Fabian Carini, Munua's understudy five years ago.

Today the roles are reversed with Munua sitting on the sidelines.

Pablo Garcia, Alejandro Lembo and Mario Regueiro also ran out for Uruguay in a match they should have won in regulation time.

Despite going behind, Uruguay were the better team and should have capitalised after Gallas saw red on 86 minutes as both teams pushed for a decisive golden goal.

After an exhausting match, Munua saved the first penalty to give Uruguay an early advantage.

1997 fact

Senegalese referee Falla N'doye was in charge and is also at the 2002 World Cup

But the win was only sealed when Anelka missed with his effort, France's eighth, to give Uruguay a 7-6 win in the shoot-out.

Uruguay went on to lose to Argentina in the final.

Extra time and penalties are not on the agenda this time and a draw may not be enough for either team.