After only two days of competition, four OM players have taken part in their first match of the World Cup in South Africa: two on the bench and two in the starting line-up.

Valbuena and Mandanda on the bench
The two Olympians called up to the France squad for the World Cup in South Africa went through the experience for the first match in the competition. Both started on the bench and were not called into action. This is not really a surprise for the OM keeper, with Raymond Domenech having a preference for Hugo Lloris, it is a little more so for Mathieu Valbuena who could have brought a little extra, with his speed and ability to eliminate an opponent, in a tight match against an opponent down to 10 men during the final ten minutes.

Group A
South Africa -Mexico: 1-1
Uruguay-France: 0-0
Standings
1/ South Africa: 1 pt
2/ Mexico: 1 pt
3/ Uruguay: 1 pt
4/ France: 1 pt

Taiwo defies Heinze
The fourth match of the World Cup in South Africa, on the second day of games, offered up a contest between two OM players. The Nigeria of Taye Taiwo comparing themselves to one of the favourites, the Argentina of Gabriel Heinze.
The two players, in competition this season for a place at left back, were both in the starting line-up for their respective nations at kick-off. The Argentinean made his mark by scoring with a header following a corner in the sixth minute.
Taye Taiwo almost equalised for the Super Eagles in the 71st minute, with a shot which grazed the Argentine post. “Goldorak” injured himself with this effort and had to be replaced three minutes later by Kalu Uche.

Group B
South Korea-Greece: 2-0
Argentina-Nigeria: 1-0
Classement
1/ South Korea: 3 pts
2/ Argentina: 3 pts
3/ Nigeria: 0 pt
4/ Greece: 0 pt