After their 0-0 draw with Uruguay, France coach Raymond Domenech admits Mexico and South Africa have the advantage in their World Cup group.
After the hosts were held to a 1-1 draw by Mexico in the opener in Johannesburg, France then failed to win their opening game for the third successive finals tournament as they drew 0-0 at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.
"We lacked that last bit, the last pass," Domenech admitted. "We had to guard against an unlucky counter (by the opposition).
"It is almost a beautiful 0-0, but the result is what it is. They were good, solid in defence."
Uruguay striker Diego Forlan had a few opportunities for the South Americans, whose emphasis was on keeping tight and looking to counter.
France, though, had chances to win the game, not least in the seventh minute when winger Sidney Govou somehow side-footed wide from close range after Franck Ribery's teasing left-wing cross.
The outgoing France boss added: "The other two have the advantage."