Evra dropped from France starting lineup for decisive final group match against South Africa

Evra benched for France against South Africa

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Captain Patrice Evra has been dropped from the France team’s starting lineup for its final Group A game at the World Cup — against South Africa — after leading a player strike at Sunday’s workout.

Coach Raymond Domenech made six changes to the team that lost 2-0 to Mexico for Tuesday’s match that France must win to have any chance of reaching the second round.

Anelka was sent home on Saturday, two days after a heated argument with Domenech at halftime of the Mexico match. The players then protested his expulsion by refusing to practice on Sunday.

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira made five changes from the team which lost 3-0 to Uruguay. Parreira opted for a more attacking lineup, pairing strikers Bernard Parker and Katlego Mphela up front.