Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has named his starting team for Friday's World Cup match against France, with defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo the surprise picks.

Victorino's call-up means Andres Sotti will on the bench, while Arevalo starts ahead of Walter Gargano.

Diego Forlan of Atletico Madrid is partnered up front by Ajax's Luis Suarez in the line-up released by Tabarez on Wednesday.

Tabarez said he was looking for balance in his team, while he was also mindful of the side France was expected to pick.

"You have to keep in mind the strength of the rival, which is the starting point for all one can do defensively," Tabarez said.

"We also have to put them under pressure when we have the ball."

Uruguay also faces Mexico and host South Africa in Group A.

Team: Fernando Muslera, Mauricio Victorino, Diego Lugano, Diego Godin, Maximiliano Pereira, Alvaro Pereira, Diego Perez, Egidio Arevalo Rios, Ignacio Gonzalez, Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan.

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