France defender Eric Abidal says players have to "make the right fouls" to avoid getting a yellow card early at the World Cup because he thinks referees give them out more easily at that stage of the tournament.

Franck Ribery and Patrice Evra were booked by Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura within the first 20 minutes of France's 0-0 draw against Uruguay on Friday for tugging opponents back.

Nishimura also sent off Uruguay's Nicolas Lodeiro late on in the game for a second yellow card.

Abidal says "the referees will be more attentive to detail in the first matches" and "will put their hands in their pockets more easily" compared to later in a tournament.

France's next Group A match is against Mexico on Thursday in Polokwane.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP