Uruguay – France (2018 World Cup)
The first match of the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals takes place this Friday, at the Nizhny Novogorod Stadium, between Uruguay and France. The south-american side are having a good campaign so far, they have eliminated Portugal in the previous round by 2-1 in a match where they conceded their first goal in the competition. France, on their turn, arrive here after a thrilling victory over Argentina, a match that has turned into an authentic goal festival.
Uruguay had a very good campaign in Group A, where they have won all three group matches, against Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, scoring five goals without conceding a single one in the process. In their match of the last 16, the Uruguayans faced the current European Champions in tittle, Portugal, and managed to win by 2-1, courtesy of two goals from Cavani. La Celeste has a great balance in all the sectors of the field, has an extremely organized defensive sector, with two commanders like Godín and Giménez, a solid midfield with Vecino and Bentancur, and two lethal strikers like Cavani and Suárez.
This national team has been a good example on the balance between defensive organization and offensive effectiveness, with 7 goals scored and 1 goal conceded in the 4 matches played so far. Cavani was the hero for Uruguay against Portugal last time out but the PSG striker will reportedly not be fit enough to start against France. With Cavani set to miss out on a starting berth, Uruguay have a big decision to make. Make a like-for-like replacement and start Cristhian Stuani or youngster Maxi Gomez or use this opportunity to start an extra midfielder. Also, Bentancur will miss the semi-finals if he is booked against France and Uruguay progress.
Probable Lineup: Muslera – Cáceres, Giménez, Godín and Laxelt – Nández, Torreira and Vecino – Arrascaeta and Bentacur – Suárez.
France, on their turn, had a disappointing campaign during the group stage, they beat Peru and Australia but drew against Denmark, qualifying as group leaders but with only 3 goals scored and 1 conceded during the three matches. In their last 16 match against Argentina, Les Bleus were a little better and played a match that turned into an exciting goal festival, winning 4-3 in a game where Mbappé proved to be a key element in the result, since France was down to 1-2, and the youngster scored twice to help them reach these quarter-finals.
France also shows very talented squad, especially in midfield and in attack, with players like Kanté, Pogba, Griezmann, Mbappé, among others. Les Bleus have a good offensive capacity, they are strong in attacking down the wings, but are more dangerous in creating scoring opportunities through individual skill, something that they are, perhaps, to much dependent on. Matuidi is suspended for France due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Nabil Fekir or Corentin Tolisso will deputise. Olivier Giroud, Corentin Tolisso, Paul Pogba and Pavard will incur a one-match ban if they are booked against Uruguay.
Probable Lineup: Lloris – Pavard, Varane, Umtiti and Hernández – Kanté and Pogba – Mbappé, Griezmann and Fekir – Giroud.
Uruguay won 1 of their last 5 direct clashes against France, with the remaining 4 ending tied.
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Uruguay
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1-0 |
 France |
Friendly Match 2013
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France
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0-0 |
 Uruguay |
Friendly Match 2012
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Uruguay
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0-0 |
France |
South Africa 2010
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France
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0-0 |
Uruguay |
Friendly Match 2008
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France
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0-0 |
Uruguay |
Korea/Japan 2002
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Expect a match with great intensity between two national teams with several world class players, which, unlike the previous direct clashes, should make this a very interesting game, with a few goals on the mix to be expected.
