FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Uruguay vs France Preview
The 2018 World Cup quarterfinals get underway Friday with France and Uruguay from Nishny Novgorod Stadium. Unfortunately for Uruguay, their worst fears were realized Thursday when news broke that star striker Edinson Cavani was likely to miss the match with a calf injury. An injury that he picked up in the Round of 16 against their win over Portugal. Contrary to this, France comes off a seven-goal thriller against Argentina in the Round of 16.
Cavani was the hero against Portugal, scoring both of his team’s goals before going off with the injury. Nevertheless, Girona’s Cristhian Stuani will replace Cavani who scored 21 goals in 33 games.
On the other hand, the French are unbeaten in their last nine World Cup matches against South American sides. Les Bleus are led by youngster Kylian Mbappe, who became the second teenager in history to score twice in a World Cup. This only second to Brazil’s Pele. However, that is not the only bad news for Uruguay as Antoine Griezmann alongside Olivier Giroud will be at the offensive side of the pitch on Friday.
Fortunately for Uruguay, they will have Barcelona’s Luis Suarez at front to lead the way into France’s net.
However, both teams are unbeaten thus far winning their respective groups and also in the Round of 16.
Possible Lineups:
Uruguay: Fernando Muslera; Martin Caceres, Jose Maria Gimenez, Diego Godin, Diego Laxalt; Nahitan Nandez, Lucas Torreira, Matias Vecino, Rodrigo Bentancur, Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani/Cristhian Stuani
France: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez; N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba; Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Corentin Tolisso; Olivier Giroud
Prediction:
Both Uruguay and France have blazed their way to this instance. However, only one can win and the other goes home. This is the typical veterans versus youngsters match. For Uruguay to win, they will have to win in 90 minutes of play. Otherwise, France will have the advantage with its youngster who may have more legs to outran La Celeste players. If the Charruas are without Cavani for the entire match, the French will have the upper hand in this match and will likely win it.
Uruguay 2 – 2 France (4-5 Penalties, France Advances)
