European power house France meets South Amercan Giant Uruguay for a classic encounter of power football toady to settle which goes ahead to meet winner of Brazil vs. Belgium match in the semi final.
Uruguay won the championship twice including the first when it used to be called Juliet Rime Trophy. France won once beating favourite Brazil when they hosted the tournament. This is the first time in the tournament two previous champions are going head to head. Uruguay Finished on top of Group A ahead of host Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. France also topped their group C ahead of Peru, Denmark and Australia. France ranked 7 and Uruguay 14 in FIFA ranking when the tournament started.
Didier Deschamps young France putin a searing performance a crushing tournament favourite Lionel Messi and Argentina 4-3 in their last 16 tie. Teenager KylianMbappe was twinkling little star. Saprlingperformance from duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani saw Uruguay send Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, the European champions, packing. The clash of these two soccer giants is expected to create intensity and mouth watering contest.
The lightening pace of French Counter attacks which melted the Argentine defence like melting ice of Arctic was a treat to eyes. France love to use Mbappe’s pace on the counter-attack and it will require a great deal of discipline from Uruguay’s midfielders, such as prospective Arsenal signing Lucas Torreira, to ensure Mbappe is denied space to attack.
On the other hand, Uruguay which relies so much on sweet Surarez combination for unsettling packed defence is sweating on Cavani’s match fitness. In case Cavani fails to make it Uruguay could go for CristhianStuani or Maxi Gomezas a like-for-like replacement but they may opt for an extra midfielder, perhaps Cristian Rodriguez, and play Luis Suarez as a lone forward.
France defence virtually remained untested in the group matches and most of the period against lacklustre Argentina .But once Argentina became desperate the defence looked vulnerable. On the other hand, Uruguay possesses a very solid defence which even Ronaldo inspired Portugal could not crack.
Probable Playing XI:
Uruguay XI:
Muslera, Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Laxalt, Nandez, Torreira, Vecino, Bentancur, Stuani, Suarez
France XI:
Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Lucas, Kante, Pogba, Mbappe, Griezmann, Tolisso, Giroud
France and Uruguay are in form teams which accounted for exit of Messi inspired Argentina and Ronaldo steered European Champion Portugal. Soccer world is eagerly waiting for this classic contest of soccer giants from two major football playing continents.
BDST: 1219 HRS, JUL 06, 2018
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