France 2 (RaphadiVarane, Griezmann ) - Uruguay 0
There was very little to choose between the two evenly matched teams. But Griezmann inspired France looked slightly more lively and enterprising. A lovely glancing header of Varane from a free kick in the far corner put Uruguay put France in front 40 minutes of the first half (1-0). A rare costly lapse of Uruguayan Goal keeper Muslera making it 2-0 ensured France a berth in the semi final where they will meet the winner of the Brazil Belgium match in the semi final. Uruguyan goalkeeper in effort of punching out an innocuous looking Griezman strike finger tipped the ball into his own net. The unexpected second goal effectively extinguished some flash from the match as in such neck to neck ,feet to feet tussle it is very difficult to recover from 0-2 down. Another quality team faded out from this wonderful world cup.
The match reached to expected level with both teams tested the rival defence with lightening moves from all directions. But Uruguay visibility missed injured Cavani as the combination of Surarej- Cavani was not available for testing French defence. Uruguay almost scored the equalizer minutes after conceding the goal in similar fashion off a free kick from out side their box. French goalkeeper Lloris pulled out a spectacular acrobatic save.
Two out five South American teams (Brazil , Argentina , Peru , Uruguay and Columbia ) Brazil and Uruguay advanced to the quarterfinal. With the exit of Uruguay only Brazll remains as the lone warrior to challenge the possibility of all European contest.
Living up to the expectation the match started in brisk note with teams testing rival defence with fast incisive moves. France appeared to settle down first .Uruguyan attacks lacked the punch missing the Suarez Cavanibuild ups.
40 minutes into the match France was awarded a free in the business area of Uruguay outside its box. Griezmann floated a juicy kick whichVarane flicked into the far corner of the net with a measured glancing header (1-0).
Down by first half goal Uruguayans appeared a bit team losing steam. Griezmann was allowed space in Uruguyan business area who stuck a low drive. However, Loris tried to palm over the cross bar but instead his weak punch deflected into his own net breaking the heart of the South Americans (2-0) .
The winner of two World Cup, including the very first, failed to reach beyond quarter final once more. After a while ZinadeneZidans France looks good for a crack into World Cup title again.
The world Cup winning Captain DD finds his team to last four. Uruguay without Cavani did not look all that convincing. It was only the second French win in 9 head to head meetings.
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
BDST: 1005 HRS, JULY 6, 2018
AP
