Uruguay will face France in the first World Cup 2018 Quarter Final on Friday, Kick-Off at 1600hrs at the Stadion Nizhny Novgorod.
France attacking flare has earned them the tag as the Biggest Championship favourites at the Russia World Cup. France ran through Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Round of 16 with 19 year old Kylian Mbappe scoring two goals.
Meanwhile, Uruguay has emerged as the meanest defence having conceded just once in the four games they played. They were one of three teams that won all the group matches beating Egypt, Russia and Saudi Arabia. They went on to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the Round of 16.
Edison Cavani was the hero on the day. He headed in a Luis Suarez cross to open the scoring in the 7th minute and then curled in a brilliant 62nd-minute winner after Pepe had equalized for Portugal.
However, the striker could not finish the match with a calf injury. Uruguay will fret over his availability to partner Suarez upfront.
Predicted Line Ups
URUGUAY FRANCE
Fernando Muslera Hugo Lloris
Diego Godin Raphael Varane
Martin Caceres Lucas Hernandez
Diego Laxalt Benjamin Pavard
Jose Gimenez Samuel Umtiti
Rodrigo Bentancur Corentin Tolisso
Lucas Torreira Paul Pogba
Matias Vecino Antoine Griezmann
Nahitan Nandez Kylian Mbappe
Luis Suarez N’Golo Kante
Cristhian Stuani Olivier Giroud
Team News
As already mentioned, Uruguay injury wory is Edison Cavani. The coach has remained tight lipped on his availabilty.
France will miss Blaise Matuidi who is suspended
Match Facts
In head to head clashes the two teams have met seven times with draws dominating. Four, while Uruguay won twice and France earning only one win
Three of the matches where at World Cup (1966, 2002 and 2010)
Kylian Mbappe now stands second on France’s all-time list of top goalscorers at a single World Cup with three goals
France to win: 2.02
Uruguay to win: 4.58
France and Uruguay to draw after 90 minutes: 3.2