Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: 888sport
France and Uruguay will reveal the first team that will reach the semifinals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. At least on paper, this will be an authentic clash of styles. On one hand, the South American side will rely on the strength, their tactics and the presence of Luis Suarez to penetrate the French back line, while the 2016 EURO finalists will be hoping their attacking line will carry them just like it happened against Argentina. Kick-off for this game is scheduled at 15:00 hrs (BST) on Friday.
Uruguay
Would it be fair to call Uruguay as an “underdog” ahead of this game? Maybe that is a bit exaggerated, but there is no question that the CONMEBOL side has been one of the biggest surprises on Russian soil thus far. Los Celestes won Group A undefeated and without a conceding a single goal, but they would save their best performance for the Round of 16. A magical performance from Edinson Cavani – who netted two goals, one in each half – lifted Uruguay to a 2-1 win over the reigning European champions, Portugal. The win also sent Uruguay to the quarterfinals for the second time in the last three World Cups, as they reached the semifinals on South Africa 2010. Will they manage to accomplish that same result here? Their attacking duo, a stellar centre-back pairing and their tactical discipline are the main calling cards of a team that simply can’t be counted out no matter who they are facing against.
Team News
Oscar Washington Tabarez has one HUGE question ahead of this game. Will Cavani be available for this one? Based on recent reports, the PSG striker is not fit enough to play. However, Tabarez will determine his inclusion on the bench closer to kick-off time.
If Cavani can’t play, then Christian Stuani seems like the best alternative to start upfront alongside Suarez.
France
Uruguay might one of the top surprises in the competition, but that does not apply to France. In fact, Didier Deschamps’ men are simply living up to the most minimal expectations by reaching the quarterfinals. Many experts tabbed France to be a World Cup contender on Russian soil and while the results back them up, their play has left a lot to be desired. Les Bleus struggled during the Group Stage: they suffered to clinch a 2-1 win over Australia, topped Peru by the slimmest of margins (1-0) and settled for a 0-0 draw against Denmark knowing that the result gave them the top spot in Group C. They improved against Argentina and won 4-3, but things could have gone far different hadn’t Kylian Mbappe contributed directly in three of the team’s four goals. France have enough talent to compete toe-to-toe against any side in the world, but they have yet to show it during the World Cup. Will they live up to the expectations against Uruguay, arguably the toughest opponent they have faced thus far in the tournament?
Team News
Deschamps won’t have Blaise Matuidi available for this game after the Juventus midfielder received a second yellow card against Argentina.
Corentin Tolisso and Steven N’Zonzi could take Matuidi’s place in the starting XI. The Bayern midfielder seems like the most likely candidate to earn that spot, though.
Key Factors to Consider
- France have never won a single WC game against Uruguay (D2, L1), scoring only one goal in the process. Could we see an edge towards Uruguay based on past encounters?
- The South Americans are on a run of seven straight wins in all competitions, conceding just a single goal.
- In all competitions, four of the last five clashes between the two sides have ended 0-0. Will we see something similar this time around?
- Six out of the sides’ eight encounters have produced less than 2.5 goals.
- During Russia 2018, both France and Uruguay have seen over 2.5 goals in two of their four matches so far.
Conclusion
France might have conceded three goals against Argentina, but they only allowed one goal during the Group Stage. Meanwhile, Uruguay have conceded just once in the entire tournament.
There is no doubt we are in line for a tight encounter here. One where we could easily witness under 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: 888sport
france to win 3-1