After two of the most absorbing knockout ties in FIFA World Cup memory, Uruguay and France face-off in a real thigh rubber. Both sides are imperious, and have got to this stage of the tournament with their best performances coming in the Round of Sixteen. Who’ll prevail here?
Uruguay News
Uruguay, while a far more complete team than many give them credit for, have one major problem: Edinson Cavani. Their talismanic star is struggling for fitness, and may not make the game with a calf injury.
If he goes, expect either Christian Stuani or Maxi Gomez to come in up top with Luis Suarez. The system works well, offering balance and the opportunity to spring attacks. While the Girona and Celta Vigo options might lack what Cavani offers, they provide the selfless running power that’s so essential to win a major knockout tie. For Uruguay, expect little changes outside of this.
France News
As Kylian Mbappe reminds everyone that his explosion at AS Monaco was just the start, France look renewed. The Thuram-esque finish from Benjamin Pavard was one thing: Mbappe’ destruction of Argentina was another. They look far more confident. However, France offer suffer from teams not coming out to play against them.
The main challenge for France is not fitness for fatigue, but finesse. They’ll need to show patience in abundance to get a result here. Should they overcome their old frailties against a lack of space, though, they could do the damage.
Verdict
A Uruguay win – a hard as nails, tough and resolute win for La Celeste. Uruguay have the experience and nous in both boxes, and won’t be as open as Argentina. If Cavani makes it, then they’ll be even more confident. An absorbing tie awaits: that’s for sure!