{"id":1150,"date":"2018-07-06T11:24:23","date_gmt":"2018-07-06T05:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/india\/?p=1150"},"modified":"2018-07-06T11:24:23","modified_gmt":"2018-07-06T05:54:23","slug":"world-cup-2018-preview-uruguays-rock-solid-defence-against-frances-demolishing-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/football-tribe.com\/india\/2018\/07\/06\/world-cup-2018-preview-uruguays-rock-solid-defence-against-frances-demolishing-attack\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup 2018 Preview: Uruguay’s Rock-Solid Defence Against France’s Demolishing Attack"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two previous champions will face off in the World Cup quarterfinals when 1930 and 1950 winners Uruguay face France, who won the title 20 years ago.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The pressure is well and truly on as we reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, with Uruguay and France now just three wins away from glory.<\/p>\n

France won a thrilling last-16 clash against Argentina 4-3, with Kylian Mbappe the star of the show with two superb goals to send Lionel Messi & Co. packing.<\/p>\n

Uruguay, meanwhile,\u00a0 Cristiano Ronaldo home as Edinson Cavani struck twice to seal a 2-1 win over Portugal to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash.<\/p>\n

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2018 FIFA World Cup
\nQuarterfinals
\n06 July 2018
\nVenue:<\/strong>\u00a0Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
\nKick-off:<\/strong>\u00a016h00 (GMT+2)<\/p>\n

Referee:<\/strong>\u00a0N. Pitana
\nAssistants:<\/strong>\u00a0H. Maidana, J. Belatti
\nFourth official:<\/strong>\u00a0A. Faghani<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Players to watch:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having scored the only goal the last time these two sides faced each other, Luis Suarez<\/strong> will probably be Uruguay\u2019s main threat again. With Edinson Cavani gone the attacking responsibility will fully fall on Suarez. The Barcelona striker has scored 53 goals in 102 games for Uruguay. With Cavani gone Suarez will also have to show that he has learned from his past mistakes. In 2010 he missed the semifinal because of a last-minute handball against Ghana and in 2014 he was banned by FIFA for biting Italian opponent Giorgi Chiellini in a group stage match \u2013 Uruguay would later go out in the round of 16 against Colombia.<\/p>\n

Edinson Cavani limped off after scoring both goals in their 2-1 last 16 win over Portugal, and unless he can make a speedy recovery, Suarez will have to inspire Uruguay to victory without the help of the in-form Paris Saint-Germain star.<\/p>\n

This will be an odd match for Antoine Griezmann<\/strong> as he will be facing one of his closest friends. The French striker can often be spotted with Uruguayan teammate Diego God\u00edn on the streets of Madrid, and the Uruguayan defender is even the godfather to Griezmann\u2019s daughter Mia. On Friday, however, Griezmann will not only play against his teammate, but the two will likely be directly pitted against one-another as Griezmann will try to add to his two World Cup goals to see his country go through to the next round.<\/p>\n

Suarez scored 25 goals in Barcelona\u2019s triumphant 2017\/18 La Liga campaign but has only managed two in four World Cup games so far, which is respectable, but modest by his lofty standards.<\/p>\n

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Indeed, his tally so far has been topped even by 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe<\/strong>, who netted the winner in the group stage against Peru and a brace in France\u2019s 4-3 last 16 wins over Argentina.<\/p>\n

All eyes are on the PSG youngster, who has drawn comparisons with Les Bleus legend Thierry Henry. If he can repeat his sensational performance against Argentina, France will be a difficult team to stop.<\/p>\n

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TEAM NEWS<\/h2>\n

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For Oscar Tabarez, the major headache ahead of kickoff centres around Cavani\u2019s fitness, while for Deschamps, the big question is who will replace the suspended Blaise Matuidi.<\/p>\n

It is expected that Corentin Tolisso will be handed the honour, having played 15 minutes of France\u2019s win over Argentina.<\/p>\n

Uruguay’s in-form striker Edinson Cavani is expected to miss this match with the calf injury he suffered in their win over Portugal.<\/p>\n

Former Middlesbrough forward Cristhian Stuani is expected to be drafted in to play alongside Luis Suarez.<\/p>\n

France coach Didier Deschamps must decide who replaces the suspended Blaise Matuidi in midfield.<\/p>\n

Corentin Tolisso appears to be the front-runner, having started their opening match against Australia.<\/p>\n

Uruguay vs France \u2013 Match Stats<\/h4>\n