​France Reach World Cup Semi-Finals For Sixth Time In Their History

Having enjoyed a relatively stress-free campaign so far, Uruguay were made to suffer against France. Though Les Blues dominated play, La Celeste still managed to create openings, but could find no way past Lloris, who was on top form. Tabarez reshuffled his midfield in the second half but was unable to alter the course of the game. 

France celebrate their win against Uruguay

France won through to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years after seeing off a combative Uruguay side that struggled in the absence of the injured Edinson Cavani. 

Los Charrúas made a strong start all the same, with Cavani’s replacement Cristhian Stuani shooting across the face of goal. At the back, meanwhile, La Celeste were their usual organised selves, giving away no space whatsoever.

Seeing more of the ball, France put some good moves together only to struggle in the box, where the Uruguayans were quick to snuff out any danger. Ironically, France’s opener came from a set-piece, habitually one of La Celeste’s strengths, with Raphael Varane glancing a header home from Antoine Griezmann’s pinpoint delivery. The Uruguayans would have equalised on the stroke of half-time but for a miraculous stop from Hugo Lloris, who dived full-length to claw away a Martin Caceres header.

In a bid to turn the game around, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez rang the changes in the second half, sending on Maxi Lopez and Cristian Rodriguez. Their Russia 2018 hopes came to an end, however, when a Griezmann shot deceived Fernando Muslera and slipped through the keeper’s hands and over the line.

Final Score: 

Uruguay 0-2 France

Man of the Match

Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann once again showed why he is one of the best strikers in the world. As well as directing operations for his side up front – linking up with his fellow forwards and darting into space time and again – he had a big hand in his side’s two goals, flighting in the measured free-kick from which Varane nodded France in front and then scoring the second with the assistance of the unfortunate Muslera.

Analysis:

In terms of intensity, this was a match that lived up to expectations, generating plenty of tension from start to finish. In the end, it all came down to two pairs of hands. While Lloris’ saved France, Muslera’s sealed Uruguay’s defeat. France gave nothing away in defence, denying the Uruguayans space as they battled in vain to get back into the match.

Next

France-Belgium, 10 July, Semi-final, Saint Petersburg

FIFA