Uruguay v France Preview: Will Uruguay leave France feeling blue?
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Odds and tips ahead of the last-eight clash
We’ve reached the business end of the World Cup as Uruguay meet France in the first of the quarter-finals.
France defeated Argentina 4-3, while Uruguay sent Portugal packing after a 2-1 win in the second round. But will there be fireworks when these two sides meet in Nizhny Novgorod?
The Coral News Team take a look at the key storylines…
Can France crack solid Uruguay defence?
It’s arguably the key question. Diego Godin and crew have conceded just one goal all tournament. In fact, La Celeste have conceded fewer shots-in-the-box than any other side in Russia.
Their defence has always been Uruguay’s key component. That central defensive partnership of Godin and Jose Gimenez is rock solid.
In our #YourCall special market, Godin is 27/20 to win 3+ tackles. France to score Under 1.5 Goals is 8/15.
If one man can unlock the door…
Thankfully, France have a player particularly familiar with that pair – Antoine Griezmann.
The Atletico Madrid star has looked dangerous throughout the tournament and bagged two goals so far. Olivier Giroud’s introduction against Peru seemed to turn the tide in attack for France.
The Chelsea striker has acted as a lightning rod for the fleet-footed talents of Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe. The flying pair caused havoc in the win over Argentina. They’re both 19/10 to find the net Anytime.
Uruguay have trouble up top
Oscar Tabarez could be without one of his star names with Edinson Cavani reportedly struggling to make the game.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace limped out of the last-16 clash with Portugal. And he’d be a huge miss against France. Tabarez might have to call upon former Middlesbrough forward Cristhian Stuani to step up and replace him.
The Girona striker scored 21 goals for the La Liga outfit last season and is an able deputy. The 31-year-old is 14/5 to bag Anytime. Luis Suarez is available in the same market at 9/5.
Don’t expect a classic
Despite this World Cup being packed with excitement, upsets, and goals, this quarter-final looks like it could be tight.
Since France ’98, just three of 20 World Cup quarter-finals have been won by more than the single goal.
Les Bleus and Uruguay played each other four times between 2002 and 2012 – twice in the World Cup – and all four have ended scoreless. In fact, there have only been six goals scored in seven previous meetings in total.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
