France 2-Uruguay 0

Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann scored one goal each to give the victory to Le Bleus, which advances to the semifinal of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.

The match was very tactical for both teams. Uruguay, which normally is a strong defensive team, was not able to stop the very dynamic and fast French side. Kylian Mbappe and Griezmann were the key factors for the Europeans in their last third. Even though order is a priority in defense for Uruguay, Mbappe’s fast and versatile game in the sides complicated the Uruguayan defense.

The possession of the ball and the control of the midfield was all for France. This is typical for teams that face Uruguay. The South Americans feel more comfortable when their opponent attack them, leaving spaces for their players to generate offensive plays. However, in this match that did not happen. Uruguay was not able to find their game in offense. Edison Cavani, who was an important player for Los Celestes, did not play due to a leg injury. This affected the front line of Uruguay. Christian Stuani, who was Cavani’s replacement, never found a good opportunity to score.

Also Luis Suarez, who had a good match, had to play outside of the box and sometimes in the midfield to recover the ball and even help in defense. All this, thanks to a very good French team that pressure their opponent in very sector of the field.

The Goals: The first one came in at the 40th minute when Real Madrid defender Varane found the ball inside the box. His header beat Uruguay’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. France doubled their lead when Griezmann’s shot was not block properly by Muslera and the ball went in at the 61st minute. That goal came in just one minute after Uruguay’s coach Oscar Tabarez made two offensive substitutions, this create confusion with the Uruguayans, who were not able to come back.  

France is a team that has been growing up since their first match of the tournament and are surely a candidate to win it all this year in Russia. There have been five tournaments since the French won the World Cup for the first time, and this young generation of players seems to have what it takes to repeat what they did at home twenty years ago when they host the World Cup in 1998. They are a balanced and talented team that will fight against anyone to get the championship.

Now Le Bleus will face the winner of Brazil vs Belgium in the semifinal. Either team will be a good challenge for the French, who seem to be ready for the occasion.