FIFA World Cup: France books the first semi-final spot after thumping Uruguay

It was expected to be thrilling contest between the formidable forward lines of Uruguay and France, but it turned out to be a match between Uruguay’s defence and France’s forward. As Uruguayan defence committed its first mistake of leaving Rafale Varane unmarked in their penalty area in the 40th minute, the French defender pounced on to the opportunity and headed a vital break for the French team.

A terrible mistake by Uruguayan goalie Muslera in the 61th minute assisted Antoine Griezmann score his third World Cup goal in 2018 and the goal proved to be the winner for France with a margin of two goals to nil. Muslera, who had conceded just one goal going into the match, failed to collect, what looked like, a regulation save for the experienced campaigner.

Uruguay missed the services of its star forward Edinson Cavani, who had to sit out of the match due to a calf injury he sustained against Portugal. Luis Suarez too didn’t look like at his best all through the match in the absence of his partner in crime.

After France opened the scoring just five minutes before closing of the first half, Uruguay almost equalised minutes later but a formidable header by Caseres was denied by a magnificent full stretch save by French goalkeeper Lloris in the 44th minute.

France will now wait for the winner of Brazil vs Belgium quarter-final later tonight in the semi-final at St Petersburg on Tuesday.