Uruguay vs France Match Review: Avance Les Bleus!

Uruguay’s hope of going any further in the FIFA World Cup has been dashed after they lost to France 2-0 in their quarterfinal match-up.

Goals from Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann (with the helpful hands of Fernando Muslera), were enough to see France through to the next round, and they have been showing off their champion qualities so far in the knock-out stages.

One thing over in this game that is quite notable was the lack of firepower from Uruguay, having lost Edinson Cavani to an injury in their victory against Portugal. Cavani was on the bench, however, but merely became a bystander in this game. Uruguay have also only conceded 1 goal in the tournament prior to this match, with the likes of Diego Godin, Jose Gimenez having formed a formidable partnership, due to the duo’s pairing in Atletico Madrid as well.

This forced France to play it safe, and smart through the whole game. There were times where Hugo Lloris had to be called into action, making 2 great saves in the first half. There was nothing much wrong with France’s play style, and it was one of the smoothest games of football that I’ve seen so far in the World Cup, apart from the stoppages for fouls.

In relation to France playing it safe and smart, Raphael Varane’s goal was clear evidence to the statement, having been patient when called to do so. The second, for obvious reasons, was a clear opportunity to take a shot from Antoine Griezmann, and you’d have to feel for Muslera, the experienced Uruguayan keeper, for parrying that into the back of the net. The ball was swerving ever so slightly, but it was enough for him to misjudge the slot, and ultimately, handed (pun intended) the game over to France.

Though I rarely scrutinise with emotions on the pitch, it was quite disappointing to see Gimenez in tears already, even before the final whistle was blown. Could it be for personal reasons, we may not know, but if it was because he has given up on trying to look for a miracle, that could possibly be the least you want out of your player, despite him having given 100% in the game.

Over at France’s side, they face a formidable foe in the form of whoever comes next in the semifinal, but their performances in the knockout stages have been impeccable, and many would believe they definitely have what it takes to go all the way. It’s just 2 more steps at the ladder now, before they can taste glory once more.

It has definitely been a stop-start campaign for Uruguay, having won the first 2 games out of sheer luck, and one through a little bit of sly play, if you asked me, but they have proven that they can still be a formidable force, once called upon. Sadly, a missing spark and a resilient side was enough to bring that down, and they can now look forward to having another go, 4 years from now.

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