Quarter-Finals 1: France v Uruguay, 6th July, 3pm(GMT)

[JJ1532]

On we go then. The first quarter-final.

France won a thrilling game against Argentina, with Mbappe coming to the party in a big way. Him and the French front line will have by far their toughest test of the World Cup in trying to break down a Uruguay side who have conceded 1 goal in 4 games so far. How will their sometimes inconsistent defence cope as well, plus the midfield without Matuidi. This is a big test for them.

As for Uruguay, they are carried by their star power in Godin at the back and by Suarez and Cavani up front. Was Cavani's injury against Portugal serious or not? We'll likely know come this game. Can they beat the super talented French? This is their toughest test by a long way, Godin and co will have to be at their best to contain the French front line. But Cavani and Suarez can get some joy against the French defence.

So, will Uruguay grind their way to victory or will the French talent overcome that? Who makes the last 4?

 

[SALTIRE]

Really looking forward to this one. Will Pogba flop once more, or will he finally turn up for a big match for his country? No Cavani will be a big miss for the Uruguayans; but they are a savvy, pragmatic bunch and will run France close.

France to win 2 - 1 AET.

 

[valefan16]

Hardest game of the four to call for me this. Uruguay are just so solid, talking of Godin they remind me a lot of Atleti.

France you would sort of expect here but they have huffed and puffed at times and as good as the game against Argentina was the concern for the French has to be the back line which conceded three times against a side who have struggled in the past two years and especially in this tournament.

If Uruguay can keep as solid as they have been then i fancy them purely as I think they’d be capable of scoring in this tie.

 

[Abertawe]

Nah I still think Uruguay are pretty basic - France by a 2 goal margin for me.

 

[WilsdenBantam]

France, think they'll get to the final. Hopefully anyway I put them on at 6/1 e/w before the tournament with England at 16/1.

 

[mistermagic]

They'll be shoot-outs. Nervous, nervous game awaits.

 

[Jockney]

Tightest game of the four for me, followed by England vs Sweden. Gotta hate playing against a defensively solid side who you know will take their chances when they come. France won't be able to relax for a second.

 

[Benji]

This will be an interesting game. Uruguay have been pretty effective at doing just about what is required to win games. This will be their biggest test yet though, and France will be feeling confident after their previous game.

There's no chance Uruguay will be as open as those Argentine idiots though, so Mbappe won't get so much space. I'd back Uruguay's defenders over Giroud in most battles as well. I'd say it'll be a low scoring game, but could go either way.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

With Cavani, I’d have said Uruguay in 90 mins. Without, I’d say it will go to penalties. Either way, there’s no way Uruguay will be as naive at defending as Argentina were. Think Argentina made France’s defence look quite average at times also.

 

[Abertawe]

Uruguay even with Cavani are just snidey clever - but for a French shithousery I've got this an easy victory for the blues.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Uruguay even with Cavani are just snidey clever - but for a French shithousery I've got this an easy victory for the blues.

Which blues though?!

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Uruguay already being warned by the ref to tone down the reactions to tackles etc and get on with things.

 

[Abertawe]

Which blues though?!

The whites.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Les blancs-bleus have just scored!

 

[Super_horns]

France scored - might well open the game up as Uruguay have to try and reply.

 

[Abertawe]

France scored - might well open the game up as Uruguay have to score .

Thank god it wasn't the other way around.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Uruguay nearly equalised in the same way France scored!

 

[Steve_Wafc]

I think Godin forgot which goal he was next to. A proper Peter Kay ‘ave it moment.

 

[Abertawe]

Tony Pulis would be a good fit for Uruguay.

 

[Abertawe]

I think Godin forgot which goal he was next to. A proper Peter Kay ‘ave it moment.

Probably understood a goal wasn't worth Loris' life.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Uruguay really missing Cavani for his link up play. Stuani has been quite terrible so far. Probably would have gone for Rodríguez in behind Suarez as a better option.

 

[rudebwoyben]

A Neueresque error by Muslera in mishandling Griezmann's shot puts France 2-0 up.

 

[Bobbin']

Keeper

 

[Steve_Wafc]

That’s a shocker. Usually a reliable keeper as well. No idea what he was doing, got everything wrong.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Reminds me of that howler by Erik Thorsvedt in his debut match for Spurs all those years ago..

 

[JimJams]

Breaking News: Liverpool make 50 milion offer for goalkeeper Muslera.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Uruguay have clearly been watching Colombia..

 

[GTFCfish]

South American teams really are c*** when they're losing, all the fucking same.

 

[Pagnell]

A bit of a shit game in the end.

 

[Chris FGR]

South American teams really are c*** when they're losing, all the fucking same.

Nothing wrong with it. Why just lose tamely when you can go down fighting. A good loser is a loser.

And too many whiny little bitches around, might as well stick one on them and give them something to whine about.