World Cup 2018: Uruguay vs France prediction, stats, team news and preview as sides meet in quarter-final showdown in Nizhny Novgorod
Friday's clash will be the eighth meeting between the pair - with Uruguay winning two, France winning one and FOUR goalless draws
THIS is the eighth meeting between Uruguay and France - with the South Americans winning two, France winning one and FOUR goalless draws
Luis Suarez's nation are also 2-1 up in World Cups, boasting triumphs at home in 1930 and in Brazil in 1950 while France’s sole victory in 1998 also came on home soil.
The Managers
DIDIER DESCHAMPS might still not have convinced the entire nation that he’s the right man for the job.
But he’s lost just one of 16 World Cup matches as a player and manager, 1-0 to Germany in the quarters four years ago.
Got his tactics absolutely bang on in the 4-3 last 16 thriller against Argentina.
The sight of Oscar Tabarez hobbling to the dugout on crutches has become one of the most iconic of this tournament.
The 71-year-old suffers from degenerative nervous system disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which also struck down former Celtic and Denmark midfielder Morten Wieghorst.
Tsar in the making
AT 25-years-old, Diego Laxalt is hardly a kid.
But the Genoa left-back has crept up on the footballing world with his storming performances so far.
Came forward to hit the deflected shot that put Uruguay 2-0 up against Russia in the clinching group match.
Also sticks out a mile with his long hair styled into Bo Derek braids.
FROM RUSSIA WITH LIVE All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup
Star men
THIS one will have mano-a-mano battles all over the park, some seeing club-mates and friends going right in each other’s faces; Griezmann vs Godin, Suarez vs Umtiti.
However, it could all come down to who controls the midfield.
It's a straight fight between the running and passing of Paul Pogba - at last showing the player he really can be - and the defensive savvy of Arsenal-bound youngster Lucas Torreira.
Prediction: France 2 Uruguay 0
Probable line-ups
France (4-2-3-1): Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez, Pogba, Kante, Mbappe, Griezmann, Lemar, Giroud.
Uruguay (4-3-1-2): Muslera, Caceres, Godin, Giminez, Laxalt, Nandez, Torreira, Vicino, Bentancur, Suarez, Stuani.