The deeper the tournament gets, the bigger the games are. Take for example this Fridays matchup between Uruguay and France. Which of these two teams will go to the semifinals?
La Celeste had an easy time topping Group A, going undefeated through their first three games for a cool total of nine points. What’s cooler is the fact that Uruguay have allowed just one goal in Russia thus far They have outscored their opponents, 7-1, and are looking like a well-oiled machine heading into the knockout stages of the tournament. Their full capacity was on full display in their most recent outing, destroying the host’s team with a 3-0 win over Russia on Jun. 25. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani both scored in the Russia game. That the two strikers were on the same page in that match is a very good sign for Uruguay, who have gone unbeaten in their last five matches dating back to a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan in a friendly back in May. In fact, Cavani followed that up with a brace, including one off of a beautiful cross from Suarez in Uruguay’s 2-1 win over Portugal in the round of 16. With a sound defense and a clicking offense, Uruguay are in prime form to take down anyone in the World Cup.
Betting on France (-106)
After downing a South American superpower in the round of 16, Les Bleus will look to send another packing their bags for an early vacation as they take on Uruguay this coming Friday. France earned a ticket to the quarterfinals with a dramatic 4-3 see-saw of a win over Argentina last Saturday. France’s young guns showed up against Argentina with Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Pavard strutting their stuff. Mbappe, in particular, had a booming game, coming away with a brace to bury Lionel Messi and company. France are in peak form just like Uruguay, but they arguably have the better talent overall. As among the pre-tournament favorites, France are living up to the hype despite struggling at times in their matches. Suarez and Cavani are going to be headaches for France, but so will the Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud. Mbappe is among the tournament’s leader in goals with three.
Writer’s Prediction
Uruguay avenge the loss of their South American brothers from Argentina with a 2-1 win over France.
