URUGUAY vs FRANCE - TACTICAL PREVIEW

Uruguay's hopes lie on what Suárez and Godín can do in this match

It's time for quarterfinals and the tension and expectation is maximum, with every team dreaming to get their hands on the trophy, especially in such an open World Cup where there's chances for everyone. And these two teams know they are facing their biggest test yet but that if they manage to overcome it, their chances of being champions improve drastically. This expectation generates pressure, with both squads conscious of the stakes and the one who can handle this will be the one coming through. 

Tactically the match is clear: France will be the one with the initiative and Uruguay will not only defend, but do it conscious that is the best path for victory. For the Celeste is a style they are very familiar with, that suits them well and that has helped them achieve good results, so there's confidence in what needs to be done to perform the plan as good as possible to get the best result. Besides, Tabárez has found the team he wanted against Russia and will repeat against France, except with the now known absence of Cavani who won't be fit to play and will be replaced by Stuani.

Stuani's aerial prowess is his main argument to replace Cavani

The Girona striker scored 21 goals in 33 La Liga matches this season playing as a typical number 9, but in this match he will have to perform a different task, further from the box to be the target of long high balls he will have to control and hold with the objective of generating space and chances for Suárez. Besides, his work-rate in pressing and tracking back is going to be key. It's clear that there's a difference in level between him and Cavani, but the team's performance doesn't suffer as much without the PSG player. In fact, Uruguay has won all three official matches it has played without Cavani. La Celeste will lose pace in the defense-to-attack transition and quality in the passes in enemy territory, but will benefit with a target man who can have an edge above Kanté in high balls. 

Except from that, Uruguay will form with the 4-3-1-2 that worked well against Russia and Portugal and that fits perfectly the players at disposal. It's a tactical system that has weaknesses on the sides, as the central midfielders have too much space to cover but it's something Uruguay compensates with the tracking back of the attacking midfielder and one of the forwards. This way, there's fewer space for the rival team in the center of the pitch, as the midfielders can get closer to the holding midfielder and so the opponents have to open the pitch, areas where the fullbacks get the support from the interior midfielders so there's never gaps to exploit. If that line is broken, Uruguay has Torreira as destroyer and a strong defensive partnership. The former will have to be careful with Griezmann's mobility, whereas the latter will have to fight with Giroud in what is one of the key areas of the match. Chelsea's striker will have to be controlled so he doesn't influence the game with his game with the back to the goal. The least he takes part the better for La Celeste. 

On the French side it's confirmed that Mendy won't be a part of the match, so Hernández will be the left back again, but there's doubts on who's going to be the one to come in place of the suspended Matuidi. Three players fight for his place, and each will make the team perform differently, so it's a key factor on how France are going to set up ahead of this game.

Tolisso is favorite to replace Matuidi in the middle

Thomas Lemar is one of the options, a direct quick option who plays on the left side, something that could limit the numbers in midfield in what would be a clear 4-2-3-1. Deschamps is not keen on changing formation once he's found the one he's most comfortable with, so it's unlikely that the new Atlético Madrid player will start as the 4-3-3 seems untouchable. That's why the favorite to come in is Corentin Tolisso. Bayern's player is a strong central midfielder with powerful long shots and good ball control, so he fits perfectly in the idea France has towards this match where they will have to be patient and have fluidity with the ball. This will free Pogba to play in the box-to-box role Matuidi was doing, giving him freedom to get closer to the box and less defensive efforts. The last option is Nabil Fekir, one that has been heavily rumored lately and that would bring a player with exquisite technique, a more direct approach and danger in dead ball situations. This would mean Mbappé plays on the left and that the wide offensive men will be more centered, forcing the fullbacks to provide width. 

The rest of the team is clear, with a top class young yet experienced defense, one of the best holding midfielders in the world, and a combination of technique, speed and power in attack that intimidates everyone. France will face, however, a style that's been tough for them in the past, as they have struggled to break tight defenses, something seen in the goalless draw against Luxemburg at home in the Qualifiers, and also in the games against Australia and Denmark in this tournament. Uruguay will be the toughest test in that aspect and could expose some of the French team's weaknesses, as it tends to be too eager, too direct and with not enough patient, something that can frustrate them if they can't break the Uruguayan defense. The squad's youth and the absence of clear leaders can be exposed in this maximum pressure situation and in a match where they will have to take the burden of the match.

Giroud and Griezmann will have a tough job ahead against a very solid defense

Uruguay won't be giving the defensive concessions Argentina gave, and they have a player who can make the most out of thing, besides having a deadly set-piece game that has given them benefits when they needed it the most. France hasn't been too solid in that aspect, an area that has been key all along the tournament and that is even more relevant when the stakes are high. In any case, Les Bleus are favorites to win the match @2.05 (48% chance) and to go through @1.44 in Bet365, odds that seem a bit low considering that the difference isn't much and that, above all, tactically this is the toughest match France will face in this World Cup.