FIFA World Cup 2018: Clinical France beat Uruguay, qualify for semi-finals

Raphael Varane's glancing header and a goalkeeping blunder that gifted Antoine Griezmann a soft goal gave France a 2-0 victory over Uruguay in the first World Cup quarter-final on Friday and set them up for a last-four tie with either Brazil or Belgium. Uruguay went into the game without key striker Edinson Cavani, who was ruled out with a calf injury, with Cristhian Stuani drafted into the starting line-up. The impact on their attack was noticeable. Without Cavani, who scored twice in the round of 16 win against Portugal, Uruguay's moves forward lacked a focal point, and Luis Suarez found less space and openings against a well-drilled French defence. The South Americans battled but their talented generation of players, including the defensive rock Diego Godin, look like ending their international careers without the World Cup success they have threatened to deliver.

Updated on: Jul 06, 2018 10:32 PM IST

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France's players celebrate their opening goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-final football match between Uruguay and France at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod on July 6, 2018. France won 2-0. (AFP)

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Uruguay's midfielder Nahitan Nandez (L) vies for the header with France's midfielder Corentin Tolisso. (AFP)

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Uruguay's defender Diego Godin (C) kicks the ball past France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (L) and France's defender Samuel Umtiti. (AFP)

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France's defender Raphael Varane celebrates after scoring the opener. (AFP)

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Uruguay's defender Diego Laxalt (L) heads the ball. (AFP)

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France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) celebrates his goal with France's forward Kylian Mbappe. (AFP)

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France's forward Antoine Griezmann (2ndR) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal. (AFP)