2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Predictions – France vs. Uruguay

There’s plenty that can be said about the 2018 World Cup, but not that it’s turned out as expected. As we head into the quarterfinals, the first game between Uruguay and France kicks off on Friday. Let’s dive into the predictions.

World Cup Quarterfinals – France vs. Uruguay

• Date: June 28, 2018
• Betting Odds: France +101 vs Uruguay +367 – Draw +224

France and Uruguay have played seven matches in total, out of which the South Americans have won two matches versus France’s one. They’ve drawn on four occasions that include three World Cup matches with Uruguay winning one match and two draws.

Uruguay Analysis

The South Americans might be without their star striker, Edinson Cavani, who was injured in their game against Portugal.

However, Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is an equally dangerous threat up-front and will potentially be joined with Girona striker Cristhian Stuani to play with a 4-4-2 formation that’s served them well in their wins over Russia and Portugal.

Uruguay is arguably the most overlooked squad in this competition despite having won all four of their 2018 World Cup matches while outscoring opponents 7-1.

They also beat Euro 2016 winners Portugal in the last 16 to reach this stage behind two goals from Cavani, only allowing one goal through all their matches.

Arguably, Uruguay has the top defense of all the teams which might make it hard for France to score goals. Los Celestes are a more disciplined squad than Argentina and can also score at the turn of a dime.

Having allowed three goals to Argentina, France showed some chinks in their armor that were not evident and could be exploited by the likes of Suarez.

On the other hand, Uruguay’s defenders will be tested by France’s attack which unlike that of Portugal’s has more than one striker to worry about.

Uruguay Predicted Lineup: Muslera, Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Laxalt, Nandez, Torreira, Vecino, Rodriguez, Bentancur, Suarez

France Analysis

Though young in age, 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe is on the verge of leading France to the World Cup semifinals. France is expected to be at full strength with the only notable absence being that of Blaise Matuidi who will miss this match due to an accumulation of yellow cards in their game.

Mbappe has confirmed his spot in the French squad showing off his brilliance on the world stage with two goals scored against Argentina that won the match.

The French team is brimming with young talent; it’s this youth that sets a blistering pace which is hard for opposing defenses to contend with. Antoine Griezmann is another player who could have a really big performance in this game, especially if the focus is centered on Mbappe. He will be up against his Atletico Madrid teammates Diego Godin and José Giménez in the Uruguay defense.

France has won six with two draws in their last eight game since a friendly defeat to Colombia back in March. In Russia, they defeated Australia 2-1 thanks to Antoine Griezmann's penalty and Paul Pogba's deflected strike, before Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal against Peru. A stalemate with Denmark followed, but they notched goals in the thrilling 4-3 second-round win against Argentina.

France Predicted Lineup: Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez, Pogba, Kante, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud

Game Prediction: France is the favorite to win. Cavani’s injury might be a huge factor in this game is Suarez cannot pick up the slack. Though Uruguay’s defense is solid, France’s youth will crack through it and snatch a narrow win.