NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia — Individuals may have dominated the buildup for the quarterfinal clash between France and Uruguay on Friday, but it would be the South Americans’ airtight four-man defense that would decide the result.
While Uruguay sweat on the fitness of striker Edinson Cavani, it should be remembered that La Celeste’s progress in Russia has been built upon their defense as much as their A-list attack.
And while France pins its hopes on Kylian Mbappe, it is unlikely that the teenage superstar has encountered a defense quite like that of Uruguay’s.
The mouth-watering Last Eight tie here is likely to be decided by a battle between Uruguay’s stifling backline and the speed of Mbappe, 19.
Led by captain Diego Godin, and including Jose Gimenez, Martin Caceres and Diego Laxalt, along with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, Uruguay’s defense has the joint-best record at the World Cup.
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It passed through the group stage without conceding a goal and the only player to score against Uruguay was Portugal’s Pepe in the Last 16, and that was ultimately in vain.
Brazil is the only other team to have conceded just the solitary goal so far.
Uruguay has conceded three fewer goals than France. Both teams have scored seven times.
Between them, the experienced defense has over 350 international caps between them.
They are supremely well-organized and have already served notice that Mbappe will not have the same kind of freedom he enjoyed against Argentina.
“If you let France have space it will be very difficult,” Uruguay’s coach Oscar Tabarez said after securing a place in the quarterfinals.
