After their resounding victory against Argentina (4-3), the French team faces another South American opponent: Uruguay (kickoff at 4 p.m.). The teammates of Luis Suarez are, however, a notch above the Albiceleste.
Didier Deschamps’ French team played a great match to overcome Argentina in the World Cup round of 16. Although they did not completely dominate the situation, the French team managed to shatter the Albiceleste defense to qualify for the next round (4-3). There, they will meet Uruguay, who brilliantly defeated Portugal (2-1) thanks in particular to a double from Cavani.
WHO WILL REPLACE MATUIDI?
Didier Deschamps has already pulled off quite a feat by adding an element of mystery and uncertainty to his starting eleven less than twenty-four hours before the clash against Uruguay. Certainly, the question is not considerable. It seemingly concerns only one position, the left midfield role occupied against Argentina by Blaise Matuidi. Suspended after two yellow cards, the Juventus Turin player will be confined to the stands at kickoff.
To replace him, the national coach has observed three possible candidates in recent days: Thomas Lemar, Corentin Tolisso, and Nabil Fekir. One of the three should succeed Matuidi in a lineup similar to the one against Argentina.
CAVANI UNCERTAIN
Although Edinson Cavani resumed training this Thursday, his participation in Friday’s quarter-final against France remains very uncertain. In the small press room of the Nijni Novgorod stadium, coach Oscar Tabarez declined to indicate whether the PSG and Celeste striker would be fit in time.
He explained: “From the moment of his injury, he began working towards his recovery. He is focused on his hope, his dreams, and that’s what he continues to do. I think we have provided enough very precise information about Cavani’s injury. There have been many rumors from people who do not know. I will not comment further on Cavani. I will not engage in this little game. In less than 24 hours, you will know who will be on the bench and on the field.”
