WC: France vs Uruguay Preview: Uruguay's immoveable defence ready for France's unstoppable Mbappe

Nizhniy Novgorod, July 5: The build-up to Friday's (July 6) quarter-final clash between France and Uruguay has been dominated by individuals, but it may be the South Americans' almost unbreachable four-man defence which decides the result.

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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 defence as much as their A-list attack. And while France pin their hopes on Kylian Mbappe, it is unlikely that the teenage superstar has encountered a defence quite like Uruguay's.

The mouth-watering last-eight tie in Nizhny Novgorod 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 defence have the joint-best record at the World Cup.

The Round of 16. Wow.

Who's ready for the quarter-finals? #WorldCup

Full round-up: https://t.co/1ZpB3j3qbA pic.twitter.com/Duf0LiIXuX

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2018

They 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 are the only other team to have conceded just the solitary goal so far.

Uruguay have conceded three fewer goals than France. Both teams have scored seven times. Between them, the experienced defence have over 350 international caps between them. They are supremely well-organised and have already served notice that Mbappe will not have the same kind of freedom he enjoyed against Argentina.

Godfather Godin won't give ground to Griezmann in World Cup battle | Like him or loathe him -- Deschamps puts winning before all else " title="Incredible Mbappe faces ultimate World Cup test against Godin and Uruguay | Godfather Godin won't give ground to Griezmann in World Cup battle | Like him or loathe him -- Deschamps puts winning before all else " />Incredible Mbappe faces ultimate World Cup test against Godin and Uruguay | Godfather Godin won't give ground to Griezmann in World Cup battle | Like him or loathe him -- Deschamps puts winning before all else

Today's training session in Istra included a series of agility exercises for Hugo #Lloris, some nice crosses from the boss, and a volleying session that saw @AreolaOfficiel and @_OlivierGiroud_ excel (and celebrate accordingly! 😄).#FiersdetreBleus #WorldCup #URUFRA pic.twitter.com/KFbJL3fg31

— French Team (@FrenchTeam) July 4, 2018

"If you let France have space it will be very difficult," Uruguay's coach Oscar Tabarez said after securing a place in the quarter-finals. And he has also insisted that he is happy to cede possession to France in a bid to make the last four.

France's conundrum against Uruguay is knowing best how to utilise Mbappe and his fellow attacking danger, Antoine Griezmann. The French limped through their group stage but burst to life in their exhilarating 4-3 last-16 win over Argentina, inspired by Paris Saint-Germain's $220 million (188-million-euro) Mbappe.

Didier Deschamps, France's coach, has already indicated that he is expecting a different kind of game from "solid" Uruguay from the seven-goal thriller in Kazan. The match is likely to be unsurprising, if not only for tactics, but also because of those involved.

Cavani remains a doubtful starter for quarterfinal tie against France

Whoever -- and however -- decides the match is likely to have to get one over on a domestic teammate. Cavani, who will definitely not start, but may play some part despite his calf injury, plays with Mbappe for PSG. Godin and Gimenez are colleagues -- and close friends -- with Griezmann, Rodrigo Bentancur and Blaise Matuidi play for Juventus, while Luiz Suarez and French defender Samuel Umtiti play for Barcelona.

🎥@Uruguay entrenó esta mañana en el Sports Centre Borsky a dos días de enfrentar a @equipedefrance por cuartos de final. #ElEquipoQueNosUne #Rusia2018 pic.twitter.com/PB7ROihRTN

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) July 4, 2018

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Uruguay - Diego Laxalt

Laxalt has been an unsung star of this World Cup, particularly against Portugal, when he made more tackles and interceptions (nine overall) than any other Uruguay player. He will be key to stopping Mbappe down France's right wing.

France - Kylian Mbappe

It had to be, right? Mbappe was devastating against Argentina and looks like France's most lethal weapon at the moment. This Uruguay defence, marshalled by Diego Godin, will be a serious test of his powers.

KEY OPTA STATS

- This is Uruguay's first appearance in the quarter-final of the World Cup since 2010, when they beat Ghana 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

- France have progressed on four of the last five occasions they have reached the quarter-final stage, with the only exception being a 0-1 defeat against Germany in 2014.

- France forward Kylian Mbappe has had five shots at the 2018 World Cup, with all five going on target and three of them ending up as goals.

- Team-mate Antoine Griezmann has scored six goals in his last five appearances in the knockout stages of major tournaments (World Cup and European Championships).

- Each of Uruguay's last three goals in the 2018 World Cup have been scored by Edinson Cavani.

Match kicks off at 7:30pm (IST)

Live on Sony Ten 2

Source: (PTI & OPTA)