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Uruguay vs France 2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Preview

Uruguay vs France 2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Preview

Written by on July 5, 2018

Soccer News and Betting Previews| Xbet.ag
Kylian Mbappe, the hero of France’s 4-3 win over Argentina in the round of 16, was born in 1998, which was a momentous year in French soccer — as it was the year of their only World Cup title, which they won as the host nation. Mbappe had a brace in that win over Argentina — and his coach, Didier Deschamps, was the captain of that 1998 squad. Mbappe’s speed, along with that of Antoine Griezmann, will test the defense of Uruguay, led by Diego Godin, as the two sides meet in the quarterfinals. Uruguay advanced by virtue of a perfect group play stage and then a win over Portugal — although that win may have cost them Edinson Cavani (hamstring), who looks likely to sit out of the quarterfinal round. You’ll want to check the latest injury updates before you lock in your wager, but this World Cup betting preview is written with the assumption that Luis Suarez will be the major focus for Uruguay on offense, with Cavani on the bench.

Uruguay vs France 2018 World Cup Quarterfinals Betting Preview

When: Friday, July 6, 2018, 10:00am ET Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia TV: FOX Radio: None Live Stream: fuboTV Soccer Odds: Uruguay +368 / Draw +219 / France +103

 Why should you bet on Uruguay?

Uruguay has permitted a single goal in World Cup play this year, in four matches. That goal came against Portugal in the round of 16, which was no shame, given how the Portuguese can fly with their offense tailored around Cristiano Ronaldo. Uruguay leads with its defense, using a solid back line to collect the ball and then send things forward, taking advantage of opportunities that their defense creates. Having Suarez up front means that Uruguay has a finisher who can put the ball in the net. What will Uruguay be able to do offensively against France? Remember that France permitted two goals to Argentina (with that late third coming under intense Argentinian pressure) while also scoring four of their own. France brings a young squad to the quarterfinals, and with speed sometimes also comes a lack of attention on the back line. Uruguay is a younger and faster team than Argentina, and they will be able to find openings in the French back line.

Why should you bet on France?

Five of the starters for France had never appeared in a World Cup match — including Mbappe — but this team has been far from nervous. Deschamps has had to utilize patience in coaching this team, and he recognizes the aggressive defense that Uruguay plays. However, France will win or lose with their speed up front — it will bring them chances, and it could also expose them to problems that Uruguay can cause. Mbappe and Paul Pogba should find some room to operate against Uruguay, but the windows will close more quickly against Uruguay because of their more solid commitment to defense. The moneyline here for France is somewhat surprising, given the impressive finish that Uruguay delivered against Portugal. However, hanging four goals on Argentina has led to a lot of action on the French side in this game, which is why the moneyline sits where it is. If you like France, you see their speed unraveling Uruguay as well, and the French taking advantage enough times to get the win.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Uruguay vs France

I like both approaches to soccer that emerge in this match. The French side flies with reckless abandon, using their speed to spin opponents around and get scoring chances. Uruguay has speed as well, but not as much, and so they need an aggressive style to collect the ball and move it forward, slowly choking the life out of the opposition. Without Cavani, Uruguay has the talent to hold France at bay and generate a goal, but I’m not sure they have what it takes to prevail in regulation. My money is going toward the draw here — with Uruguay advancing on penalty kicks.
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