Let’s swing into high gear
Slow-starting France seek to harness scary potential against Uruguay
NIZHNY NOVGOROD: France got off to a slow start at the World Cup but four goals against Argentina last weekend will be a stark reminder to Uruguay of what they are capable of producing when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals today.
Didier Deschamps’ men were always among the tournament favourites but an underwhelming set of warm-up internationals plus a timid start in Russia suggested their reputation rang louder than reality.
That was dispelled last Saturday in Kazan as 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe and cohorts thrilled in a 4-3 victory over Argentina in the last 16.
Not only did the French midfield cleverly nullify the threat of Lionel Messi, but upfront the pace of the teenager and his combination with teammates showed what their squad can achieve.
“The group matches were laborious at times,” agreed assistant coach Guy Stephan, of their two wins and one draw in Group C.
“But it must be understood that we came up against well organised opponents.
“We understand the desire for this French team to be successful, to score goals and be creative.”
No more will that be needed than against Uruguay, who have conceded just once in the tournament and pride themselves on their stingy defence.
“They are a compact block, tightly aligned next to each other and with a massive solidarity,” added Stephan.
But if any side has the armoury to break them down, it is France, with Mbappe at the attacking helm and Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud alongside.
“I don’t think France have had as powerful an attack since 1998 when they won the World Cup,” said former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who is a TV pundit in Moscow during the tournament.
“When I saw Mbappe sprinting some 70 yards to earn France a penalty, I thought to myself ‘that’s incredible’,” former Switzerland striker Stephane Chapuisat told reporters this week.
“In addition, he has another qual- ity that you don’t often see in goal scorers: altruism.” Mbappe feeds off teammates as much as he contributes to the collective.
“Mbappe is not going to have a 10th of the space against Uruguay that he got against Argentina,” predicted former Uruguay international Diego Lugano of today’s match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
“But it means maybe Griezmann and Giroud will be able to enjoy not having as much attention.”
Should they win, France will face either Belgium or Brazil in the semi-finals.
A clash against Brazil would evoke memories of France’s only World Cup title triumph 20 years ago, certainly an inspiration if needed to get past Uruguay.
Meanwhile, the build-up to today’s 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.
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 Mbappe, it is unlikely that the teenage superstar has encountered a defence quite like Uruguay’s.
The mouth-watering last-eight tie is likely to be decided by a battle between Uruguay’s stifling backline and the speed of Mbappe.
Led by captain Diego Godin, and including Jose Gimenez, Martin Caceres and Diego Laxalt, along with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, Uruguay’s defence have the jointbest record at the World Cup.
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.
“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. — Agencies ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY . ORIGINAL COPY
I don’t think France have had as powerful an attack since 1998 when they won the World Cup. Slaven Bilic