France reached the World Cup semifinals after a relatively straightforward 2-0 win over Uruguay courtesy of goals from Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann.

Here are seven things we learned. 

URUGUAY WON BATTLES BUT COULDN’T WIN THE WAR

Raphael Varane’s 40th minute header ensured that for the first time in 5 games, Uruguay needed to come from behind but they couldn’t as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat.

URUGUAY’S SLEEK ATTACKING PLAY IN THE FIRST HALF

Another enviable aspect of this Uruguay team apart from their defensive solidity was the purposefulness and understanding with which they attacked in the first half. Anytime the Uruguayans transitioned into attack, there was this enviable unison and cohesion in their attacking play. Despite managing only 47% ball possession and completing 119 passes as opposed to France’s 214 passes in the first half, Uruguay came up with 4 shots on goal. France managed only 1 shot on goal. 

OSCAR TABAREZ’S TACTICAL RESPONSES

In the 59th minute, Tabarez brought on M. Gomez for C. Stuani in a bid to improve mobility upfront and C. Rodriguez for R. Bentancur to introduce more creativity in the middle of the park. The effect of these changes couldn’t materialize as France scored the second due to an unusual “Karius-like” error from F. Muslera in the 61st minute.

FRANCE’S SECOND HALF SHAPE

After going 2-0 up, France switched to a 4-4-2 formation. Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud were the only attackers upfront as France ought to see out the game. When Stephen Nzonzi came on for Corentin Tolisso in the 80th minute, they occasionally switched to a 4-3-3 with Mbappe, Griezmann and Giroud forming the attacking trio.

FRANCE’S INTELLIGENT GAME MANAGEMENT

The intelligence with which France managed the game after going 2-0 up is worthy of mentioning. They maintained possession and obviously seemed to tease the Uruguayans. The French controlled the tempo of the game and with the introduction of Nzonzi, France’s midfield dominance was not in doubt.

THE MYSTERY BEHIND GRIEZMANN’S GOALS

Guess what? France hasn’t lost in any game that Griezmann has scored. The record is now 18 wins and 2 draws in games that Griezmann has scored.

URUGUAY DIDN’T DO ENOUGH IN THE SECOND HALF

In the second half, the Uruguayans couldn’t come up with a single shot on goal. It was a lacklustre second-half display from Uruguay as they couldn’t do enough to break down the resolute defensive set-up of “Les Bleus”.

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