Without their ace Edinson Cavani, Uruguay will have to rely on defense to defeat France
Hello Rankers!
The Round of 16 is over, with Messi and Ronaldo both out of the world cup, and with hosts Russia staging a win over Spain, which is perhaps the only upset of the group stages. We have seen much Drama such as the Croatia vs Denmark shootouts, and Belgium coming back from 2 goals to score a last-minute win over Japan (which was considered as a walkover).
Hope you have won some points in the round of 16.To help you score better in RankingBall and win more, here's a strategy guide which can kick you off.
This matchup is a showdown between spear and shield. Will France be able to break through Uruguay's defense with the likes of Griezmann or Mbappe? Or Uruguay compromise on France's lack of experience and organization and profit from the "defend first, then counterattack" tactic like it has been doing throughout the tournament?
In this guide, we will go over which players you can expect to put in your RankingBall bingo.
France Preview
The talented and young Les Bleus showed their strengths and weaknesses in the previous match against Argentina. Their lineup consisting of Europes top stars such as Kante, Mbappe, Giroud, and Griezmann were able to rip apart Argentina's defense. However, the French had disciplinary problems of their own, as seen from their inability to strategically lock down Di Maria from shooting his wonder goal. Conceding three goals while having Kante (EPL's best, or perhaps world best attack filter) means a serious problem in the defense department. Perhaps the Les Bleus are the polar opposite of Japan, whose defense had to rely on tactics and organization due to lack of individual skills and physical strength. If France is to win, they would have to overcome their organizational problems first.
Expected Best XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack point - There are two choices here. The more reliable bet here would be Olivier Giroud. Giroud was not able to score last match, but he made an assist, and definitely is a striker who is in the position to score goals. In the Europa League, many Arsenal fans lamented selling Giroud to Chelsea, as many speculated that Giroud could overpower Athletico's Godin(187) and Gimenez(185) with his height(192). We'll see whether Arsene Wenger was wrong today. Another option would be to bet on Antoine Griezmann. Griezmann is yet to unleash his full potential in this tournament, but who knows? Last preview, I was sketpical about Neymar coming online, but Neymar made two attack points against Mexico, so why not take the same risk with Griezmann? After all, form is temporary, yet class is eternal.
Goal - Kylian Mbappe. The typical French goal hunter who is expected to be the next Thierry Henry. Mbappe is France's leading scorer, and with the French midfield starting to pull themselves up, expect Mbappe to get more support in his attempts. Griezmann could also be an option as he is the penalty kicker for France.
Assists - There are some options here. Expect Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez to set up goals with their crosses (as France has the height advantage). Pogba, Griezmann and Giroud are also valid options here, but I recommend to put Giroud in the attack point cell.
Saves - Expect Hugo Lloris to make some saves against Suarez.
Fouls/Carding - Among the two sides, France is the more undisciplined of the two, committing around 58 fouls. Expect French players such as Varane, Kante and Umtiti to commit fouls.
Corners - Looking at the depth of the midfield, expect France to be in much possession of the match.
Shots on - I would take several French players here for the aforementioned reason. Get some underrated, yet offensive players such as Pavard, Toulisso and Varane here.
Uruguay Preview
In terms of play style, team color, and strengths/weaknesses, Uruguay is the polar opposite of France. What Uruguay lacks in individual talent, they make up in organization. Uruguay manager Oscar Tavarez has finally organized their midfield in a 4-4-2 diamond formation, fully utilizing the Serie A prospects Torreira (read more about him here) and Bentancour. In their group stage match against Russia, Uruguay has shrugged off their criticism that 'there is nobody between Godin and Suarez' through midfield reorganiziation. Uruguay's remarkable defense lives on, shutting down Cristiano Ronaldo and securing a 2-1 win over Portugal (1 goal conceded in 4 matches so far, the best in this world cup!). Uruguay's current biggest concern is that Edinson Cavani, the hero behind victory over Portugal, is injured and is unsure whether Stuani will fill in well.
Yet, If you believe in the sports maxim "Offense wins fans(games), Defense wins games(championships)", then Uruguay would be your best bet for this World Cup.
Expected Best XI
RankingBall Strategies
Attack point - The one man with Uruguay's attack on his shoulders, especially with Cavani injured - Luis Suarez. If you expect Suarez to be shut down in similar fashion against Portugal (and high chances that Kante will be marking him), go for Rodrigo Bentancour
Goal - Although overshadowed by Suarez and Cavani, Christian Stuani is not a striker to be underestimated. He has scored 21 goals in 33 matches for Girona in the 17-18 Primera Liga, and stands fifth in the scoring ranking. Another option would be Diego Godin, hoping that he makes use of France's lack of organization during set pieces.
Assists - Other than Bentancour, the side back Diego Laxalt is a good bet for assists. Laxalt is a very agressive side back, so expect him to be involved in Uruguay's offense.
Saves - Muslera has been performing well, keeping 3 clean sheets in this tournament.
Fouls/Carding - Despite their reputation for defense, Uruguay is not card-prone. They have only committed 54 fouls so far (which puts them 31st out of 32 teams in the world cup!) and got only 1 yellow card.
Shots on - I do not see Uruguay coming into possession regardless of the score, due to their rather weak midfield.
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