Unlike in their 4-3 victory over Argentina, France did not play brilliantly, in fact they did little that will live in the memory longer that 24 hours. But if anything Les Bleus’ win over Uruguay, achieved at a stroll, was far more impressive than the demolition job over Lionel Messi and Co. and illustrates why France can go all the way in Russia.
The South Americans came into the match having conceded only once and with a defense considered the best in the tournament. That France were able to pick them off with apparent ease sends as much of a warning to their rivals as the stunning show against Argentina.
The tone, for what was a drab affair without much of the tension you would associate with a last-eight clash, was set early on. Uruguay defended deep, unsettled France’s rhythm and did what they did best: Make the match as much of an arm wrestle as possible. It did not make for great viewing, but the South Americans do not care about that.
In the past this France side has struggled against such frustrating tactics. Not so this time. Displaying maturity rather than magic, Didier Deschamps’ side bided their time and refused to panic.
The first gilt-edged opportunity fell to Kylian Mbappe in the 25th minute. The man of the moment had an age to bring the ball down and fire into the net with just Fernando Muslera in the Uruguay goal to beat. But he inexplicably decided to head it first time, the ball going high over the bar.
But France did not have to wait long to break the deadlock. With five minutes until the break, Antoine Griezmann floated in a free-kick, a Raphael Varane header giving Muslera no chance.
The goal summed up the first half, nothing to write home about, but, for France at least, well executed.
The second period followed much the same script, France seeing most of the ball without creating much, and Uruguay, missing the injured Edinson Cavani, creating even less.
The winner was scrappy and something that will give Muslera nightmares for years. Griezmann hit a speculative shot from outside the area which looked like it was harmlessly traveling into the arms of the Uruguay keeper. Muslera, however, just flapped at it and sent the ball into the empty net.
If there is one thing more inexplicable than that howler, it is how Deschamps has made a France side packed full of exciting talent seem so dull. But for the time being France will not care about that
mystery. They have found a way to win, unentertaining though it may be. They were composed rather than classy, but in Russia that may well be enough to see them lift the trophy.
France methodical rather than magic as they beat Uruguay to make World Cup last-four
France methodical rather than magic as they beat Uruguay to make World Cup last-four
- France fail to entertain but see off the challenge of Luis Saurez and Co.
- Set to face winner of Brazil vs Belgium.
Forever Young to defend Saudi Cup crown from stall 6
- Trainer Yoshito Yahagi happy with position for 2025 hero at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday
RIYADH: Forever Young (JPN) will emerge from gate six when bidding to defend his group one $20-million Saudi Cup crown at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday.
The reigning champion was the penultimate horse to be given a barrier and only five or six remained when Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi picked out the starting berth.
“I think six is a good number,” Yahagi said. “We don’t have to change anything with tactics. Honestly, I feel a lot of pressure on my shoulders bringing a defending champion but Forever Young doesn’t feel any pressure at all.”
American Hall of Famer Bob Baffert is in Riyadh and Flavien Prat will guide Nysos (US) from gate 12, while Irad Ortiz Jr. and Nevada Beach (US) have drawn gate seven.
“I’d rather be on the outside than the inside,” Baffert said after drawing the wide gate for Nysos.
“As long as the horse shows up that is more important. I think he is a really good horse and has always shown brilliance, he’s a trier and knows where the wire is. From the outside he will have a clear run.”
“Gate seven is good for Nevada Beach too. We just didn’t want to be in the one-hole,” Baffert added.
Last year’s fifth-place finisher Rattle N Roll (US) raced from seven on that occasion but this time around Joel Rosario will steer Kenny McPeek’s 6-year-old from stall 11.
Kyoko Maekawa drew stall one for Sunrise Zipangu (JPN) who will be ridden by Oisin Murphy. The Japan Racing Association’s first female trainer was Yahagi’s assistant in Saudi Arabia when Panthalassa (JPN) won The Saudi Cup from stall one in 2023.
Noriyuki Hori’s Luxor Cafe (US) has a wider starting point in barrier 10.
Leading local contender Mhally (GB) will break from stall 13. “We are very happy with that draw, we wanted something on the outside,” said Sheikh Faisal Al-Sabah, son of owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Al-Sabah.
“Hopefully he proves himself on Saturday.”
Banishing (US) was described as a horse with “a heart of gold” by trainer David Jacobson’s son, Zachary, and the American raider will break from stall three, while the Brad Cox-trained Bishops Bay (US) will come from nine.
The Saad Aljenade-trained Star Of Wonder (US) will start from the same stall five that Emblem Road (US) won the race, while his stable companion Haqeet (US) is inside that in box two under Mickael Barzalona.
Ryan Moore is a notable jockey booking for the Sami Alharabi-trained Ameerat Alzamaan (GB) who breaks from four.
Thundersquall (GB) will start from the widest draw of all in 14 for trainer Muteb Almulawah and jockey Danny Tudhope, while Tumbarumba (US) and James Doyle will begin the richest race in the world from eight for Hamad Al-Jehani and Wathnan Racing.
