France beat Uruguay 2-0 and are on course for a World Cup semifinal spot, helped by a blunder from Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Antoine Griezmann extended France’s lead in their quarterfinal in Nizhny Novgorod in the 61st minute with a long-range shot that Muslera got both hands to but deflected into his own net.
Griezmann’s shot was straight at Muslera, but the keeper couldn’t hold it and it looped into the net.
France took the lead five minutes before halftime with a header from defender Raphael Varane. Griezmann was also involved in the openiner, providing the free kick from the right for Varane to head home.
Uruguay started without key striker Edinson Cavani, who hasn’t recovered sufficiently from a left calf muscle injury. He sat on the bench during and looked unlikely to play any role in the game.
France led Uruguay 1-0 at halftime of their World Cup quarterfinal after a header five minutes before the break from Raphael Varane.
The French defender made an angled run and met a free kick from the right side from Antoine Griezmann to put his team ahead in the 40th minute in Nizhny Novgorod. He glanced his header into the top left corner of the goal.
Uruguay nearly replied immediately, also from a set-piece, when Martin Caceres’ header was saved low to his right by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
France had the better of the first half but had to work to break down Uruguay’s stubborn defense. Varane’s header was only the second goal Uruguay has conceded at the tournament.
Uruguay started the game without key striker Edinson Cavani, who hasn’t recovered sufficiently from a left calf muscle injury. He sat on the bench during the first half, with Cristhian Stuani taking his place in the lineup and playing up front with Luis Suarez.
France brought midfielder Corentin Tolisso into its starting lineup to replace the suspended Blaise Matuidi.
-The Daily Star
