France vs Uruguay Review

France 2-0 Uruguay 

France are into the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 2006 after beating Uruguay with the help of a terrible error by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

This quarter-final tie did not come close to the excitement of Les Bleus' win over Argentina in the last 16 but will still be remembered for the goalkeepers displays, with Hugo Lloris producing a contender for save of the tournament while his opposite number made a mistake that was even more memorable and effectively knocked his own nation out of the tournament .

Real Madrid's centre back Raphael Varane headed France into a first-half lead from a well executed free-kick , with Antoine Griezmann delaying his run before delivering the perfect cross for the defender to glance home.

Uruguay had injured striker Edinson Cavani failing to make the bench, very nearly struck back immediately from a free-kick of their own, but Tottenham captain Lloris produced a brilliant diving stop to deny Martin Caceres, before Diego Godin blazed the rebound sign and wide over the bar from close range.

The second half started with France continuing to dominate the possession, but they were gifted the goal that cemented their victory.

There seemed little danger when the ball was played away from the box and towards Griezmann, who let fly a speculative effort from the edge of the area but Muslera misjudged the flight of the ball, flapped at the shot, attempting to parry it , and saw the ball loop slowly over the him line.

Uruguay were roared on by their huge travelling support threw bodies forward in the closing stages but were unable to seriously trouble Lloris again.

The South American's run of four successive victories is over, as is their hopes of reaching the final in Moscow on 15 July.

It is France who therefore march on to the Semi Finals where they will face neighbours Belgium in the semi-finals in St Petersburg on Tuesday.

Villain of the day 

Fernando Muslera