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World Cup 2018 Scores: Friday's Results and Saturday's Quarter-Finals Schedule
July 6, 2018
France progressed to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday with a 2-0 win over Uruguay.
Raphael Varane headed Les Bleus in front five minutes before half-time. Antoine Griezmann doubled France's lead in the second half when goalkeeper Fernando Muslera fumbled his shot.
Les Bleus go on to face Belgium for a place in the final after they saw off Brazil. A Fernandinho own goal put the Red Devils ahead and Kevin De Bruyne doubled their lead on 31 minutes.
Renato Augusto managed to pull one back for Brazil, but they could not find an equaliser which means the tournament favourites go out of the competition.
Here's a look at Friday's results, Saturday's schedule and a recap of the best of the action.
Friday Results
Uruguay 2-0 France
Brazil 1-2 Belgium
Saturday's Schedule
Sweden vs. England: 5 p.m. local time/3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Russia vs. Croatia: 9 p.m. local time/7 p.m. BST/2 p.m. ET
Friday Recap
Uruguay were without one of their key players for the clash against France, as star striker Edinson Cavani was only fit enough for the bench. Manager Oscar Tabarez opted to replace the Paris Saint-Germain forward with Girona's Cristhian Stuani.
Stuani managed to completely miskick his first chance of the game after four minutes as Uruguay started strongly. France managed to hold them at bay in a hard-fought first half that came alive five minutes before half-time.
France won a free-kick outside the penalty area that was swung in by Griezmann. Varane managed to get the slightest of touches on the ball and glanced it past Muslera for the opening goal.
Squawka Football showed how it was their only effort on target in the first half:
Uruguay should have equalised four minutes later from a similar opportunity. Martin Caceres managed to get his head on to a ball into the box but was denied by a diving Hugo Lloris.
Football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor shared his view of the save:
France seemed to move up a gear after half-time and doubled their lead on the hour mark. Griezmann tried his luck with a shot from outside the box, and it slipped through Muslera's fingers. It was a poor mistake from the goalkeeper and effectively settled the game.
Match of the Day showed Griezmann's record in major tournaments:
Uruguay demonstrated their frustrations shortly afterwards as Cristian Rodriguez took exception to Kylian Mbappe going to ground under minimal contact. A melee ensued with players surrounding the referee, who opted to book Mbappe and Rodriguez.
Tabarez's team seemed to run out of steam in the closing stages as France controlled the game and comfortably saw out the win.
It was an impressive display by Didier Deschamps' men, who took full advantage of Uruguay's mistakes and managed the game well. There's a sense there is still more to come from this France team, but on this evidence, it will take something special to prevent them reaching the final.
However, Belgium will be full of confidence after springing a shock by beating Brazil. Tite's men were without the suspended Casemiro and the Real Madrid man's control in midfield was missed.
Belgium's opening goal was fortunate as Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus both tried to clear a Nacer Chadli corner, and the ball deflected off the midfielder and flew past goalkeeper Alisson.
Fernandinho was proving to be a weak link for Brazil. Football journalist David Cartlidge explained the difficulties he was having:
Belgium doubled their lead on 31 minutes with a superb goal on the counter-attack. Striker Romelu Lukaku turned and raced forwards before playing in De Bruyne who fired a low shot past Alisson.
Squawka Football highlighted De Bruyne's attacking contribution:
Tite made changes at the break and brought on Roberto Firmino as he sought a way back into the game. Brazil dominated possession in the second half but struggled to work Courtois in the Belgium goal.
Substitute Renato Augusto gave them hope on 76 minutes as he nodded home Coutinho's pass and the Selecao did have chances to equalise. Coutinho blazed over the bar after good work from Neymar, and the Paris Saint-Germain star forced Courtois into a flying save in stoppage time.
Journalist Peter Hall offered his view on the match:
It was a deserved win for Belgium which will raise expectations that their golden generation of players can go on and win the World Cup. They face a tough test against France but having knocked out Brazil will feel they have little to fear.