2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: Uruguay vs. France Odds

Both teams are fresh off big wins where they sent two of soccer’s superstars packing. Uruguay ousted Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo with a 2-1 win. Edinson Cavani played hero by scoring both tallies for Uruguay. As for France, they ushered out Argentina and Lionel Messi with an impressive 4-3 victory.

France enters this game as the -109 World Cup odds favorite but can they cash or will we see another upset here?

World Cup 2018: Uruguay vs. France Betting Analysis

This will be the seventh meeting between the teams as France is still searching for their first win in this series. They’ve had a tough time getting there as the majority of the contests have been draws. In total, the teams have played to four draws while Uruguay has won the other two matchups.

Uruguay

One of the biggest storylines going into this game is the health of Cavani, who scored twice for Uruguay in their 2-1 win over Argentina. There was a famous shot of Ronaldo helping him up and walking him to the sidelines in a show of good sportsmanship that many viewers will remember. However, the reality for Uruguay is they could be without one of their key pieces in this contest. That will put a lot of pressure on Luis Suarez to deliver. While he’s been dangerous at times in this tournament, he’s also been walled off by good defending at times.

The challenge for Uruguay here is that their defense is going to really be tested. They’ve been stellar so far, giving up just one goal in the entire World Cup. France has a lot of talented weapons but they can be held under wraps. They broke out for four goals against an Argentina side that really struggled defensively but in their three other games, they scored a total of three goals.

France

France comes into this contest with plenty of confidence. After scoring four goals and ousting an international soccer super power – even if that team hadn’t been playing so well – they are riding high. Kylian Mbappe, a 19-year-old sensation, has been one of the faces of the tournament. If he terrorizes the Uruguay defense like he did Argentina’s – scoring France’s third and fourth goals – then he’ll start to look like one of the odds frontrunners for the Golden Ball.

Uruguay could be an easier-than-expected foe for France if Cavani is out. Uruguay has scored six goals in total, three of which were by Cavani. Two others have come from Suarez, so if Cavani is out, France merely has to keep an eye on Suarez and make sure he’s not causing a ruckus. Other than that, they shouldn’t have too many problems at the back end.

It’s all here in front of France. They’re a young, talented team on the rise. Even with a healthy Cavani they’d be expected to advance, so without him – or without him at 100% – they’ll find a way through.

Uruguay vs. France Prediction

 France 2, Uruguay 0