体坛英语资讯：France beat Uruguay 2-0 to secure World Cup semifinal spot_娱乐

体坛英语资讯：France beat Uruguay 2-0 to secure World Cup semifinal spot

Despite dictating possession, France rarely looked like scoring as Giroud, Griezmann and Mbappe struggled to find pockets of space.

France finally broke Uruguay's resistance in the 40th minute after Rodrigo Bentancur hacked down Tolisso. The Juventus forward was shown a yellow card for the offence, meaning he will be unavailable in the semifinals, should Uruguay progress.

Griezmann's delivery from the resultant set piece was inch-perfect and Varane rose highest to direct the ball into the bottom corner.

The goal prompted Uruguay to immediately spring to life. The Celeste had their best scoring chance of the half just moments before the interval when Martin Caceres' header forced a superb diving save from Hugo Lorris following Torreira's free-kick. The rebound fell for Diego Godin who fired his shot wide.

Uruguay emerged from the interval with attacking intent and Bentancur sliced a shot wide after Samuel Umtiti's failed attempt at a clearance.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez made a double change just before the hour mark in a bid to spark his team. Maxi Gomez came on for Stuani and Cristian Rodriguez replaced Bentancur.

But it was France who lifted another gear. They doubled their lead in the 61st minute when Griezmann found himself in space and drilled a speculative 30-yard effort straight at Mulsera. But the Galatasaray keeper let what should have been a routine save spill straight through his gloves and into the net. Tolisso then sent a curling shot just over the bar as Uruguay suddenly looked deflated.