International Friendly: France 1-0 Uruguay - 5 Talking Points

For the second time in four days, Uruguay went down after conceding a penalty as Olivier Giroud lifted France to a win by nonchalantly dispatching from the spot.

Unlike their World Cup meeting earlier in the year, this game wasn't only short on stakes but also fireworks as France and Uruguay went through the motions. Chances did come at either end, but only very occasionally whereas the penalty was also a dubious one as the ball didn't actually hit Martin Caceres' hands.

The world champions also lost Kylian Mbappe early on to a shoulder injury, but that didn't prove detrimental to the results as Giroud ensured France are home and hosed and concluded a highly successful 2018.

Here are the major talking points from the match:

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#1 Uruguay defeated by another penalty, but it was a case of officiating error

Giroud made no mistake from 12 yards

On Friday, the Celeste lost out to their great Latin American rivals Brazil after Neymar converted from the spot. Diego Laxalt brought down Danilo inside the area after what was a nasty challenge and hence a clear foul. Though the settings today changed to the French capital from the Emirates, there were similar scenes as Uruguay conceded another penalty.

Except this time it wasn't a legitimate one.

A penalty box melee saw Antoine Griezmann's effort come off Laxalt's shoulder, but the match official gave in to the penalty appeals by immediately pointing to the spot. A VAR review could've helped with a fair judgement, but the referee had no qualms about his decision.

What else, Giroud did the rest. Uruguayan goalkeeper Martin Campana chose the correct direction to lunge, but the Chelsea forward had struck it with enough venom to drive it home.

Hard luck Uruguay, hard luck.

#2 Mbappe's injury adds to PSG woes

The PSG star sustained a shoulder injury

In another game between Brazil and Cameroon, PSG star Neymar went off clutching his hamstring in an injury blow for the French champions. But just minutes later, the misery was compounded when Mbappe trudged off too after picking a knock to his shoulders.

The 19-year-old tumbled awkwardly after clashing with Campana during an open play. And although he did try to continue, he gave in eventually and was replaced by Florian Thauvin. Although the seriousness of his injury is yet to be ascertained, it all spells really bad for Les Parisians who're playing Liverpool in exactly a week's time.

The Thomas Tuchel-led side is already facing an elimination after an underwhelming start to the season in Europe, and without two of their prolific marksmen, PSG would have their task cut out against the Reds.

#3 Uruguay once again disappointing in attack

Suarez and Cavani once again drew a blank

Four attempts on target, but none could find the back of the net: the Uruguayan vanguard hardly improved from the Brazil defeat last week despite Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani both featuring once again. The Barcelona star particularly, was well below his best as he struggled to impose himself in the match.

It wasn't until the 84th minute when La Celeste registered their first shot on target in the second half, and what a huge chance that was - Cavani crossed for Maxi Rodriguez to tap home, but the midfielder inexplicably couldn't bury it.

Uruguay stemmed most of the threat from the flanks as Matias Vecino and Rodrigo Bentancur provided the goods, but France had little problems in clearing the dangers. And much like in the game against the Canaries, they lacked the attacking flair to truly rattle the opposition.

#4 Despite Nations League heartbreak, France end year on a high

Deschamps has restored France back to its former glory

The 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands last week proved fatal as France although avoided a relegation from Group A, failed to progress to the knockout rounds of the UEFA Nations League. However, the victory against Uruguay marked a positive ending to a very successful year.

Having played a total of 18 times this calendar year, Les Bleus were defeated only twice and won 12 times - six of which came at the World Cup as manager Didier Deschamps successfully guided his team to a second World Cup crown in Russia earlier in the year

Footballing giants such as Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Netherlands and Uruguay (twice), were all no match for this young, exuberant team as France reigned supreme and were, hands down, the best international team of the year.

#5 Torreira and Bentancur continue to develop

Torreira was impressive once again

Unsung heroes of Uruguay's World Cup campaign, Lucas Torreira and Rodrigo Bentancur continue to make headlines with promising shows as they turned in another impressive display to keep the Blues in the game.

Torreira was impressive at the base of the midfield, showcasing great tenacity on more than one occasion. He was an excellent protective cover for the backline; breaking up France's play with his crucial interventions and also dropping back to provide a helping hand.

Bentancur kept the creative juices flowing with his buccaneering runs from the flanks to supply the forward line. However, he was more involved in tackling and aerial duels today as France were at the end of some rough treatment from the Juventus man.

Bentancur was at the heart of the things

He did go into the books at one point, but Bentancur was crucial in stopping the hosts, especially in the dying embers when he tracked back to nip a French counter in the bud.

Both have shown great promise for Uruguay this year, and this match was a testament to their growing reputation with the national side.