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#1 Defensive lapses
France registered just two shots on target out of the 11 they launched on goal. This clearly shows that the Uruguayans were as solid as they've been throughout the tournament.
Oscar Tabarez deployed over six people in the box all the time, trying to forestall any threat from inside the box. They labored 18 tackles, 13 interceptions and 15 clearances. But, the smallest of oversights can cause severe damage in football, especially when one is up against champions-elect France in a quarterfinal.
They were instructed to install a sense of robustness and alertness for the whole of 90 minutes.
But, who was marking Varane when he ran across three light blue shirts to bury the header into the back of the net? For a side as well-drilled as Uruguay, it was a shame. Take nothing away from the Real Madrid defender, who scored an absolute beauty. But, these free-kicks are practised over and over again and dealt with in training - one simply cannot afford to switch off.
Next, there's not much to exclaim, as far as the second goal is concerned. La Celeste had two chances through which they could have kept themselves alive in the game. The first chance was before half-time when Diego Godin failed to mop up a sitter from close range after Caceres was kept out by Lloris.
If he had converted, they would have gone into the second-half with an even scoreline of 1-1. Most importantly, the momentum would have definitely been in their favour.
The next one was Muslera's mistake. Should he have saved the long-range effort, his side would have been in the game. Unfortunately for the shot-stopper, the game was put to bed by Griezmann due to his mistake.
Much to their despair, would have's, should have's and could have's don't really count.
Why do you think Uruguay lost? Tell us in the comments below!
