Corentin Tolisso is living his dream. The 23-year-old Bayern pro has made it to the quarter-finals in his first World Cup. He and his French compatriots take on Uruguay in Nizhny Novgorod on Friday at 16.00 CEST. "Of course it's one of the most beautiful moments in my career. It's fantastic to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals," the midfielder said after the last sixteen victory over Argentina, setting new goals straightaway: "I think the semi-finals would make me feel even better."
Tolisso's propects of starting against the South Americans are good. Blaise Matuidi will serve a one-match ban, and the Bayern pro is the player most likely to replace him. France coach Didier Deschamps declined to reveal the starting line-up, but he fielded Tolisso in this position in the opener. His World Cup debut did not go as planned, and Deschamps banked on Juventus pro Matuidi in the following matches.
Uruguay's Cavani rated doubtful
"I really wanted it but struggled to put it into practice," the youngster admitted after the match. Now Tolisso might get a chance to show his true colours. However, he will have to watch out against the hard-fighting Uruguayans. He was booked in the first match and would serve a one-match ban in a potential semi-final match if he picks up another yellow card. The bookings will only be cancalled after the quarter-finals.
Uruguay are struggling with the personnel situation. Striker Edinson Cavani is rated doubtful with a calf problem. Whether he can play against the Equipe Tricolore will be decided at short notice, he might come on as a sub. "Edi is very important for my game and my team's game," Luis Suárez said about his fellow forward.