The first quarter-final of World Cup 2018 is the only one featuring two former champions. Uruguay, champions in 1930 and 1950, take on France, who won the trophy in 1998.
Here are five things to know about the match and a prediction of how it will finish.
Kylian Mbappé vs. Diego Godín should be a great battle
Only 19, France forward Mbappé is already the second most expensive player at the World Cup. In France’s Round of 16 victory over Argentina, he showed the world why with a devastating performance. His electric pace and direct running was too much for Argentina’s defence, and the teenager scored twice in a display that put Lionel Messi in the shade.
Uruguay captain Godín has the unenviable task of keeping Mbappé quiet, but it is a challenge the 32-year-old center-back will relish. One of the wiliest defenders in the business, he is a key reason La Celeste have only conceded one goal in the tournament so far. Godín will use all his experience to restrict Mbappé’s space and make the match uncomfortable for him. If Mbappé wants to score, he’ll have to go through Godín first.
Edinson Cavani might not play
He looks like a Greek god and Edinson Cavani put in a divine performance in Uruguay’s 2-1 win over Portugal in the Round of 16. The Paris Saint-Germain striker scored both fantastic goals for his country but finished the match on the bench after picking up a calf injury.
Images after the match of a limping Cavani would have left Uruguayan hearts in mouths, with his strike partnership with Luis Suarez so crucial to the team’s success. Though the injury is apparently not as severe as first feared, Cavani looks unlikely to start the match. Uruguay will be desperate for him to play some part, even if it needs to be a cameo.
Paul Pogba is under pressure
It’s a World Cup quarter-final – every player is under pressure. But Pogba, while undoubtedly prodigiously talented, has in the past been accused of going missing in big games. Like his team, the French midfielder started the tournament sluggishly, as France won Group C without really impressing.