World Cup 2018: Uruguay 0-2 France – Hits and flops from the game

#2 Flop: Luis Suarez

Suarez failed to flourish without Cavani pairing up beside him

This tournament has been somewhat of an aberration for the Barcelona striker. Despite scoring twice in group stages, Luis Suarez failed to inspire his team in this tie. The added responsibility in yesteryears seemed to inspire El Pistolero, but in this edition, he has been a shadow of his former self.

As usual, he scuttled around, chased every ball on the pitch, fought with the defenders but all of his antics seemed to fall excruciatingly short of the objective which was to score a goal. The fluency and the chemistry that he enjoys with Cavani was missed and Stuani alongside Suarez was never going to trouble the French defence.

Despite the fact that almost eight outfield players had a shot on target for Uruguay, it was the absence of Suarez from that list, which will be the talking point. One wonders whether it was the last of the buck-toothed striker we will see in a competition of this stature. If it does turn out to be his final game in La Celeste colours, then it will be one of the quietest exits of one of the world’s most lethal strikers.