France beat Uruguay 2-0 to secure World Cup semifinal spot

Uruguay emerged from the interval with attacking intent and Bentancur sliced a shot wide after Samuel Umtiti's failed attempt at a clearance.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez made a double change just before the hour mark in a bid to spark his team. Maxi Gomez came on for Stuani and Cristian Rodriguez replaced Bentancur.

But it was France who lifted another gear. They doubled their lead in the 61st minute when Griezmann found himself in space and drilled a speculative 30-yard effort straight at Mulsera. But the Galatasaray keeper let what should have been a routine save spill straight through his gloves and into the net. Tolisso then sent a curling shot just over the bar as Uruguay suddenly looked deflated.

Tabarez introduced forward Jonathan Urretaviscaya in the 73rd minute, replacing midfielder Nahitan Nandez, as the Celeste began to probe the final third. But France stood firm to secure their place in the competition's last four.