First up is France who trained at their base in Glebovski, western Moscow as they get ready for what is expected to be an intriguing meeting with Uruguay in the first quarter-final on Friday in Nizhny Novgorod. This is the third time in the last four editions of the World Cup that Les Bleus have reached the last eight, and with the most expensive squad in this year's tournament, are among the favourites to win what would be their second title. Mike Fox has the details.

Four years ago in Brazil, France went out in the quarter-finals to eventual champions Germany, who were the World Cup hosts in 2006, when 'Les Bleus' were beaten in the final by Italy. Midfielder Blaise Matuidi will miss Friday's match after picking up his second yellow card of the competition in the round of 16 win over Argentina. Benjamin Mendy is also out as the defender has not overcome a muscle injury which kept him out of the Argentina match. But perhaps the highest profile absentee will likely be Edinson Cavani. The Uruguay striker limped off with a calf problem in his side's round of 16 match win over Portugal.

BLAISE MATUIDI FRANCE MIDFIELDER "What is certain is that the Uruguayan team isn't the same thing without Cavani. We all know his strengths. He is a great attacker and he is showing that in this World Cup, but whether it is with or without him, Uruguay remains very competitive. There are other players who are capable of replacing him."

With the 31-year-old Cavani probably sidelined, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez will likely play Cristhian Stuani up front alongside Luis Suarez for the two-time world champions. The two sides have met three times before in the World Cup, with Uruguay winning the first in 1966, while the other two in 2002 and 2010 - finished in goalless draws. Mike Fox CGTN.