Everything You Need to Know About Day 20 of the World Cup | Bleacher Report

The big hitters take center stage in the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Friday, with France facing Uruguay before Belgium's clash with Brazil.

In the previous round They have been part of the tournament against Argentina, as they have been running to win 4-3 winners thanks to Kylian Mbappe. Uruguay were excellent in their own right, beating Portugal 2-1 thanks to a brace from Edinson Cavani

Brazil had minimal fuss in the last 16, as Neymar and Roberto Firmino netted to see them past Mexico 2-0 . The same could not be said for Belgium, as they recovered from two goals down to beat Japan 3-2, with Nacer Chadli scoring a dramatic winner in the 94th minute.

Both games should be captivating contests, with dreams set to be enhanced and broken in Russia on Friday. Here's everything you need to know these two quarter-final showdowns.

Here's how the quarter-finals are shaping up:

Uruguay

JEWEL SAMAD / Getty Images

For a France team that has not always been convinced of this World Cup, the meeting with Uruguay challengers for this trophy

While they ran in four goals against Argentina in the round of 16, the opposition defense represented a rabble at times. They have been shown by Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud to get the better of.

Blues manager Didier Deschamps has a big decision to make a midfielder, Blaise Matuidi is suspended for this one . French football journalist Jeremy Smith had a look at the options he has to replace the Juventus man:

Uruguay are also poised to be without a key to Cavani is suffering with an injury issue and is set to miss the game, according to ESPN FC . [19659004] That's a blow for The Celeste, but they will still feel like they're going through this tie.

Luis Suarez remains a dominant player at the point of the attack, while Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez have both done exceptional jobs in defense.

Brazil vs. Brazil Belgium

For many, the standout fixture of all the quarter-finals is the showdown between Belgium and Brazil, as some of the best attacking players in the tournament will be on the pitch at the same

While they were tepid for an hour against Japan, Belgium showed what they are capable of late in the game, when they launched their incredible fightback.

Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De They are so tough to stop.

Commentator Ian Darke is unsure if the Red Devils have the steely mentality needed for a game like this, though:

It appears as though Brazil do. They started the tournament with a draw against Switzerland, but since then they have improved in every game and, crucially, star man Neymar has also improved in each match.

two teams have, Brazil's extra solidity in defense of the world, even with holding midfielder Casemiro suspended. Goalkeeper Alisson, along with center-backs Thiago Silva and Miranda, have looked rock solid in recent games.

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe

YURI CORTEZ / Getty Images

After cutting Argentina's defenses to ribbons with his searing speed and composed finishing in the previous round, going up against Uruguay will be a different type of challenge for Mbappe.

The 19-year-old in the space afforded to him by The Albiceleste, as he got in the face and time again on the counter-attack.

Former England striker Alan Shearer was full of praise for the Paris Saint-Germain man:

Alan Shearer @ alanshearer

What a player @KMbappe!
Blistering pace
aggression
Goals
Touch
Technical
Composure
Two goals and an assist. A superstar! # Mbappe #FRAARG

Uruguay will not afford Mbappe the same luxuries. There will be no space to run and few opportunities to turn.

Godin and Gimenez do not have the pace to match Mbappe, nor does Diego Laxalt, who can be tasked with tracking the forward's trademark out-to-in runs from the right flank.

However, they are all canny operators who have excelled at this World Cup, but keeping France's No. 10 will be the ultimate test of their defensive mettle.