Uruguay went into the game without key striker Edinson Cavani, who was ruled out with a calf injury, with Cristhian Stuani drafted into the starting line-up.
The impact on their attack was noticeable. Without Cavani, who scored twice in the round of 16 win against Portugal, Uruguay's moves forward lacked a focal point, and Luis Suarez found less space and openings against a well-drilled French defence.
The South Americans battled but their talented generation of players, including the defensive rock Diego Godin, look like ending their international careers without the World Cup success they have threatened to deliver.
"I'm proud of my team mates - they were lions," said skipper Godin.
"We are a team where everyone gives everything in the matches and in preparation..I just have words of gratitude for my team mates," he said.
