France vs Argentina LIVE World Cup 2018: Kylian Mbappe scores twice as Lionel Messi crashes out - latest reaction
Follow all the live coverage from the first knockout round of the World Cup
After narrowly making it through to the knockout stage of the competition, a struggling Argentine side will now face its toughest opponent yet in the form of Didier Deschamp’s France.
The French failed to convince in their opening games but finished top of Group C regardless. The side have only conceded one goal this World Cup which came in the form of a Mile Jedniak penalty. France’s strong defensive efforts have served them well in the competition so far, though their failure to score against Denmark will have raised cause for concern.
Argentina, on the other hand, have endured a terrible opening to the World Cup and at point looked destined for a shock exit. However, a late Marcos Rojo goal clinched victory for the South Americans against Nigeria, booking their place in the last-16 for the fourth World Cup in a row.
Follow all the live action below…
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
What time is it?
France vs Argentina kicks off at 15:00 at the Kazan Arena.
Where can I watch it?
Live coverage will be broadcast on BBC 1.
Odds
France: 11/8
Argentina: 12/5
Draw: 2/1
Prediction
If Argentina continue to struggle then this should be a fairly easy game for the French national side. France’s strong defensive play will allow their offence to focus on picking apart the weak Argentine backline.
19 mins: Wow. It's been a crazy opening 20 minutes. Pogba puts a beautiful long ball through to Mbappe, he's got two defenders on him and he's fouled right on the edge of the box, Tagliafico picks up a yellow card, and France have another set piece opportunity.
22 mins: From Pogba's free kick off target at the other end, we now have a Argentinian corner which is cleared away.
If you're just tuning in you could be forgiven for forgetting Messi is playing. He's had little influence on the early stages, and after falling behind you wonder if Sampaoli may bring on one of his many talented strikers and move Messi from the false nine position
27 mins: Pogba has found acres of space in behind the Argentinian defence, this time playing in Griezmann who again causes panic in defence. Both sides look vulnerable in defence, but at the moment it's France and their attacking talents that are performing.
Of all the stars on show here, Kylian Mbappe is shining the brightest so far...
32 mins: Not for the first time today, Javier Mascherano fouls, and gets a chat from the referee. Pogba, after a shaky start is using his pace and power well in the heart of this French midfield
36 mins: First Kante is felled by Mercado, before Giroud and Otamendi both go for the same ball and end up in a heap. A short stoppage of play as both receive treatment, just enough time for both sides to collect their thoughts after a frantic opening. We are ready to continue, and after a good passing move Messi goes over in the box. The referee is unmoved,
39 mins: Some signs of improvement from Argentina as they string some better passes together to give French defence something to think about. But France go flying forward again, and Giroud is inches away from connecting with a cross from the right
41 mins: GOAL! France 1-1 Argentina (Angel Di Maria)
Wow. That's the kind of divine intervention Argentina needed. Di Maria has been criticised for his performances for his country but he's hit an incredible rocket into the top corner and after a quiet first half, has brought Argentina right back into this! Game on.
43 mins: Javier Mascherano picks up a long overdue yellow card for a foul on Kante
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments