France vs Argentina LIVE World Cup 2018: Kylian Mbappe scores twice as Lionel Messi crashes out - latest reaction
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.
Thanks for joining us for the opening game of the round of 16. Not bad was it?
Now we look ahead to Portugal vs Uruguay, where Cristiano Ronaldo will try to lead his country to the quarter finals against Luis Suarez and co. You can follow all the build-up here:
A crazy, crazy game giving us a seven-goal thriller to open the round of 16 stage of this World Cup, Late drama as Argentina almost found an equaliser deep into added time, but goals from Antoine Griezmann, a Kylian Mbappe double and a Benjamin Pavard wonder strike were enough, despite a late fight back from Argentina.
That's both finalists form Brazil 2014 eliminated in Russia.
87 mins: In the first-half Argentina were dying out for a striker. Now they've got one in Aguero, and Messi is combining with him well. Perhaps if he had started the game, it may have been a different story
SUB: Mbappe makes way for Thauvin for his first action of the tournament. A performance from the 19 year old that will live long in the memory
85 mins: Fekir tried to do too much in the centre of the field, and there was the chance for Messi. He picks up possession, beats a defender but he fires a tame shot at Lloris who comfortably collects.
82 mins: Meza has made an impact since coming on down the right, but he's unable to find a final ball after some good work by Messi. It all looks too little too late for Argentina.
77 mins: France look very, very dangerous on the break, and as Argentina press forward they'll be more open. Pavard again impressive, running down the right and he's felled by Mascherano, who must surely be close to his last chance before a second yellow
72 mins: Matuidi picks up a yellow card, possibly for dissent after a foul from Otamendi on Griezmann.
Now Di Maria is fouled and Argentina have a set piece. France defend well, break and Kante shows us his pace as well as his engine. He puts through Mbappe, who tries to link with Griezmann but should perhaps have gone himself
68 mins: GOAL! France 4-2 Argentina (Kylian Mbappe)
It's Mbappe again, and it could be game over! A beautiful passing move from France, out of defence, through midfield, before a deft touch from Giroud slides the ball to Mbappe, and with confidence through the roof, fires it home. Clincial.
64 mins: GOAL! France 3-2 Argentina (Kylian Mbappe)
A brilliant cross from Hernandez down the left, Mbappe collects the rebound, takes a touch fires into Armani, who lets the shot go through him. Must. Do. Better.
But Kylian Mbappe is doing no harm to his reputation here. 19 years old.
57 mins: GOAL! France 2-2 Argentina (Benjamin Pavard)
What. A. Goal. Pavard with his first international goal, will struggle to ever hit one better than that. The Stuttgart defender has struck a beautiful volley from the edge of the area, first-time from a Hernandez cross. Wow.
54 mins: Otamendi did well to head away a French free kick, before Di Maria is fouled by Griezmann. Now Matuidi fouls Perez, but Pavon can't get his cross into the box from the free kick.
For all their early dominance, France are behind, and Argentina are taking plenty of confidence from that
50 mins: Mbappe hauled to the floor, before being tackled late by Banega, he picks up a yellow and will miss the quarter final (if they make it). The free kick routine fails and Argentina can clear. Wow don't take your eyes off this one it's non-stop action!
47 mins: Di Maria has to be one of the most frustrating players in world football. After a quiet first half and leaving Pavard to fly forward, this time he takes him on and earns a free kick. Argentinian fans will be wondering why he can't do that consistently.
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.
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