Antoine Griezmann scored France’s first goal, converting the penalty Mbappé had won, and right back Benjamin Pavard slashed in France’s second in the 57th minute — a volleyed goal that was the equal of Di Maria’s stunner — after some nervous moments early in the half.
After pulling even, France simply pulled away. Mbappé restored his team’s lead with the cool of a veteran in the 64th minute, calmly finding space in the area to rip home the go-ahead goal.
Then, four minutes later, he finished off a flowing move that began deep in France’s half by slotting his second goal of the day — and third of the tournament — past Argentina’s goalkeeper Franco Armani.
Argentina got a final lifeline deep into stoppage time, when the substitute Sergio Aguero headed in a Messi cross — Messi’s second assist of the game. But Argentina needed one more, and within two minutes, it, and Messi, were out of time.
France will play the winner of Saturday’s second game, Uruguay vs. Portugal, on Friday in Nizhny Novgorod.
The victory will embolden French hopes that this team might just be good enough to win the tournament. France, while it had not lost a game in Russia, had been unimpressive in the group stage. Its final group game, a listless 0-0 draw against Denmark, was played to a chorus of boos.
But the France that tore apart Argentina was a different team. And with its core — Mbappé and Griezmann up front, Paul Pogba and the tireless N’Golo Kanté dominant in midfield, and center backs Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) and Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona) forming an unusually harmonious alliance — it might have what it takes to repeat its only triumph at the World Cup, on home soil in 1998.
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The 19-year-old Mbappé became only the second teenager to score two goals in a World Cup match — after Brazil’s Pelé in 1958. A star at Paris Saint-Germain, he immediately pushed back on any comparisons.
“Let’s put things in perspective,” he said when told of the achievement. “Pelé is another category.”
Born six months after France won the 1998 World Cup, he is seen as the country’s best hope for delivering a second this summer, and he has embraced the challenge with poise and skill.
“In a World Cup you have the top players, so it’s an opportunity to show your abilities and what you can do,” he said. “There’s no better place than a World Cup.”
——
Here’s how France beat Argentina, 4-3:
FULL TIME: Not Enough Time for Argentina
A dangerous rip of a cross pings off an Argentine in the center and goes wide, and Faghazi blows the whistle. Whew. What a game. France 4, Argentina 3. But we all won there.
90’ + 4: Fight Ensues
But now we’re fighting after the kickoff after a rough foul by Mercado in midfield on Pogba. Otamendi, trailing, blasts the ball into the fallen Pogba and the French are NOT pleased. That wastes a ton of time, though. And Argentina didn’t have much to spare.
90’ + 3: ARGENTINA SCORES!
Aguero nods in a header deep into the four minutes of injury time, and now Argentina will try frantically for an equalizer.
89’: Mbappé Takes A Bow
Thauvin on for today’s double-scorer. He also made a three-quarter field run to earn the penalty for France’s first goal. What a day for the teenager.
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87’: Argetina’s Free Kick Cleared
Di Maria takes the free kick but the first man heads it wide. There’s Argentina’s tournament in a nutshell — they’ve just not been good enough.
86’: Aguero Blocked
Messi threads a ball to Aguero in the area, but his shot is blocked. Now it gets a bit nasty as Mercado and Hernadez tangle on the right.
85’: Messi ... No!
Messi with a bit of brilliance — he somehow pops a ball free to himself while cutting left to right in front of Lloris. But he falls as he sends in a weak shot, and winds up on his back.
82’: Kanté Hassles Messi
N’Golo Kanté takes down Messi again; that’s been a theme today. He’s up quick, trying desperately to mount something — anything — that might produce a goal, and perhaps hope for one more after that. But France isn’t making it easy; they’ve been super today since falling behind.
80’: Messi’s Last Stand?
This is a big 10 minutes in Argentine soccer history. Messi is 31, and has already returned from the national team once, in 2016, in despair after a loss in a major tournament. Will he hang around until 2022 for what could be — with this core — more disappointment? A fifth World Cup might tempt him. Or he might just call it. We’ll see.
75’: Changes for Argentina and France
Two subs: Meza for Argentina, replacing Pavon. He’s Sampaoli’s last sub.And Corentin Tolisso replaces Matuidi, who is carrying a yellow. They don’t want to lose him for the quarters, so that’s a safety move.
73’: Not This Time
Mbappé proves he’s human, butchering a first-touch volley he had hoped to send into the path of Griezmann.
70’: Target Practice for France
Pogba galloping again up the middle, finds Giroud out wide on the left side. He slashes a shot into the side netting. It’s target practice all of a sudden, and Argentina looks frazzled. Blood in the water now for France.
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68’: GOAL! MBAPPÉ AGAIN!
Kylian Mbappe has given France a 4-2 lead.
Kanté-Griezmann-Matuidi-Giroud-Mbappé in stride in the area. They just walked that up three-quarters of the field and into the goal. Gorgeous move. That’s Mbappé’s second today and his third of the tournament. He is 19 years old. 19!!
65’: France Responds to Pressure
France really showing some grit here in answer to Argentina’s fiery goals on either side of halftime. It’s going to be really hard on the loser today.
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64’: GOAL! France Back in Front
Kylian Mbappé gets his second goal of the World Cup and it’s a terrific bit of close-quarter work.
A cross by Hernandez from the left falls to Mbappé who, cool as a cucumber, eschews a shot to push the ball into space on the left. Once there, he hammers it under Armani.
60’: Will This Pace Continue?
This is fun for all of us, but Sampaoli and Deschamps probably both could do with a little possession and calm now. I, for one, support more sensational goals scored from outside the penalty area.
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57’ GOAL! France Equalizes
FRANCE! We’re even!!!!
What a great game this is. Benjamin Pavard collects an Hernandez cross that sails through to the far side and hits a volley that may have been better than Di Maria’s, which is saying something.
Outside of the foot, backspin, into the far-side netting. It’s Pavard’s first goal for France, and for a right back, it’s one to remember.
56’: France Threatens
Argentina what are you doing!?!?!? A backheel by Giroud into the area rolls harmlessly toward Armani until Fazio decides to play it — and taps it past him. Then it’s a frantic scramble as Griezmann nearly gets to it first. But, under pressure, he shoots wide.
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53’: Free Kick for France
Trouble off the ball as Perez clips Kante from behind. It’s a free kick for France. Mbappe taking it ....
The free kick is cleared and Griezmann fouls Di Maria, who for 10 full seconds is mortally wounded. Back up now.
49’: France Scrambling
France has to be wondering what’s happened here. They give up their lead on a wondergoal just before the half, then fall BEHIND three minutes into the second on another long shot that goes in on a deflection. They’re suddenly in a world of trouble, and Argentina is not going to make it easy.
48’: GOAL! Messi’s Shot Goes In
Argentina immediately wins a free kick way out on the left. It’s cleared — but no it’s not!!!!!! Messi’s blast deflects off his collected clearance following the free kick, but Argentina sure doesn’t care.
Looks like Mercado will get credit for the own goal — he stuck his toe in the way of Messi’s shot and wrong-footed Lloris.
46’: Second Half Begins
Back under way. Rojo, one of three Argentines to pick up a yellow in the first half, gives way to Federico Fazio. That could be an attempt to save him if they win — Mascherano’s yellow means he would miss a potential quarterfinal — or it could be a sign that they’re worried Mbappé’s pace might yield a red next time. Best of luck, Federico. That’s a tough job you just got.
Halftime II: Measuring Di Maria’s Goal
Di Maria’s goal was apparently measured at just over 30 yards, which makes it the longest-range goal of this World Cup, per FIFA.
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Halftime: France 1, Argentina 1
France will like the first 40 minutes of that, and Argentina will be thrilled with the last five or so. We’re tied but France has been dominant and organized even as Argentina has had most of the possession. But Di Maria’s rocket wiped out nearly a full half a good work, and we’re all square with a half to go.
45’ +2: Griezmann Denied
Griezmann tries to turn Mascherano deep in the right corner, but the veteran knocks the ball out. There’s the whistle. Halftime. Tie game.
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44’: Argentina Alive
It’s hard to overstate how important it was for Argentina to show some life before the break. They had dominated possession with little to show for it, and going into halftime down a goal after that — with their World Cup life on the line — would have been tough to swallow. But one shot changes everything, and they’re suddenly, visibly, more alive here.
43’: Yellow for Mascherano
Mascherano finally gets his yellow, for a two-footed challenge on Kanté.
GOAL! Argentina Equalizes
WHAT A GOAL! Argentina’s ties the game, 1-1, through Angel Di Maria.
That was a rocket, and Lloris was beaten dead to rights. Bedlam in the Argentina-heavy stands.
That’s the first mistake by France defensively: they just left Di Maria standing there out top alone, and when the ball came to him he took a touch and absolutely lashed a left-footed shot past a diving Lloris.
That two full 20-second ‘Gooooooools’ back to back from Telemundo’s Andres Cantor. Remember, he’s an Argentine.
38’: Argentina Threatens
There’s some danger from Argentina at last: Pavon gets to the end line on the right and cuts back toward the spot, but Pavard beats everyone to it and stabs the ball out.
37’: Manhandling Messi
Messi down in the area, but not even he appeals for a penalty. He does not appear to like all the manhandling he’s getting though.
36’: Face Flags
If you’re wondering why so many people show up at these games with flags on their faces, it’s because the Russian organizers have sent teams of women out around the stadiums before each match armed with paint palettes and brushes. There are lines at every game, but they do nice work. Russia is easier than, say, Morocco.
35’: Rough Exchange
The teams trade clipped ankles and rolling tumbles of despair and agony. But Giroud actually fouled Otamendi, so it’s Argentina ball. First and 10.
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32’: Mascherano Sends a Message
Pogba wins the ball and holds off Messi with a Heisman-like stiff arm. Mascherano didn’t like that, though, and in N.H.L. enforcer mode he just hammers Pogba from behind. Could have been a yellow, or a two-minute minor, but the referee decides against.
31’: Pogba Gets Involved
Now it’s Paul Pogba loping up the center like a thoroughbred. He feeds the 19-year old Mbappé on the right as he approaches the area, but he tries to cut back and loses the ball.
A minute later he and Olivier Giroud break in, but Giroud zigs as the pass zags, and the chance rolls right into Armani’s arms.
30’: Messi the Decoy
Messi just walking in midfield now, almost a decoy. France is keeping a close watch on him, though, so he’s going to have to work really hard to find some space to be Messi.
28’: No Penalty on France Hand Ball
Mercado on an overlapping run into the area lifts the ball and it hits Umtiti’s arm as it sails harmlessly through the crease in front of Lloris. He appeals for a penalty but V.A.R. clearly sees that as unintentional, because the game promptly continues. (Remember, they can tell the referee in real time what they’ve seen, and he can take their word.)
26’: Ball Control, but No Bite for Argentina
Argentina has had 70 percent possession so far, but hasn’t mustered so much as a single shot. France, meanwhile, has hit the crossbar and scored a goal with its rare bits of possession.
25’:Umtiti Goes Down
Umtiti goes down at the other end as Lloris charges left to smother a chance. It looks like Perez may have caught Umtiti, but they shake hands and there’s no VAR to see if something untoward occurred.
23’: Argentina Defense Continues to Struggle
Argentina has now given up more goals (six) than any team left in the tournament. They and Spain were both at five in the group stage.
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22’ Escape for Argentina
Kylian Mbappé clearly has instructions to run at the back four every chance he gets. And he will get more chances.
Christopher Clarey: France’s 4 goals in this World Cup so far: penalty, own goal, tap-in after deflection and penalty
21’ Pogba Misses
Pogba skies it. Tough to get it up and down over the wall from that close. But also tough to get it down when you only hit it up.
20’: Dangerous Free Kick for France
Pogba and Griezmann over it again ......They seem to be negotiating.
19’: Mbappé Causing Problems for Argentina
Mbappé in again! He’s tormenting Argentina. He splits the center backs again and is pulled down by Rojo AGAIN.
This one is just outside the area though, sparing Argentina another penalty. That probably keeps Rojo in the game, too, since he got a yellow on the earlier penalty. This one was about six inches outside the area, and the referee lets him slide.
18’ Di Maria’s Free Kick Handled
Argentina’s Angel Di Maria fails to beat the first defender with a free kick on the left.
14’: Disaster for Argentina
It’s also a disastrous start for Argentina, exposing what has been their weak spot all tournament: a defense that just isn’t up to World Cup-winning standards.
13’ GOAL! France Leads, 1-0
Antoine Griezmann rolls it calmly almost straight up the middle as Armani dives to his left. That’s the start France needed, and the goal that Griezmann needed.
11’ Penalty Kick for France!
No doubt about it; Kylian Mbappé with a solo run that causes panic in the back, and Rojo, beaten around the corner, pulls him down.
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Mbappé is down, but what a run: straight up the middle and leaving at least four Argentines in the dust. Rojo just reached in in vain, and they went down together. Griezmann will take the penalty kick.
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9’: Griezmann Rattles the Crossbar!
What a rocket off the free kick; Armani just watched it from the ground. The first chance of the game is a near-miss, but a good sign if you’re France.
7’: Argentina’s Formation
Argentina’s setup so far appears to be Messi alone up front, with five midfielders in support and Mascherano standing in the middle pointing and yelling about where everyone with the ball should send it next.
6’: Di Maria and Messi Miss Connection
A super through ball springs Di Maria on the left, but his cross is air-mailed and goes out for a goal kick. Messi looks over as if to say, “Duuuudde .......”
4’: Free Kick Cleared by France
Dangerous chance comes out of it though, with a free kick on the left, but France clears.
3’: France Will Be Physical All Day
Matuidi whacks Messi as he tries to cut inside. More physical play, and volunteer referee Javier Mascherano is quick to point out that’s a couple times the little man has been bodied already.
2’: France Deals With Messi
Messi gets his first touch, but a pressing France (well, Kanté) immediately dispossesses him. He’s going to be all over the Argentine captain today, and he’s very good at that.
1’: A Quick Whistle
The game lasts only seconds before Giroud trucks Tagliafico chasing a header. That may be a message, or just hyper-nerves. But it won’t be the last time Giroud runs over an Argentine, trust us.
Kickoff!
O.K., the anthems are done. Here we go. Warm hug between France’s Umtiti and Messi in the handshake line; they’re teammates at Barcelona. Rojo and Pogba will know each other from Manchester United, too.
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France will be in blue with white shorts today. Argentina is in its traditional blue-and-white stripes with black shorts.
Our referee today is Alireza Faghani of Iran. It’s an Italian V.A.R. crew.
Argentina’s Starting Lineup
Argentina drops Aguero again, and starts with Di Maria and Pavon up front flanking Messi.
12 Franco Armani (River Plate)
2 Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla)
17 Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)
16 Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
3 Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax)
15 Enzo Perez (Boca Juniors)
14 Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune)
7 Ever Banega (Sevilla)
22 Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors)
10 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
11 Angel di María (Paris St Germain)
France’s Starting Lineup
France goes back to its A-list:
1 Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)
2 Benjamin Pavard (Stuttgart)
4 Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
5 Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)
21 Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid)
13 N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea)
6 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
10 Kylian Mbappé (Paris St Germain)
7 Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
14 Blaise Matuidi (Juventus)
9 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in four second-half minutes to send France into the World Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 4-3 win over Argentina on Saturday. The explosive 19-year-old netted France's third goal in the 64th minute and sealed the win four minutes later with a cool finish to set up a quarter-final clash with Uruguay or Portugal, who meet later on Saturday.Benjamin Pavard also netted a fine strike for France after Antoine Griezmann's 13th minute penalty had opened the scoring. Argentina's goals came from Angel Di Maria, who unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 41st minute to draw them level at 1-1, before Gabriel Mercado put them ahead after the break. Substitute Sergio Aguero added a third in stoppage time.Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi is bookedSubstitute Aguero struck late to give Argentina some hopes.Four minutes added as stoppage timeAngel di Maria won a corner for Argentina. It ended with offside for Argentina playerKylian Mbappe is replaced by Florian Thauvin for FranceFree-kick for Argentina from the right side of French area. Di Maria's delivery ended with a throw in for Argentina.This time Lionel Messi mishit the shot in front of French goal. Straight to Hugo LlorisAntoine Griezmann is replaced by Nabil Fekir for FranceAngel di Maria's cross-in from the left was comfortably cleared out by Raphael VaraneLionel Messi found Maximiliano Meza on the right side, inside the French area, but Meza shot it straight to Hugo LlorisChange for France too. Blaise Matuidi is replaced by Corentin TolissoCristian Pavon is replaced by Maximiliano Meza for ArgentinaNow another French player booked -- Benjamin PavardFrance's Blaise Matuidi is booked and will miss their next matchOlivier Giroud hit the side netting from the left of the Argentina goalOlivier Giroud's pass landed perfectly for Mbappe, who shot it into the bottom-right cornerFree-kick for Argentina near French area. Lionel Messi hit the wallEnzo Perez is replaced by Sergio Aguero for ArgentinaMbappe shot it low from the close range and beat Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani to put France in the lead again.Another stunning goal in the match. French defender Pavard chose a perfect occasion to score his first goal for France.Argentina survived. Federico Fazio mishit the back pass and Antoine Griezmann got a half chance but shot it wide for a Argentina goal kick.Cristian Pavon shot it wide from the tight angle on the right flank after getting the pass from Lionel MessiArgentina midfielder Ever Banega bookedMessi's left-footer was going straight at Hugo Lloris, but it hit Mercado's boot and changes course. No chance for Lloris to save it.Free-kick for Argentina near the French areaSecond half underway...* Half-time Substitution: Marcos Rojo is replaced by Federico Fazio for ArgentinaAngel Di Maria unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 41st minute to draw Argentina level at 1-1 against France at halftime. Di Maria's brilliant goal cancelled out a 13th minute penalty converted by France striker Antoine Griezmann at the Kazan Arena. The penalty was awarded after Marcos Rojo brought down Kylian Mbappe in the area after the France forward made a searing break from midfield.Two minutes added as stoppage timeJavier Mascherano is booked. He will miss the quarter-final if Argentina win today's matchWhat A Goal! Di Maria shot it from 30 yards out and the ball curled into the top corner of France goal. No chance for Hugo Lloris. Second World Cup goal for Di Maria, he scored his first in the Round of 16 match in 2014.Lionel Messi won a corner for Argentina. Headed awayBenjamin Pavard's cross-in from the right was a tad high for Olivier Giroud. Goal kick for ArgentinaCristian Pavon's cross-in from the right flank was easily collected by France goalkeeper Hugo LlorisFree-kick for Argentina near the half line for a challenge on Lionel MessiArgentina winning the possession game, but yet to create a clear chance on goal. France look dangerous on counter attackArgentina defenders successfully blocked out Kylian Mbappe, who got the ball inside the Argentine area from Paul PogbaShout for a handball by Samuel Umtiti inside the French area. Ref not convince it was intentional.Antoine Griezmann's cross from the right was near the Argentine keeper. Franco Armani collected it comfortably, but it was a good run from GriezmannCorner for Argentina. Ever Banega's delivery was comfortably headed out by Paul PogbaPaul Pogba shot it over the Argentina crossbarFree-kick for France from outside the Argentina box. Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann in consultation near the ballNicolas Tagliafico booked for a foul on Kylian MbappeAngel di Maria with the delivery. It's a poor one. Headed out easily by FranceFirst corner of the match went to ArgentinaSecond goal for Atletico Madrid star in the tournament. Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani dived to his left, while Griezmann shot it low in the middle.Marco Rojo drought down Kylian Mbappe inside the Argentina box. And it's a yellow card for Rojo too. A brilliant counter run from the youngster to win the spot kick.Antoine Griezmann hit the Argentina crossbar from the set piece. Unlucky.Free-kick for France from a dangerous position. Javier Mascherano brought down Kylian Mbappe just outside the Argentina boxAngel di Maria shot the cross long from the left flank. Goal kick for France. It was a brilliant pass from Ever Banega as he found Di Maria in the France final thirdFree-kick for Argentina in their own half, after Ever Banega was fouled by Paul PogbaHere we go...* The two former champions have met only twice in the World Cups, with the South American side winning both of them.* Players are coming out of the tunnel. And it's time for National Anthems.Hugo Lloris (capt); Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez; Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante; Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Blaise Matuidi; Olivier Giroud. Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)Franco Armani; Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Perez, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega; Cristian Pavon, Lionel Messi (capt), Angel Di Maria. Coach: Jorge Sampaoli (ARG)Alireza Faghani (IRI)Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli sprung a surprise when he dropped striker Gonzalo Higuain and replaced him with midfielder Cristian Pavon for the blockbuster World Cup round of 16 clash against France. Sampaoli had been expected to stick with the team that rescued their campaign with a last-gasp win over Nigeria in the group stage but instead named Higuain on the bench alongside fellow forward Sergio Aguero. The impressive Ever Banega retains his place in a midfield that looks designed to hit France on the break through Lionel Messi.France coach Didier Deschamps has reverted to the lineup which secured their place in the knockout stage with a victory over Peru in their second group match. Captain Hugo Lloris returns in goal after being rested with defender Samuel Umtiti, midfielders Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi as well as forward Kylian Mbappe for their third group match against Denmark. Matuidi will play deep on the left looking to cut the link between Messi and his midfield support.Hello and welcome to the live coverage of Round of 16 match between France and Argentina. The match starts at 19:30 IST.
For Lionel Messi this World Cup is over. Arguably the greatest player of this and any generation traipsed off the pitch at the end of this astonishing game, his head down, his shoulders slumped, his eyes glazed, knowing that his chances of ever adding a World Cup winners’ medal to his groaning trophy cabinet are now over.
But football does not pause long. If the king is dead, long live the new king. At 19, most of us were sleeping off a hangover after spending too much of our student loan in the union bar. At 19, Kylian Mbappe has just produced the most astonishing individual performance of this tournament.
The France number 10 was everything the Argentina number 10 wasn’t here, exuding the quality that used to be Messi’s trademark: he was the man who made the difference.
Anyone who feared that, following the spirited delights of the group stage, Russia 2018 would be submerged in cagey caution should have been watching this game. It was magnificently bonkers, a heavyweight slugfest of unhinged glory, in which superb goals were swapped with a cavalier flourish, that fizzed with energy and commitment until the last second of added time. Exactly 20 years on from Argentina against England, it was like St Etienne all over again in the Kazan Arena.
And for the French supporters, this was the performance they had long craved. This was the France that, Didier Deschamps’ small army of critics insist, was there all along, stifled by his unimaginative tactics. The France of youth and energy and adventure. The France with an average five years younger than their opponents. This was the France of Kylian Mbappe.
France pipped Argentina 4-3 to enter the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Saturday. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in France's victory over Lionel Messi-led Argentina. The youngster scored in 64th minute and then found the net in 68th minute to put France on top. Apart from Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann (13th minute) and Benjamin Pavard (57th minute) were the other scorers for France. Angel Di Maria (41st minute), Gabriel Mercado (48th minute) and Sergio Aguero (90+3rd minute) found the back of the net for Argentina. Mbappe becomes the sixth teenager to score more than once at a World Cup: Pele (6, Brazil), Edmund Conen (4, Germany), Manuel Rosas (2, Mexico), Jose Altafini (2, Brazil) and Michael Owen (2, England). (HIGHLIGHTS: France vs Argentina)
Highlights of 2018 FIFA World Cup, France vs Argentina match, straight from Kazan Arena
21:24 IST: FRANCE beat ARGENTINA 4-3 to enter World Cup quarter-finals
21:22 IST: GOAL!! Sergio Aguero finds the net. ARGENTINA 3-4 FRANCE.
21:19 IST: 4 minutes of added time.
21:18 IST: France hero Mbappe has been substituted for Thauvin. A loud cheer for the youngster. What a performance from him tonight.Standing ovation for him from the fans at Kazan Arena.
21:17 IST: Four minutes to go. Argentina will have to do something exceptional.
21:14 IST: Chance for Argentina. Aguero runs with the ball but fails to hit a goal. FRANCE 4-2 ARGENTINA.
21:13 IST: Mbappe's style
21:11 IST: Mbappe becomes the sixth teenager to score more than once at a World Cup: Pele (6, Brazil), Edmund Conen (4, Germany), Manuel Rosas (2, Mexico), Jose Altafini (2, Brazil) and Michael Owen (2, England).
21:08 IST: Kazan witnessing an amazing clash today!!
The crowd in Kazan has seen quite the match today. #FRAARG 4-2 pic.twitter.com/TLlOJBhmZJ — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
21:04 IST: Tolisso comes off the bench to replace Matuidi for France.
21:02 IST: Mbappe - the star for France tonight.
20:57 IST: GOAL!!!!!!!!!! Mbappe again. Mbappe finds the net once again. France take 4-2 lead against Argentina.
20:56 IST: Kun Aguero comes off the bench to replace Perez for Argentina.
20:53 IST: GOAL!!!!!!!!! Mbappe scores!! What a celebration. France lead Argentina 3-2. What a match.
20:51 IST: What a celebration:
20:46 IST: GOAL!!!!!!!! Benjamin Pavard scores as France equalise 2-2 against Argentina.
20:45 IST: Grizmann nearly scored another goal for France. Superb defending by Argentina.
20:42 IST: France have an upper hand?
Key stats:
#FRA have won each of their last six #WorldCup knockout matches in which they scored the opener
Angel Di Maria scores his second World Cup goal, after netting in the 118th minute in #ARG 1-0 win against #SUI#FRAARG pic.twitter.com/w1yG6pBSze — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
20:39 IST: GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gabriel Mercado scores as Argentina take 2-1 lead against France. What a deflection. Messi strikes from inside the area and the rest done by Mercado.
#SomosArgentina A diez minutos del inicio del segundo tiempo, @Argentina supera a #Francia por 2 a 1. pic.twitter.com/AzFFjDqhmA — Seleccion Argentina (@Argentina) June 30, 2018
20:35 IST: The action resumes at Kazan Arena
Argentina make 1 change as Federico Fazio replaces Marcos Rojo.
France make no changes
20:18 IST: HALF-TIME: Argentina and France locked 1-1 at half-time at Kazan Arena
The first match of the knock-out stages has been lively. Nice. #FRAARG // #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/okjHTbt7mn — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
It's half-time, and we've got a game here in Kazan. Let's get the lead back in the second half, boys!#FiersdetreBleus #WorldCup #FRAARG pic.twitter.com/04qbvqmdt6 — French Team (@FrenchTeam) June 30, 2018
20:11 IST: GOAL!!!! Angel Di Maria scores as Argentina equalise 1-1 in 41st minute. What a goal from him. Huge celebration in Argentine camp.
#ARG What a goal!
Angel Di Maria with an incredible strike to equalise in Kazan!#FRAARG 1-1 pic.twitter.com/sXhcpnGoEM — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
#SOMOSARGENTINA GOLAZO, ANGELITO! Di Maria la clavo en el angulo desde afuera del area y puso el 1-1 ante Francia. pic.twitter.com/ILYCPpqO9a — Seleccion Argentina (@Argentina) June 30, 2018
20:09 IST: Argentina are trying hard to equalise.
#SomosArgentina A diez minutos del final de la primera etapa, @Argentina cae ante #Francia por 1 a 0. pic.twitter.com/rxiJODXe7w — Seleccion Argentina (@Argentina) June 30, 2018
20:06 IST: Chance for Argentina but they fail against a brilliant France's defence.
20:03 IST: Mbappe is on fire today
20:01 IST: Good run from Pogba in the middle. He passes the ball to Mbappe. Mbappe fails to do the rest. Good defending by Argentina.
19:59 IST: Kante hits the ball hard but Argentina's goalkeeper Armani collects it comfortably.
19:55 IST: Mascherano runs with the ball. France goalkeeper Lloris dives and grabs the ball. Superb work from him.
19:54 IST: Kylian Mbappe is giving the Argentinian defence nightmares. Brilliant work from him.
19:52 IST: Pogba fails to covert the free kick into a goal. FRANCE 1-0 ARGENTINA
19:51 IST: Pogba to take the free kick. Danger looming for Argentina here.
19:50 IST: Free kick for France.
19:49 IST: YELLOW CARD: Argentina's Tagliafico is booked by the referee.
19:46 IST: Griezmann - the hero.
19:44 IST: GOAL!! Griezmann scores as France take 1-0 lead against Argentina.
19:43 IST: YELLOW CARD! Argentina's Marcos Rojo is booked by the referee.
19:40 IST: Griezmann strikes the crossbar from the free-kick! Argentina survives.
19:38 IST: Free kick for France in the 8th minute in the dangerous position
19:36 IST: Di Maria runs with the ball but fails to capitalise on the chance.
19:35 IST: Free kick for Argentina. Brilliant defending by France.
19:30 IST: All eyes on Lionel Messi. The game is underway. Here we go..
19:27 IST: Players are exchanging handshakes.
19:25 IST: The wait is over! Both teams - France and Argentina - are in the middle for national anthem. A loud cheer from fans. It is jam-packed at Kazan Arena. What an atmosphere.
19:14 IST: On the other hand, Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo has spent 424 minutes in the knockout stages without a goal too.
19:11 IST: Despite having 666 minutes of World Cup knockout football to his name, LIONEL MESSI is yet to register a goal outside of the group stages. Can he do it today?
19:07 IST: France (4-2-3-1)
Hugo Lloris (capt); Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez; Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante; Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Blaise Matuidi; Olivier Giroud
Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)
Argentina (4-3-3)
Franco Armani; Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Perez, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega; Cristian Pavon, Lionel Messi (capt), Angel Di Maria
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli (ARG)
Referee: Alireza Faghani (IRI)
19:00 IST: The teams are ready.
18:42 IST: The teams have arrived at Kazan Arena.
The teams have arrived for #FRAARG!
Who's looking forward to this one?
TV listings https://t.co/xliHcxWvEO — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
18:29 IST: France are ready for the high-octane clash against the 2014 runners-up.
18:27 IST: All eyes on Lionel Messi today. Can he take Argentina into quarter-finals today?
18:25 IST: The starting 11 of Argentina and France have been announced
17:53 IST: Football without fan is nothing. that's why it is called - Beautiful Game.
Football without the fans is nothing.
Thank you to everyone who has attended matches so far! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/lxzrAsjZDi — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
17:51 IST: Who will progress to the quarter-finals - ARGENTINA or FRANCE?
The two teams have three #WorldCup titles between them...
Who will progress to the quarter-finals? #FRAARG — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
17:50 IST: The mouth-watering clash between Argentina and France few moments away.
17:44 IST: Hello and welcome to the Live updates of FIFA World Cup 2018 Round of 16 match between France and Argentina.
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud will spearhead France's attack in their last-16 World Cup match against Argentina as Didier Deschamps made six changes from the line-up he fielded in the final group match. France reached the quarter-finals in Brazil four years ago but Deschamps is under pressure to take his star-studded side further in Russia, with former teammate and ex-Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane cited as a potential replacement. Deschamps opted to deploy the same team in Kazan that eked out a precious 1-0 win over Peru in the group stages. Barcelona midfielder Ousmane Dembele starts on the bench, with Deschamps opting to line up Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann and Juventus player Blaise Matuidi behind Giroud. Chelsea's N'Golo Kante retains the midfield holding role alongside Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
Five-time world player of the year Lionel Messi will spearhead Argentina, who reached the final in 2014, after they squeezed into the knockout phase courtesy of a late winner from Marcos Rojo against Nigeria. In his only change from the side that snatched the crucial 2-1 win over Nigeria, in which Messi scored the opener, Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli opted to leave Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain on the bench in favour of Boca Juniors' Cristian Pavon.
Starting line-ups for the World Cup last-16 match between Argentina and France at Kazan Arena on Saturday (kick-off 1400 GMT)
France (4-2-3-1)
Hugo Lloris (capt); Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez; Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante; Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Blaise Matuidi; Olivier Giroud
Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)
Argentina (4-3-3)
Franco Armani; Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Perez, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega; Cristian Pavon, Lionel Messi (capt), Angel Di Maria
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli (ARG)
Referee: Alireza Faghani (IRI)
The Argentine defence have also let the team down and had committed several glaring errors, specially against Iceland and Croatia. The poor form of the veteran Javier Mascherano must be giving sleepless nights to Sampaoli. As a team, Argentina will have to do much better against France, who have, on paper at least, one of the most talented squads at this World Cup.
France have not fared any better. Placed in a relatively easy group, they struggled to beat Australia and Peru by narrow margins before being held to a goalless stalemate by Denmark. They will face their first big test against Argentina. Thanks to a profusion of African origin players in their squad, France have pace and power in attack. If N'golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba manage to impose themselves in the midfield, then things will get extremely tough for Argentina.
France coach Didier Deschamps however, feels that Messi could prove to be the desicive factor. "Messi is Messi. Just you have to look at his statistics: 65 goals in 127 appearances with his national team. The intention is to neutralize him," the 1998 World Cup winning captain said. "We do not have a specific plan for him. A 'plan' is a big word, the idea is to limit his influence," the 49-year-old added.
