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.
FULL TIME: France 4-3 Argentina
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.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments