FRANCE VS ARGENTINA- WORLD CUP MATCH REVIEW

FRANCE VS ARGENTINA

The world cup knockout stage kicks off in style as France battles Argentina in Kazan. At the end of regulated time, one of these teams will be leaving Russia just as Germany did in the group stage. Both teams are expected to give their all in this game. France vs Argentina would be a real test.
After a well-deserved defeat by Croatia, they were under immense pressure going into their final game against Nigeria. This team was no replica of the side that reached the final in Brazil four years ago. News making the rounds had it that the players were involved in naming the team and this speculations sure translated onto the field of play. Heading into the dying minutes of the game Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo hit a volley to give his team 3 points and help them stay in Russia.

Argentina would have to improve if they are to progress much further in this tournament and their opponents France aren’t any better. With low scoring margins and a dismal draw with Denmark on the final group game, they haven’t sparked up much interest so far. Both teams have an arsenal in attack so it could all boil down to who wants it more.
France have been tipped by many as the favorites. Meanwhile the Argentine defense has conceded five goals just in the group stage, the France attack could break them down. Argentina have played one tough team so far and that was Croatia who dismantled them 3-0, the big boys in the French team (Pogba, Griezmann, Mbappe) would really have a shot at taking them down.

EXPECTATION

The French team haven’t allowed their opponents keep a clean sheet in their last 11 matches before the goalless encounter with Denmark. They certainly look stronger on paper when compared to Argentina. It is also worthy of mention that the argentine attacking lineup is one of the tournaments hottest. Messi can be a weapon if he gets the service he requires and we saw this in the game against Nigeria where he scored his first of the tournament.

Lionel Messi has always delivered the goods when it mattered but that’s very arguable on many fronts even though he brought his team to Russia with a solo effort. Scoring a hat trick against Ecuador that saw Argentina qualify. If this game doesn’t go as planned it could be his last at the world cup and he would surely be hoping to make a statement. With seven goals in his last seven international appearances, he could find the back of the net yet again.
With an attacking lineup worthy of penetrating any defence both teams to score would be a far cry. As Argentina have also failed to score in just 1 of their last nine games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Argentina have won all three meetings but these sides haven’t met in a while with the last encounter being a friendly back in 2009

PREDICTED LINEUP

FRANCE

Lloris, Hernandez, Umtiti, Varane, Pavard, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud

ARGENTINA

Armani, Tagliafico, Rojo, Otamendi, Mercado, Di Maria, Banega, Mascherano, Perez, Messi, Higuain

PICK

Anybody to win and under 3.5 goals
1.70