France vs Argentina Review

France 4-3 Argentina

Wow, what a way to kick off the 2018 Russian World Cup Last 16!

The game started brightly, especially the French being the more exciting team. PSG's Kylian Mbappé won a penalty, which was converted by Antoine Griezmann converting the spot kick. 

From that point on, Argentina wormed themselves back into the game, with a fabulous finish by Angel Di Maria to level in the 41st minute. Fullback Mercado gave Argentina their lead for the first time in the game in the 48th minute with a very clever touch from a Lionel Messi shot. 

The next goalscorer was also a fullback, with France's Pavard score an absolutely thunderous finish, that is being discussed as goal of the tournament, as is Di Maria's, and that definitely was better than that of Nacho against Portugal earlier in the group stage.

Following the equaliser, the match became the Mbappé show. A close range shot was drilled in low and keeper, Armani couldn't keep out gave France the advantage yet again. 

A devastating French counter attack started by a brilliant pass in midfield to Olivier Giroud who pressed for goal. With boy wonder Mbappé making a run to his right, the Chelsea striker swept the ball to his right for Kylian to pass it past Armani. 

A late Lionel Messi cross was headed in by substitute Sergio Augero gave hope to Argentina, and a late miss proved costly as the game ended as a classic, by the scoreline  4-3 to the French.

Man of The Match: 

Kylian Mbappé

Disappointment of the match 

Lionel Messi

What now for Messi and Sampaoli?

This is an Argentina team which seems to have been so many major issues, both on and off the pitch. Rumours of dressing room discontent are constantly swirling around, reporting that Messi was calling the shots in team selection, and also a strong sense they were simply not getting the best from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. On the pitch, its a defensive issue that concerns Argentine fans. They always look vulnerable at the back, and you would always back them to concede at least one goal. 

During the nine minutes following Mercado's goal, that put them ahead early in the second half, all was forgotten in the stands packed with light-blue-and-white striped shirts, with Argentina's allegiance finally getting behind their team and manager, who himself has come in for much criticism. 

However, it was Mbappe's brilliance, after Pavard's stunning equalising goal, brought them crashing back down to reality.

The reality is this could very well be the end for a generation that has failed to win a major title despite promising so much.