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The 2018 FIFA World Cup continued on Saturday, June 30 afternoon with France defeating Argentina 4-3 in a high scoring encounter at the Kazan Arena.
After a nervous start, France earned a penalty after Mbappe was brought down by Rojo and Antoine Griezmann put them ahead in the 13th minute.
After taking the lead, France pulled back and waited for counter attacks and allowed more space and possession to Argentina, who had to wait until the 41st minute to equalise with a Angel di Maria wonder strike. At the break it was 1-1.
Argentina turned things around in the 48th minute as Messi after a free-kick shot goalwards with the ball deflected by Mercado into the French goal.
But France would comeback in style as in the 57th minute off a Hernandez cross, Pavard banged on in, 2-2. Then came the Mbappe show, in the 64th minute his attempt was made possible by chaos in the Argentinian defence and then only four minutes later, Mbappe finished off a counter attack.
Three goals in 11 minutes turned things around once more and Argentina never really recovered from France’s attacking prowess. Argentina were only able to reduce the deficit in the third minute of added time as Aguero scored with a header off Messi.
FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 – Pre-Quarterfinal
France 4-3 (1-1) Argentina
Goals: 1-0 Antoine Griezmann (13′), 1-1 Angel di Maria (41′), 1-2 Gabriel Mercado (48′), 2-2 Benjamin Pavard (57′), 3-2,4-2 Kylian Mbappé (64′,68′), 4-3 Kun Aguero (90’+3)
France: Lloris – Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Lucas – Kanté, Pogba – Mbappé (89′ Thauvin), Griezmann (83′ Fekir), Matuidi (75′ Tolisso) – Giroud
Subs: Areola, Mandanda, Kimpembe, Mendy, Rami, Sidibé, Lemar, N’Zonzi, Dembelé
Argentina: Armani – Mercado, Otamendi, Rojo (46′ Fazio), Tagliafico – Perez (66′ Aguero), Mascherano, Banega – Pavon (75′ Meza), Messi, di Maria
Subs: Guzman, Willy Caballero, Ansaldi, Biglia, Lo Celso, Salvio, Acuna, Dybala, Higuain
Referee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)
Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappé (France)
