France vs Argentina
World Cup Rnd 16 3:00pm Saturday 30th June Kazan Arena
World Cup Rnd 16 3:00pm Saturday 30th June Kazan Arena
France and Argentina will battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
France have had a relatively easy campaign so far, while Argentina just managed to scR@pe through their group after a last-gasp win over Nigeria
Argentina head coach Jorge Sampaoli said We are going to play against a team with great individual players, They are among the very best contenders and we will need to be very consistent to come out on top of a very difficult match.”
After Argentina’s victory over Nigeria, Sampaoli headed to the dressing room without celebrating alongside his players, but Lionel Messi went over to hug his coach before he departed in a show of unity with the under-fire manager.
“Leo’s gesture with me makes me proud. He knows all the passion I put into everything I do,” Sampaoli said. “We share the dream of coming to Russia to achieve something important for Argentina.”
Meanwhile France goalkeeper and captain of the side Hugo Lloris rejected suggestions they Argentina are only about Lionel Messi
He said: “There is so much expectation around Messi, which I think is normal, but still I think the Argentina team has a lot to show.
“They have had difficult times and still have been able to qualify. I am sure they will feel like going much further in the competition, they have won the World Cup before.
“This is going to be a big match, and a difficult one, we are going to have to step up our level.”
What the players are saying about the game
Antoine Griezmann – FRANCE: “I hope to raise my level again in the last 16.
“It was the same at Euro 2016. It wasn’t until the last 16 that I hit my stride. So we’ll see. I have confidence in my game.”
Ever Banega – Argentina : On the importance of Messi – “It is always a pleasure to play next to Leo. We all know what a player he
Head to head
The two nations have met four times before, with Argentina winning every game – the last of which was a 2-0 victory back in 2009.
Team news
Benjamin Mendy will miss out for France through injury, having come off the bench in their last group game with Denmark last time out.
There are no new concerns for Argentina, who could name the same side that beat Nigeria to qualify for the last-16.
Predicted Starting XI
France: Hugo Lloris, Sidibe, Umtiti, Varane, Hernandez, Pogba, Kante, Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi, Olivier Giroud
Argentina: Armani, Mercado, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico, Perez, Mascherano, Banega, Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain
FLAVOURWAY Prediction
France 3 Vs 1 Argentina
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