After qualifying from the group stage, France faces Argentina, a wounded beast that qualified with difficulty in a group that was supposedly suitable for them. Les Bleus will need to step up their game to continue their journey.
The Albiceleste can put them through hell. The French team approaches the knockout stages of the World Cup in Russia with mixed feelings. Satisfied to have achieved their first goal by topping Group C, Les Bleus quickly became disenchanted when they realized they would have to face Argentina today (4 p.m.) in Kazan.
For while the current South American runners-up have not really convinced in their initial World Cup matches, they have some strong arguments, starting with the (second?) best player in the world today, Lionel Messi. Especially since Les Bleus are not displaying an exceptional level of play either. But it is enough to go all the way.
In 11 encounters against the Albiceleste, France has lost six times, drawn three matches, and won only twice in friendlies, with the most recent victory occurring at Parc des Princes on March 26, 1986, with goals from Jean-Marc Ferreri and Philippe Vercruysse. The first success (2-0) dates back to January 8, 1971, in the very loud Bombonera of Buenos Aires.
Probable French Lineup
Lloris โ Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez โ Kantรฉ, Pogba โ Mbappรฉ, Griezmann, Matuidi โ Giroud
Probable Argentine Lineup
Armani โ Mercado, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico โ E. Pรฉrez, Mascherano, Banega โ Di Maria, Messi, Higuain
