Following a heart-stopping win over Nigeria, Argentina have sent themselves to the knockout stage where they will be meeting with fellow World Cup top contenders, France. Will Argentina keep it going? Or will France move on to the quarterfinals with a triumph over Messi and crew?
Le Bleus had some trouble in the group stage, but eventually stamped their class, topping Group C with a 2-0-1 record. They only failed to get a win in their third and last group match against Denmark which ended in a scoreless draw last Thursday. The good news for France is that they are still boast one of the most complete rosters in the tournament. The young duo of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele has been inconsistent, but both have shown promise at least in some moments in Russia. Mbappe, for one, has scored France’s lone goal in the win over Peru. Apart from the two, France also have the likes of Atletico Madrid man Antoine Grieman and Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud. Argentina do not have a shutdown backline, as evidence in their 3-0 loss to Croatia and a 2-1 escape win over Nigeria. France, with their load of talented men up front, should be able to take advantage of inevitable holes on Argentina’s resistance.
Betting on Argentina (+193)
Argentina barely got out of the group stage, but thanks to Lionel Messi finally waking up and defender Marcos Rojo playing the hero in the squad’s 2-1 win on Tuesday over Nigeria, La Albiceleste are through that round and are now in the final 16. Despite his goal in the last outing, Messi has not generally looked like the Messi we all used to make a fool out of opposing defenses. Perhaps it’s because of the untenable situation within the team, but he and his teammates will have to pull it together if they are to take down a team like France. Plus it’s stupid to count out a player of Messi’s caliber. The midfield will have to come through for Argentina for chances to feed Messi and their other strikers the ball. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala is still looking for his first goal. The Juventus superstar is arguably the best Argentinian player not named Messi, and he will have a chance to prove that against France.
Writer’s Prediction
Argentina lean on Messi, who delivers for his country in a 2-1 win over France.
