FIFA World Cup 2018: France end Argentina's World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory

France and Argentina lit-up the World Cup stage

Kylian Mbappe announces himself at the grandest stage

Angel Di Maria & Benjamin Pavard score brilliant long-range strikes

Messi's team puts up a fighting performance

France Vs Argentina

Griezmann 13' (P)

Pavard 57'

Mbappe 64', 68'

 Di Maria 41'

Mercado 48'

 Aguero 90+3'

Match Highlights

Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a four-minute span as his final decisive goal as France beat Argentina to progress into the quarter-finals.

Argentina who was heading into this game after their dramatic qualification victory over Nigeria saw their manager Jorge Sampaoli who has been making "weird" changes to his starting line-up make yet another twist. 

This time, a 4-3-3 formation saw Lionel Messi lead the attack as the No.9, with Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero only named as substitutes, keeping the Argentinian captain isolated up front.

Mbappe was the first to test the Argentinian defense as he made a driving run from inside his half, beating almost 6 Argentina players which led to Marcos Rojo making a clumsy foul in the box. The resulting penalty was converted by Antoine Griezmann, giving his side the lead.

Argentina was finding it difficult to create chances but a moment of magic by Angel Di Maria saw him unleash a spectacular 30-yard long-range curler bringing his side right back into the game.

Di Maria's spectacular strike

By the start of the 2nd half, Argentina had Rojo substituted for Fazio which proved to be decisive for the remainder of the game. 

But a determined Argentinian side shockingly took the lead as Messi's brilliant shot on the turn deflected off Gabriel Mercado sending the Argentina players and fans into overdrive.

With a view of protecting their lead, Argentina's team failed to take control of the game as Benjamin Pavard scored the "goal of his life" with a first-time volley from the edge of the box.

Pavard's monster volley

For the next 10 minutes, it was the Kylian Mbappe show! The PSG striker's two-quickfire goals in four minutes put France in the driving seat. Both strikes were clinical as ever; the first was a sweeping shot past the goalkeeper and the second was a crisp sweep concluding a ruthless France counter attack.

Mbappe Goal No.1

Mbappe Goal No.2

Knowing that their World Cup season was on the verge of ending, Argentina began digging deep and tried to create chances, which led Messi put in a delicious cross for substitute Sergio Aguero to head in his side's third, but France held their lead, thus earning a quarter-final place.

DID FRANCE DESERVE THE WIN?

Before the game began, on paper the French began as the firm favorites to win the game as their side looked the more of the "balanced team" in every position compared to their opponents.

With Messi, Argentina did have one of the fiercest counter-attacking teams in the competition but defensively, they weren't even close to any of the other sides. 

Although France was the better team on the night, they did unleash their attack. But conceding three goals are big alerts to their defensive issues. If they are sorted, their sound defense and their ruthless attack would be enough to win the competition, hands down.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?

Although the game ended in defeat, this was Argentina's best performance of their World Cup campaign and they are exiting the competition with their heads held high. 

The first question has to be raised on the Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli and the changes he kept making throughout the tournament. The first major call came even before the competition began by leaving out 29-goal striker Mauro Icardi out of his team.

Keeping players like Aguero and Higuain on the bench didn't work out at all. 

Messi's best position is on the Right Wing, the whole world knows that but Sampaoli rarely played him there.

Another 22-goal striker Paulo Dybala was also used sparingly throughout the tournament. Although he is the future of Argentinian football, he should have been given more opportunities.

The manager also played unknown talents including Cristian Pavon and Maximiliano Meza who did impress but weren't yet ready for the challenge every single game.

The team does need change and a managerial change by bringing in a person with a new philosophy will surely help. A future possible managerial candidate has to be Argentinian and current Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.

As for Lionel Messi, the "great" Lionel Messi, there are strong rumors that he will retire from international football but he shouldn't hang up his boots just yet. He still has a lot left in the tank and should stay with the team for at least another year and target winning the Copa America 2019, and who knows in 4-years time, Messi might still be playing for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Group F (Results)

The Germans are Out!!!

The defending champions suffer a humiliating exit

Sweden win Group F

Mexico qualify as runner-up

Korea Republic eliminated, but take down the mighty Germans

FIFA World Cup 2018: Group E (Results)

Brazil fails to win their first game against Switzerland

Costa Rica fall to a stunning free-kick by the Serbian captain

Group E



Matchday 1

Brazil Vs Switzerland

P. Coutinho 20'
Zuber 50'

Match Highlights

Match Report

Brazil failed to win their opening game in the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1978 after Switzerland held them to a brilliant draw.

Brazil dominanted for a large portion of the first half and found the breakthrough after Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho's perfect long range curler.

Philippe Coutinho's wonder goal

In the second half, it was Switzerland who was the dominant of the two sides and fought hard to get the equilizer through Steven Zuber, heading from a corner.

Brazilian's big guns Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Willian failed to make a big impact throughout the game and now need to focus on their upcoming game against Costa Rica tonight.

Switzerland's point against Brazil will prove to be vital in deciding qualification to the last-16, but they have an eqaully tough fixture against Group leaders Serbia tonight.

Costa Rica Vs Serbia

Kolarov 56'

Serbia began their World Cup campaign with a flying start against Costa Rica to move top of Group E, ahead of Brazil.

The sole goal was a spectacular one scored by the Serbian captain Aleksandar Kolarov. His 25-yard free-kick found the perfect bend to beat the Costa Rican keeper Keylor Navas.

Aleksandar Kolarov's sublime free-kick

Serbia was the dominant side throught the game as Costa Rica sparingly imposed an offensive threat. Serbia face Switzerland tonight and a win for them would guarantee a place into the last-16. Costa Rica's World Cup hopes could end if they lose to Brazil.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Group C (Results)

France finish top of Group C

Denmark qualify as runner-up

Peru clinch their first win of the campaign

Australia finish bottom without a win

MORE: "Here's how it's going on in Group A..." 

MORE: "Here's how it's going on in Group B..."

Group C

France who needed just a point to clinch top spot in Group C got a goalless draw against Denmark to complete their Group Stage fixtures. They now face Argentina in the Round of 16, a fixture that is fitting to be a clash for the final.

Denmark who also needed a point to confirm qualification did just that as they secured a brilliant draw against France. They now face the competition's underdogs Croatia on Sunday, who finished top of Group D with a 100% win record.

Peru who's fate had been confirmed after two narrow defeats, got their first points of the campaign claiming victory against Australia who finished bottom without a win.

Matchday 3

Denmark Vs France

France and Denmark who need a point to finish top of Group C and qualify for the last-16 respectively played out the first goalless draw of the competition sealing their fate.

France rested most of their players and started with a side who failed to score against Denmark who knew that a point would be enough, irrespective of results elsewhere.

Their next test awaits in the Round of 16 as the two face important fixtures against Argentina and Croatia and hope to show their attacking prowesses along with sound defending.

Matchday 2

France Vs Peru

Mbappe 34'


Match Highlights

France clinched a spot in the last-16 of the FIFA World Cup with a narrow victory over Peru who were eliminated after putting in a resilient performance.

It was Kylian Mbappe, this tournament's youngest player who broke the deadlock in the 34th-minute taping-in Olivier Giroud's deflected shot. 

But, with a passionate fan support, Peru started taking upper hand of the game and got their chances in the second half through Jefferson Farfan, Andre Carrillo and the best one coming through Pedro Aquino who's shot hit the crossbar.

Despite all their efforts, Peru couldn't find that elusive equalizer that could've kept them in the competition. As for France, despite their qualification, their narrow wins don't yet justify them as title favorites.  

Denmark Vs Australia

Eriksen 7'

Jedinak 38' (P) 

Match Highlights

Christian Eriksen's fine strike in the opening minutes was canceled out by Mile Jedinak's spot kick through another VAR decision, as Denmark and Australia shared the points.

The Tottenham playmaker was on-hand to give his side the early lead after superbly volleying home Nicolai Jorgensen's lay-off.

Christian Eriksen goal

Australia fought back just before the half-time after the ball struck Poulsen inadvertently on the arm and the VAR call for handing the penalty was tucked home by Jedinak; his and Australia's second goal of the tournament.

Denmark isn't yet guaranteed a place into the last-16 with a showdown game against France coming up in the next round. A win will guarantee them qualification irrespective of elsewhere results. 

Australia faces Peru as a must-win game in Matchday 3. An Australian victory with a relatively larger goal difference along with a Denmark defeat will confirm a qualification place for the "Socceroos."

Matchday 1

France Vs Australia

Griezmann 58' (P)
Behich 80' (OG)

Jedinak 62' (P)


Match Highlights

France began their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign edging Australia 2-1 as the first World Cup goal was scored in history with the help of VAR.

Without any goals in the first half, that decision was made in the 58th minute after Australian Josh Risdon brought down Antoine Griezmann and the Atletico Madrid striker went on to score the resulting penalty.

Australia responded in next to no time as Aaron Mooy's free-kick was handled by Samuel Umtiti and Mile Jedinak scored the penalty to bring his side on level terms.

But, France kept pushing men forward with Paul Pogba at the heart of the attack saw his eventual shot deflected off full-back Behich, striking the crossbar and just edging ahead of the goal line to score the winner.

This game had the very first VAR goal allowed, the use of goal-line technology and despite having 3 goals in the game, none of the players managed to score for the own teams from open play.

Another victory for France in their next game against Peru can all but guarantee them a place into the knockout stages. Australia was disheartened in the manner that they lost and another loss against Denmark can confirm their elimination from the World Cup.

Peru Vs Denmark

Poulsen 59'

Match Highlights

Denmark moved level on 3 points with France in Group C after earning a hard-fought victory against Peru who had missed a penalty earlier.

The South American side was given the spot-kick after consultation with the video assistant referee, only for Christian Cueva who was brought down, saw his shot fired over the crossbar.

This proved to be a costly miss after Denmark unleashed a counter-attack through their talisman Christian Eriksen who released Yussuf Poulsen; the player who had given away the penalty as he went on to fire home the winner.

This means that Denmark can now qualify for the knockout stages with a victory over Australia in the next round. But, Peru has to win their next game against France or else they will be eliminated.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Group D (Results)

Group D is now the "Group of Death"

Argentina suffers a humiliating defeat against Croatia

Their qualification hopes are still alive, following Iceland's loss

Group D

Group D has seen potential favorites Argentina's hopes of qualifying take a drastic turn especially after that humiliating defeat to Croatia, which guaranteed the latter qualification into the last-16.

However, Argentina was given some hope after Nigeria managed to win against Iceland which has now set a showdown encounter for Matchday 3.

If Argentina win their game against Nigeria and Iceland fails to win their game against Croatia, then Argentina will progress as the runners-up.

If Nigeria is victorious against Argentina which is very much likely to happen, then they will progress.

If Iceland manages to win against Croatia and they score more goals than Argentina and Nigeria, then they will progress.

Basically, the teams who are still fighting for the 2nd place have to win and hope that the teams above as well as below them fail to do the same.

Matchday 2

Argentina Vs Croatia

Rebic 53'
Modric 80'
Rakitic 90'

Match Highlights

World Cup favorites Argentina suffered a shocking and humiliating defeat as Croatia defeated them with a convincing 3-0 scoreline to confirm their place into the last-16 and become the second side to register consecutive clean sheets.

The Argentinian manager had made a host amount of changes to his side and his formation which saw Enzo Perez of all people get the role in central midfield.

With no goals in the first half, Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero made the most telling contribution of the game after his horrendous flicked clearance fell right into the path of Ante Rebic who volleyed Croatia to the lead.

Ante Rebic's first-time volley

None of the Argentinian players were convincing on the night, their players were defending shambolically and the forwards were getting the right service as the overall contribution from the players was terrible.

This led Croatia to take control of the game and the captain Luka Modric struck a majestic shot which was perfect enough to beat the goalkeeper and all but confirm Argentina's demise.

Luka Modric's spectacular strike

The killer blow was handed in the 90th minute when Argentina who had committed many men forward face counter-attack from Croatia and as the Argentinian defense that literally stood still in the box allowed Ivan Rakitic to comfortably walk the ball in to conclude the game.

Nigeria Vs Iceland

Musa 49', 75'

Match Highlights

Nigeria claimed an emphatic 2-0 victory over Iceland to blow second place in Group D wide open for an intriguing Matchday 3.

Ahmed Musa who started for the first time this tournament handed his side the lead in the 49th minute through a superb volley and later doubled the lead by brilliantly rounding off the Iceland goalkeeper.

Iceland was handed a lifeline through a penalty after a VAR review, but Gylfi Sigurdsson fired over as his side failed to capitalize on elsewhere results.

This also meant joy for the Argentina camp who's world cup qualification hopes still remained intact, but in the fashion that they are playing will find it very tough to beat Nigeria who also remains in the race.

Matchday 1

Argentina Vs Iceland

Aguero 19'

Finnbogason 23'

Match Highlights

Lionel Messi and Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw against the debuting Iceland after the Argentinian captain missed the game's decisive penalty kick.

Argentina who started the game as favorites to win the competition got off to the perfect start through Man City striker Sergio Aguero scoring a superb goal to put his side ahead.

But Iceland who scuffed a brilliant early chance through Birkir Bjarnason found a way back just 4 minutes later through Alfred Finnbogason who scored his nation's first ever World Cup goal.

Iceland did frustrate Argentina for a large part of the game but they did get one clear-cut chance through that very Lionel Messi penalty which was saved by Hannes Halldorsson. 

Iceland who was the smallest ever nation in history to participate in the World Cup was truly deserving of the result and face Nigeria next.

Messi's penalty miss

Lionel Messi's penalty miss doesn't mean the end of the world. Even though Argentina couldn't secure a win, they are still in the competition and with Croatia coming up next, they will hope that they can get the job done this time.

As for Messi, even though he is now 4 goals behind his rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the competition, he will put this result behind him and will make it essential that he delivers in his next game. 

Croatia Vs Nigeria

Scorer(s)

Etebo (OG) 32'

Modric (P) 71'

Match Highlights

Croatia took full advantage of Argentina's downfall and got off to the perfect start in Group D, with a 2-0 victory over Nigeria to ensure they move top of the group.

With the Croatian attack pressurizing the Nigerian defense, Etebo who is English club Stoke City's newest summer acquisition turned the ball into his own net.

Real Madrid's playmaker and Croatia captain Luka Modric scored a 71' minute penalty after Mario Mandzukic had been fouled to cap off a fine victory.

This victory has taken Croatia top of Group D with 3 points with a vital game against Argentina coming up. Nigeria is facing elimination if they lose their next game against Iceland.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Group B (Results)

Spain and Portugal unconvincing but gain progress

Spain are Group winners scraping a draw against Morocco

Ronaldo misses a penalty as Portugal draw against Iran

MORE: "Here's how it's going on in Group A..."

MORE: "Here's how it's going on in Group C..."

Group B

Round of 16

30th June

Uruguay Vs Portugal

1st July

Spain Vs Russia

After a crazy Matchday 3, Group B has now been settled in unconvincing fashion for both teams who have progressed into the last-16.

It was Spain and Portugal who were rotating places in the Group after both Morocco and Iran gave their opponents a run for their money.

Spain who eventually finished as Group winners, courtesy of that last minute equalizer by Iago Aspas will now face Russia, who finished second in Group A.

Portugal was lucky to leave the game with a draw and with 11-men on the field against a resilient Iran who fought hard but were unlucky and will now face Group A winners Uruguay.

Spain and Portugal didn't dominate in any of their games except when the two faced each other. Now, they will have to start fresh and put all other results in the past if they wish to have any chance of making it to the finals.

Iran and Morocco showed great heart and determination in their final encounter in their campaign and their fans would be proud of their efforts.

Matchday 3

Spain Vs Morocco

Isco 19'
Aspas 90+1'

Boutaib 14'
En-Nesyri 81'

Match Highlights

An unconvincing Spain had to rely on a late Iago Aspas goal in second-half injury time as Morocco put in a brilliant performance in their final World Cup game, securing a 2-2 draw and their first point.

Spain conceded the opening goal after possession was given away surprisingly by Andres Iniesta, allowing Khalid Boutaib to have a free run and score his side's first goal of the tournament.

But, Iniesta made up for that error with a brilliant one-touch play with his teammates and put in the perfect cross for Isco who rifled in the equalizer. 

Spanish defender Gerard Pique was lucky not to see red after a dangerous two-footed challenge on Boutaib.

The second half saw both sides push for the lead with Morocco getting the best chance through Nordin Amrabat who's vicious shot rifled the crossbar. But, their determination was rewarded as Youssef En-Nesyri scored a perfect header past David De Gea.

Late drama was still to come, as Spain got a corner and took it early and Aspas turned in the cross brilliantly, which was initially ruled out by the referee but a VAR decision made the goal stand resulting with Spain finishing as Group winners.

Iran Vs Portugal

Ansaifard 90+3' (P)

Quaresma 45'

Match Highlights

Portugal who could have finished as Group B winners were held to a draw against Iran after Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty was saved by the Iran goalkeeper.

Iran needed a win to qualify for the last-16, fell behind just before half-time as Ricardo Quaresma who started his first game of the competition scored a sensational goal from long-range.

Ricardo Quaresma's wonder strike

Portugal was handed the advantage in the second half after Ronaldo won a penalty. But, he failed to convert it after Iranian goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand had a memorable night, saving the Portugal captain's spot-kick.

Ronaldo was also lucky to still be on the pitch after he attempted to allegedly elbow an Iranian defender, but a VAR call enabled him to escape with a yellow card.

Late drama was still in store after Portuguese defender Cedric Soares attempted to handle the ball in the box and another VAR call resulted in Iran getting a late penalty, which was decisively scored by substitute Ansaifard.

However, it wasn't enough as Iran was left heartbroken after the final whistle, but that late goal also assured that Portugal's progress but failure to win the group.

Matchday 2

Portugal Vs Morocco

Ronaldo 4'

Match Highlights

Cristiano Ronaldo made history yet again by becoming the highest international goalscorer in Europe of all-time as the Portuguese captain registered his 4th goal of the tournament following a sublime hat-trick against Spain.

The Real Madrid striker took just four minutes as he put his side ahead with a low headed goal from Joao Moutinho's cross, striking an early stinger into Morocco.

Portugal took control of the entire game and gave Morocco almost no chance to even impose a threat onto their goal. This loss was Morocco's second of the tournament which ultimately meant elimination.

Ronaldo has been Portugal brightest spark since the start of the tournament but the team had to rely on his goals to earn them the points. If Portugal wishes to win the competition, the other 10-men too need to perform at their very best every game they feature in.

Iran Vs Spain

Costa 54'

Match Highlights

Iran was left heartbroken after giving Spain a run for their money but their valiant effort ended in a narrow defeat which dethroned them as leaders of Group B.

The Iranian defense kept Spain's attack compact for a large part of the game which Spain managed to register 18 shots along with enjoying 78% ball possession, but the defense stood guard.

But, it was a moment of magic by Diego Costa that finally broke the deadlock. He produced a brilliant touch and turn in the box and saw his shot ricocheted last off him, handing Spain the lead. 

But, Iran did have a say in the game by showing an added intensity and thought they had equilized after the ball had gone into the back of the net, only for VAR to rule it off-side.

Spain had to work hard to get the job done and based on this performance will not be considered as the competition's favorites. They need to win against Morocco in their next match to ensure qualification.

As for Iran, they too are far from being eliminated at this stage. If they somehow manage to win against Portugal in their next game, they will qualify irrespective of results elsewhere. 

Matchday 1

Portugal Vs Spain

Scorer(s)

Ronaldo 4' (pen), 44', 88'

Costa 24', 55'

Nacho 58'

Cristiano Ronaldo showed his class once again after putting in one of the greatest World Cup performances in history with a stunning hat-trick to draw 3-3 against former Champions Spain.

Prior to kick-off, the shock departure of Julen Lopetegui, two days before the tournament began did question the mentality of the Spaniards and new manager Fernando Hierro.

Within the opening 4 minutes itself, Spain couldn't handle the Portuguese attack leading Nacho to bring down Ronaldo in the box and the resulting penalty was converted by the Portuguese captain, becoming the first ever Portuguese player to score in four consecutive World Cups.

Spain responded in the 24th minute as Diego Costa beat off four Portuguese defenders to slam home the equalizer with his first ever shot on target in a World Cup.

But,  Ronaldo responded just before half-time as David De Gea horribly misjudged his low-shot after it slipped through the Spanish goalkeeper's gloves.

In the second half, Spain was the dominant side, scoring two goals in three minutes. Costa scored the equalizer and his second of the night.

Minutes later, Nacho who had given away the penalty earlier made up for it in stunning fashion with a superb long ranger, handing Spain the lead for the first time in the match.

But, Ronaldo had to have the final say in the game as he scored a delightful free-kick, registering his 51st career hat-trick in the 88th minute; somewhat similar range to his free-kick against Portsmouth as a Manchester United player.

Cristiano Ronaldo had 4 shots on goal and scored 3 goals, kept it simple by proving that he's still got it even at the age of 33. He is now the oldest ever player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup.

Match Highlights

Morocco Vs Iran

Scorer(s)

Bouhaddouz 90+5'

Iran witnessed a historic day in the FIFA World Cup as they registered their first win in 20 years in the competition, courtesy of a late OG.

Heading into this fixture, Morocco looked the stronger of the two sides on paper with big-game players including Hakim Ziyech, Younes Belhanda, and Mehdi Benatia but all were kept at bay by the Iranian goalkeeper.

Iran had the best chance in the game through their talented youngster Sardar Azmoun but failed to show the killer composure in front of goal.

Just as the game was coming to a close, Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz was the unfortunate player on the wrong end to score the goal that handed Iran the victory and top spot in Group B.

Match Highlights