This match promised to be all about an individual wearing the No. 10 jersey. The game promised to be one which rubberstamps Messi’s domination in international football, but this was the sort of night which probably saw the baton of supremacy passed onto the next generation of footballers from the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kylian Mbappe capitalized on an ageing Argentine defence to get the first penalty. It was first blood for France as Kylian Mbappe was pushed inside the box by Rojo. Mbappe attacked the Argentine defenders with his Olympian speed. Antoine Griezmann was not one to make any mistakes from the resulting spot-kick, which was awarded to France. However, one would think that goals were never a doubt. Not with Lionel Messi, Higuain, Aguero and Dybala at Argentina’s disposal! But what a screamer from Angel Di Maria just before half time to put Argentina level! Di Maria took the ball 25 yards out from goal and curled it expertly past Hugo Loris. It was a stunning strike. However, Kylian Mbappe was too hot to handle for the Argentine defense as he ran at them in full throttle.
Right after the start of the first half, Argentina scored again to come back from dead in the World Cup from a corner which was not cleared properly. The ball fell to Messi who shot and was deflected into the back of the net by Mercado. Earlier only one goal scored and four conceded after a couple of Group D games saw players and fans hit the red panic button. Messi is a maestro in himself but his supporting cast failed him. What he desperately needed was his teammates to improve! In addition, improve they did and how! Shortly afterwards Pavard however, scored a belter from 20 yards to equalize the score.
Then came the blitzkrieg from France and Mbappe scored a quickfire double to sink Argentinean hearts. His first goal of course was a moment of magic, as he managed to turn inside the box and fire a low shot into the back of the net. He then finished off a beautifully constructed attack to seal France’s place in the last eight round of the World Cup. . It was a late goal from Aguero in extra time which raised the Argentine spirits quite a bit, but it was a little too late for the Argentines by then.
