There is a big difference between Nigeria, who Argentina played in their final group stage match, and France. The Albiceleste learned the hard way.
First Half
It looked as if it was going to be a tight match during the opening minutes of the game. Neither Argentina nor France were able to gain clear control of the ball during the first 10 minutes. Of the first half. It all changed at the 11th minute as Argentina committed a foul inside the area.
Antoine Griezmann did not disappoint from the penalty spot as he converted, giving France the lead 1-0
Argentina’s problems were more than evident from that point. They had no ball control at midfield and had to constantly force fouls to stop the French as they couldn’t match their speed. Desperation kicked in early for the South Americans as even Lionel Messi went down the field to defend.
Argentina caught a break however. It came at the 40th minute thanks to the boot of Angel Di Maria
Di Maria equalizes for #ARG from 30+. #Golazo #WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/KmsFkt10Wt
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
Di Maria scored a left-footer Golazo from outside the box to equalize.
Halftime came around and the South American side was holding on thanks to individual performance. The score was tied at one.
Second Half
Argentina caught another break at the start of the second half. Gabriel Mercado scored off a hockey like deflection, leaving no time for keeper Hugo Lloris to react.
Mercado deflects Messi's shot into the net for #ARG #WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/sH422o8S34
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
Argentina was now up by one at the 48th minute.
France seemed stunned after that goal. The French XI went into defense and could not get the ball out of their defensive zone.
It didn’t take much time for France to answer as Pavard struck a marvelous ball for a knuckleball goal.
Pavard wonderstrike for #FRA #Golazo #WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/g01fy7k0Jr
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
Benjamin Pavard tied the game once again just 4 minutes shy of the hour mark.
Argentina was now play very high up the field thus, making every counter attack by France really dangerous as the defense could not go down the field fast enough, that was Argentina’s downfall.
Kylian Mbappe squeezed his way into the box to give France the lead three goals to two.
3-2 #FRA as Mbappe finds space and finished. #WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/WCEx2kKQxd
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
Mbappe scored again, doubling the lead just 5 minutes after his first goal.
And then Mbappe makes it FOUR for #FRA #WorldCup #TheAOSN pic.twitter.com/L6IvIHDvEc
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
Argentine finally got a hold of the ball around the 70th minute. This was partially thanks to France letting their foot off the gas. Nonetheless, the South American squad was not able to do much with the ball. They generated little to no offense.
It was not until the 92nd minute that Sergio Aguero found the back of the net for Argentina.
Aguero with a last gasp for #ARG. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/bFiGw4KI8F
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 30, 2018
It was too little too late for Messi and Co., as the final whistle blew. France is moving on to the round of eight, while Argentina is heading home after falling 4-3.
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