Today, only one will make to the Quarterfinals. From the first match it will be either France or Argentina. The second match winner will witness either Uruguay or Portugal. FIFA 2018 has come to Knockouts will start from today onwards (Round of 16) till the last knockout (Final) which will be played at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow on June 15. Meanwhile, a new ball named Telstar Mechta will feature as a playing ball in every match of the Knockout stage. The red ball by Adidas signifies the rising heat of knockout-stage.
Considering the last 14 knockout stage matches of World Cup played by Argentina, only eight were level after the regulation 90 minutes. Since known by the winners in 1986 World Cup, France has eliminate the Argentinian side in every World Cup. This is one more known fact unfavored by Argentina. Argentina are two-time World Cup winners and they know what to do. On other hand, played their last five World Cup Round of 16 matches, France won all of them to qualify in Quarterfinals. It is MBAPPE vs MESSI – don’t forget.
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France vs Argentina: Where to watch
Match No. 49: France vs Argentina, 30 June, 19:30
Venue: Kazan Arena, Kazan
France (Possible starting XI): Hugo LLORIS, Raphael VARANE, Samuel UMTITI, Djibril SIDIBE, Lucas HERNANDEZ, Ngolo KANTE, Blase MATUIDI, Paul POGBA, Kylian MBAPPE, Antoine GRIEZMANN, Olivier GIROUD
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Argentina (Possible starting XI): Franco ARMANI, Javier MASCHERANO, Gabriel MERCADO, Nicolas TAGLIAFICO, Marcos ROJO, Nicolas OTAMENDI, Enzo PEREZ, Ever BANEGA, Angel DI MARIA, Gonzalo HIGUAIN, Lionel MESSI
What they said:
“I hope to raise my level again in the last 16. It was the same at the Euro(s). It wasn’t until the last 16 that I hit my stride. So we’ll see. I have confidence in my game.”- Antoine Griezmann, France striker.
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“Messi needs the support from his team-mates, only then will he be able able to play at his best.”- Jorge Sampaoli, Argentina Head coach.
Broadcasting: For TV: Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD (in English), Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 3 HD (in Hndi). Live streaming for the web at Sonyliv.com
Predictions: Google, also, has shown some stats previous to the match. The stats gives 29% to Argentina. France is favorable by 41% while 31% goes to draw side of the match. But, our expectation is that Messi will take the game from European side France this time. As they managed to get into knockout after-all, it is by luck or hardwork.
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