Fairly predictable French lineup but Argentina again leave out Aguero and have Messi in a “false 9” role. Which is madness as he is a number 10.
A cagey start until Mbappe’s surging run was ended by a foul by Rojo and Griezmann slotted in the penalty. Pogba’s long, cultured pass (or punt if it had been anyone else) found Mbappe again but this time he was fouled just outside the box.
France appeared to be in control until Di Maria produced a cracking equaliser while enjoying plenty of space on the edge of the area. Mascherano was lucky to stay on after a two-footed lunge, and on a couple of occasions later too.
As was Banega early in the second half as he also lunged in.
Probably just against the run of play Argentina enjoyed a big slice of luck as Messi’s shot was deflected in off Mercado, but back came France with another brilliant strike from Pavard.
The 64th minute saw the fifth goal, from the incredible Mbappe, although Armani could probably have saved it with his feet rather than going for it with his hands as ‘keepers often do.
On came Aguero but it was that man - sorry wee boy - Mbappe who scored France’s fourth. Only downside was that it killed off the game with Argentina heads going down with only Aguero causing the French defence any trouble although Messi did have one great chance which he scuffed.
There was one last act of defiance as Messi set up Aguero for a header to reduce the deficit to one, but the two minutes remaining just weren’t enough for them.
France favourites now to get past Uruguay or Portugal, and would then be confident of getting past probably Brazil or maybe Belgium to get to the final.
As for Argentina, a team who arrives without knowing who their best goalkeeper is, plays Messi in the wrong position and leaves Higuain and Aguero on the bench doesn’t really deserve to go any further.
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