Supp. Seventeen 'Messi Says Goodbye, France Hello'

Cagey, abrasive and unexciting encounters normally characterise big meetings in the knockout stages of major tournaments - and as the Round of 16 rolled around once again it seemed as if the initial games would once more follow this disappointing trend - it just what seems to happen. Argentina, who were just minutes from elimination in Group D took on a somewhat misfiring French side in Kazan for what was already the 50th game at the tournament. In seeing only a single 0-0 thus far, Russia had already gone some way in delivering one of the great tournaments. Their lofty, bright modern arenas filled with vibrant supporters in more than comfortable temperatures have made the enthralling on-field action even better; and today’s Round of 16 encounters well and truly delivered against the odds.

Argentina strangely opted to leave the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala out of their side which took the field and instead manager Sampaoli opted for the youthfulness of Cristian Pavon in a fluid front three with Lionel Messi and PSG’s Di Maria. Ever Banega retained his place in midfield after a good performance against Nigeria and late call-up Enzo Perez played in front of veteran Javier Mascherano, rounding of an at times lopsided midfield three. Goalkeeper Franco Armani, in the absence of United backup Sergio Romero, retained his place in goal to secure just his second start for his national side at the back end of a long career.

Didier Deschamps managed to fit Mbappe, Griezmann and Giroud in the side again as Blaise Matuidi occupied the Argentine left hand side where Lionel Messi experiences his most joyous spells in games and where he lined up for the Argentines. Pogba and Kante continued in midfield and the back five looked the same as it had done from day one.

From the opening exchanges it was clear Argentina were going to retain and recycle possession. France, with Mbappe often tucking in behind Giroud sat in and looked a real threat on the break after long periods of nullified possession for the South Americans. 11 minutes in Banega misplaced a pass and Mbappe pounced. The 19 year old darted off, picking the ball up on the edge of their 18 yard box and shot away at a speed an Olympic runner would struggle to match. He got into gear and swiftly lost the Argentine midfield, Tagliafico and then Mascherano and found himself in the area before anything could be done - Marcos Rojo produced a last ditch effort to stop the run from heading goalward and in the process brought Mbappe down - a penalty was given to the French and Griezmann converted. Argentina were already on the back foot. The balance of play then began to even out as both sides spurned chances. Five minutes before the break Argentina sat in possession and as the ball came to Angel Di Maria 30 yards out the winger-midfield hybrid glanced goalward and sent what is now perhaps regarded as the goal of the tournament soaring into the top corner - Lloris never had a chance and against the odds the South Americans had levelled.

The second half brought an early Argentine lead when Messi’s long range effort deflected in off of right back Mercado and bundled in. At this point, at 2-1 behind the French faced a stern test of character and they well and truly delivered at the other end, contrary to the predictions of many pundits. After the conclusion of a brief barren period was ended by a Benjamin Pavard goal reminiscent of Nacho’s for Spain earlier in the tournament. A ten minute spell of French dominance then came when in the 64’ Mbappe turned the ball beyond Franco Armani after it pinged its way through the box - the 19 year old would then grab his second four minutes later after a swift counter attack led by Giroud.

A late Aguero goal proved only a consolation as the French secured the win at 4-3 - a scoreline which flatters the Argentines somewhat. Messi will exit the tournament, perhaps his last, having scored his 100th international goal; but once again comes away empty handed. How much longer will he persevere with his national side as their ‘golden generation’ begin to move on?

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Uruguay took on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in a contest which looked as if it would live up to the billing of cagey and defensive football - but it was far from it. Uruguay looked as organised and effective as ever, and defended valiantly - but they had an edge to them.

The side, lead by two world class strikers in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, always looked a threat on the break. They are a tight knit unit and it is almost as if a string attaches them when defending in there staunch 4-4-2 lead by the wonderful Diego Godin at centre half - Martin Caceres also impressed despite poor club seasons in the last two years. Their midfield also screams of creativity - Lucas Torreira and Rodrigo Bentancur look full of guile and they dominated in this game' even though they spent large periods without the ball.

Despite the Portuguese having their fair share of possession, they looked toothless and rarely had any attempts on goal, with Joao Mario looking the brightest out of an average side. Cavanis well taken early strike and his breathtaking winner after Portugal equalized through Pepe gave the Uruguayans an important victory and sends Ronaldo home.

Fully deserving of it, Uruguay are a real shout to go all the way and when they play France in the quarter finals a win could be inevitable as their deep line could suffocate the pace reliant French. The tournament is certainly heating up.