France vs Argentina: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 30th June 2018

World Cup 2018 - Last 16
Saturday 30th June 2018
Kick off at 3pm BST
Venue: Kazan Arena

Match Preview:

It doesn’t get much more mouth-watering than France v Argentina, and for most football fans the knockout rounds of the World Cup is where it all kicks in.

This match to be played on Saturday afternoon should be a memorable one considering the quality that will be on the field. The nations have won 3 World Cup’s between them, and have reached 3 of the last 5 World Cup finals.

On paper France looks like one of the strongest teams in Russia but they have been fairly average in the group stages labouring to wins over Australia 2-1 and Peru 1-0 before settling for an easy 0-0 with Denmark ensuring that the Danes would go through. In short France will need to improve their performances if they are to reach the final.

Argentina have been in and out of this World Cup several times and put their fans through a lot of heartache even before the knockout rounds. Whereas France have been underwhelming, Argentina have been very disappointing, a 1-1 draw against Iceland was not good enough and then they were outclassed by Croatia, losing 3-0. Against Nigeria they needed to win and at last Lionel Messi turned up for them and got the opening goal, however they still left it until the last 5 minutes before sealing the win. Perhaps this moment of triumph could be the turning point for a team that look poor without the leadership of an in-form Lionel Messi.

France vs Argentina Team News:

France: France will be able to come into the game with their full squad

Argentina: Javier Mascherano will be assessed but Argentina should have a full squad

France vs Argentina Head to Head:

The nations have not met at a World Cup since 1978 where Argentina won 2-1.

The last time the nations played was in 2009 in a friendly match where Argentina won 2-0.

Since 1972 France have only beaten Argentina once.

France vs Argentina Prediction:

On paper both teams have some of the most talented players in the world going forward, with the likes of Griezmann and Mbappe for France, and a choice of Messi, Higuain, and Aguero for Argentina. However only one of the two sides has also has strength in midfield and defence, and that is France. They have one of the strongest squads in the competition, and although they aren't playing like a team that knows it's best formation or even first XI, they should still have enough to make it through to the quarter-finals.

France vs Argentina Betting Tips:

France to qualify 1.66

Antoine Griezmann to score anytime at 3.00

Half Time Correct Score: 0-0 or 1-0 to France at 2.25 and 4.33