Mbappé shines as France reach quarters
Led by an irrepressible Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice, Les Bleus recorded a 4-3 win over Angel Di Maria's Argentina to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals.
Kylian Mbappé quickly earned a penalty when he was brought down after a length of the field solo raid - put away by Antoine Griezmann (13'). Just before the break, Angel Di Maria equalised with a fabulous shot from 25m out (41'). And the Albiceleste moved qheqd when Mercado netted shortly after the restart (48').
But Les Bleus refused to throw in the towel and Pavard got them back on level terms with a brilliant half-volley from outside the box (57'). Then it was time for the Kylian Mbappé Show as he fired France in front (64') before cementing victory four minutes later (68').
Agüero's late consolation goal (90+3') changed nothing as France qualified for the quarter-finals on 6 July where they will meet the winner of Uruguay versus Portugal.
FRANCE 4-3 ARGENTINA (H-T: 1-1)
FIFA World Cup 2018 – Round of 16
Kazan Arena (Kazan)
Goals: Griezmann (F) pen. 13', Di Maria (A) 41', Mercado (A) 48', Pavard (F) 57', Mbappé (F) 64', 68', Agüero (A) 90+3'.
FRANCE: Lloris - Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, L. Hernandez – Mbappé (Thauvin, 88'), Kanté, Pogba, Matuidi (Tolisso, 75') – Griezmann (Fekir, 83'), Giroud. Coach: D. Deschamps.
ARGENTINA: Armani - Mercado, Otamendi, Rojo (Fazio, 46'), Tagliafico - Enzo Pérez (Agüero, 66'), Mascherano, Banega – Pavón (Meza, 75'), Messi, Di María. Coach: J. Sampaoli.