In an all time classic, France overcame a late Argentine surge to advance to the quarter finals of the World Cup. It was a thriller of a game, and one which bucks the trend of World Cup knockout ties as dull and tense affairs.
From minute one it was an open encounter, as France exploited the Argentine high-line by peppering long balls to Kylian Mbappé. This eventually led to the penalty, cooly dispatched by Antoine Griezmann, as Man United defender Marcos Rojo cynically brought down an advancing Mbappé just inside the box.
Argentina got back into the game in style, a fabulous Angel Di Maria strike just before the break was then added to by right-back Gabriel Mercado, who diverted a Lionel Messi shot into the French net.
It was not to be for Argentina however, who’s fans took over the stadium in Kazan, which today was sea of pale blue. Benjamin Pavard and Mbappé turned the match on its head once more, with a flurry of second half goals to give France a 4-2 lead.
Sergio Aguero would pull one back for Argentina, but alas, it was all too late.
France will march on to another World Cup quarter final, but for Argentina, and Leo Messi, it is the end of an era for an ageing side. Will we see Messi grace the world stage again? One would hope so, but an uncertain future lies ahead for Argentinian football in the wake of this crushing defeat.
Here are the Argentina player ratings from an extraordinary afternoon in Kazan, as France beat the South Americans 4-3.
Franco Armani - 5
Scarcely saved a shot all game, everything directed at his goal seemed to end up in the net. Will be most frustrated by Mbappé’s first, which went right under his outstretched leg. A costly mistake.
Gabriel Mercado - 6
The sides hot head today. As much as he relished his goal, it only papered over the cracks of a poor defensive performance. Lost his cool towards the end, and was lucky to not be booked earlier in the game for a few rash tackles.
Marcos Rojo - 4.5
An awful display, stupidly brought down Mbappeé early on for the Griezmann penalty, and was subsequently hooked off at half time to be replaced by Federico Fazio.
Nicolas Otamendi - 7.5
Argentina’s best defender. Will surely feel let down by his teammates, after making some impressive tackles and interceptions.
Nicolas Tagliafico - 6
A mixed game from the left-back. Guilty of conceding a few cynical fouls, and was beaten numerous times by Mbappé, but going forward he was a useful outlet down the left.
Javier Mascherano - 4.5
Ill tempered, off the pace, and out of his depth. The ageing Mascherano struggled against the energy, pace and power of Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi and N’Golo Kanté. It’s a bitter end to the international career of an Argentine legend.
Ever Banega - 7
Didn’t quite recreate the swashbuckling display that we witnessed against Nigeria. He worked very hard to hassle the French midfield, and passed the ball well at times. Lucky to stay on the pitch for a very late lunge.
Enzo Perez - 5
Quiet game from Perez, who playing centrally offered little in terms of creativity. Subbed off on 60 mins.
Angel Di Maria - 7.5
Prior to his wonder-goal, he looked just as lost as he had done all tournament. The goal (and what a goal it was) revitalised him, as confidence from then on was sky high. Some nice tricks displayed in the second half but failed late on to create anything too dangerous.
Cristian Pavon - 6.5
Was isolated out wide at times, did have one or two good moments and put in some decent crosses, but was subbed off in the second half as his impact lessened.
Lionel Messi - 7.5
Argentina’s only real creative spark, it was a difficult day for Messi who often didn’t know whether to stay up top or drop deep to make things happen. Ended the game with two assists but that matters little now.
(Sub) Federico Fazio - 4
Hardly a great improvement on the man he replaced, Rojo. Almost conceded a goal immediately after a miscommunication with Armani allowed Greizmann to shoot just wide.
(Sub) Maxi Meza - 6
Minimal impact, so much so it was Messi dropping into midfield to try and make something happen late in the game.
(Sub) Sergio Aguero - 7
Scored on 92 mins to set up a nervy end for the French. Many back home may be wondering why he didn’t start the game.