Striker Kylian Mbappe became the first teenager to score twice in a World Cup game since Pele in 1958 as France defeated Argentina 4-3 to progress to the quarter-finals in Russia.
Les Bleus came close to taking an early lead on eight minutes when Antoine Griezmann’s 25-yard free-kick came cannoning back off the crossbar with Argentinian keeper Franco Armani well beaten.
But the French fans didn’t have to wait long for them to find the back of the net, as Mbappe set on a blistering run right through the heart of the Argentinian defence that was only halted by a desperate, cynical challenge by Marcos Rojo, who dragged the teenage striker to the turf in the penalty area.
A arrancada do Mbappe antes de sofrer o penalti #FRA 1⃣✖️0⃣ #ARG #Copa2018 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/0nJIqqWdMi
— gifsdacopa (@gifsdacopa) June 30, 2018
Antoine Griezmann then stepped up and calmly sent Armani the wrong way from the spot to put France ahead on 13 minutes.
Mbappe’s pace very nearly brought France a second spot-kick as he latched onto a sublime Paul Pogba pass. But another desperate foul, this time from Nicolas Tagliafico, came just a foot outside the penalty area, and Pogba blasted the resulting free-kick high over the crossbar.
France were on top and cruising, but Argentina drew level with one of the goals of the tournament by Angel Di Maria, who picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and hit a rocket of a shot that flew into the top right-hand corner of the net. It was a stunning effort, and gave Argentina a goal their first-half performance barely merited.
This is so satisfying to watch. What a hit by Di Maria. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/apVcB5zEfa
— World Cup (@FlFAWC2018) June 30, 2018
Things got even better for Argentina right at the start of the second half, as Lionel Messi’s effort was deflected past Hugo Lloris by Argentina defender Gabriel Mercado. But the rollercoaster-like nature of the game saw the momentum swing back towards France once again.
Griezmann should have scored after nipping in between Argentina substitute Federico Fazio and Armani only to fire wide. But remarkably the VAR officials failed to spot Fazio’s clear shirt-pull on the striker as he was shaping to shoot.
But when France’s Lucas Hernandez burst down the left flank and crossed, few were expecting what was to come next.
Somehow the cross missed everyone in the Argentina box. But the ball sat up perfectly for French defender Benjamin Pavard, whose brilliant volley from 25 yards found the top corner for yet another Goal of the Tournament contender.
I could watch this all day. Incredible. 🇫🇷😍pic.twitter.com/zDND548hwo
— World Cup (@FlFAWC2018) June 30, 2018
Then two goals from Mbappe in the space of four minutes put the game out of reach.
Another Hernandez cross from the left caused havoc in the Argentinian box. Mbappe then took possession, made space and fired hard and low through the legs of Armani to put France 3-2 up.
And then the French made it four with a beautiful end-to-end move that finished with Olivier Giroud’s perfectly-weighted pass for Mbappe, who fired low past Armani for his second of the game.
Giroud toca pra Mbappe mandar para o fundo da rede #FRA 4⃣✖️2⃣ #ARG #Copa2018 #WorldCupFRA pic.twitter.com/cdBZ5743pW
— gifsdacopa (@gifsdacopa) June 30, 2018
Kylian Mbappe is the first teenager to score more than once in a World Cup tournament since Michael Owen scored one in 2 separate games in 1998. Mbappe wasn’t born then. He’s also the first teenager to score 2 in a match since Pele v Sweden in the final of 1958. 😳
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 30, 2018
Substitute Sergio Aguero nodded home in stoppage time to give Argentina late hope, but the French managed to stave off some late Argentinian pressure to seal the 4-3 win their performance richly deserved.
It was a remarkable game and a stark contrast in performance from the French side’s rather more disjointed early-tournament displays.
But now, with their young striker in form and the team looking cohesive and confident, the French look like they might be tough to stop.
