Kylian Mbappe put in a stunning performance as France defeated Argentina 4-3 in the first World Cup round of 16 match in Kazan this morning, APA reports.
The deadlock was broken in the 13th minute when France forward Antoine Griezmann converted a penalty, awarded for Argentina defender Marcos Rojo's foul on Kylian Mbappe.
Angel Di Maria equalised for Argentina four minutes before half time after crashing a screamer into the top corner from outside the penalty area. La Albiceleste then moved in front just after half time, as Messi’s weak shot was deflected in Gabriel Mercado past a wrong-footed Hugo Lloris.
France drew level just before the hour mark as Benjamin Pavard scored another stunning goal, cutting across the ball with his right foot from distance to send the ball sailing past the helpless Franco Armani in the Argentina goal.
Just seven minutes later, France were back in front. The excellent Mbappe drilled a low shot underneath Armani to restore France’s lead, though the goalkeeper might have done better.
Mbappe made the game safe in the 68th minute. The 19-year-old received Giroud’s pass before firing a shot into the bottom-right corner following a lightning-quick counter-attack.
Sergio Aguero scored with a free header in stoppage time, but France held on to move through to the last eight.
They will face the winner of the Uruguay v Portugal match. Meanwhile, Argentina are sent home.
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