A seven-goal nail-biter saw the Blues eliminate their South American rivals in Russia.
France and Argentina will lock horns in the 2022 World Cup final on Sunday.
The Blues hope to defend their World Cup title, while Argentina are eager to claim the title under Lionel Messi’s captaincy.
Messi was one step away from claiming the title in 2014 but lost the final against Germany.
Four years later, a bitter defeat against France saw Argentina crash out of the tournament in the last-16 round. Once again, the team that effectively limited Messi’s impact claimed the World Cup title.
As Argentina prepare for their revenge mission against Didier Deschamps’ side, let’s take a look at how the 2018 match between France and Argentina played out.
Argentina dominate the possession in first half
The Albiceleste won almost all of the one-to-one battles in midfield during the first period. But they lacked enough creativity up front to make serious goalscoring threats.
Following a foul on Kylian Mbappe, the referee awarded France a penalty in the 13th minute. Antoine Griezmann then put the European giants ahead with a calm effort.
Messi struggled to find his feet in the game as France defended with a compact backline after their early goal. But Argentina managed to get back into the game through Angel Di Maria’s stunning shot from behind the box.
Kante and Pogba inspire a different second half for France
France started the second period by conceding an early goal. Argentina completed their comeback through Gabriel Mercado’s goal only three minutes after half-time.
Messi’s shot inside the box was deflected by Mercado as Argentina went ahead 2-1.
The goal unleashed France’s attacking power as N’Golo Kante stepped a line forward to help with his side’s attacks.
The Blues clinched a quick equalizer when Lucas Hernandez’s searching cross was turned into the tournament’s best goal by Benjamin Pavard.
The right-back’s insane goal, once again, levelled the game as France looked much more dangerous in their attacks.
The Blues used their momentum to score their third goal of the evening four minutes after the hour-mark. Mbappe smashed the ball past Argentina’s keeper with a powerful shot inside the box.
By the time France turned the game around, Paul Pogba and Kante were completely dominating the midfield.
Messi rarely found any opportunity to initiate an attack as France’s midfield duo effectively covered the area behind the box.
France then doubled their lead when Mbappe completed his brace in the 68th minute. A swift counter-attack saw Olivier Giroud put Mbappe in a one-on-one situation.
Argentina dominated the possession again in the final 20 minutes, with France returning to their territorial pressing of the first period.
The Albiceleste found no space between France’s lines to launch an effective attack. But even that couldn’t prevent Messi from registering a fantastic assist in the 93rd minute.
A long-range cross from Argentina’s No. 10 saw Sergio Aguero make it 4-3. But it was already too late for Messi and co to get back into the game.
Can France ruin Messi’s World Cup dream again?
Four years after the game at Kazan Arena, France once again face Argentina in the World Cup.
This time, France will have to play without Pogba and Kante, who were crucial to their victory in 2018.
Both players missed the tournament with injuries. But if that hasn’t stopped France from reaching the final, why would it prevent them from beating Argentina on Sunday?
An unexpected midfield hero
France have played with the duo of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni in most of their World Cup games in Qatar.
Deschamps started Youssouf Fofana ahead of Rabiot for the semi-final clash against Morocco. But he will most likely bring Rabiot back to his midfield setup for the final.
Both Tchouameni and Rabiot have contributed to France’s defensive stability so far in the tournament. But France will most likely rely on another player to complete their defensive plans against Messi: Antoine Griezmann.
The Atletico Madrid star’s stats against Morocco shows why France need him to stay in top form ahead of the final.
According to Opta, Griezmann applied 101 pressures against Morocco, more than any other French star during a 2022 World Cup game.
Argentina enjoy incredible attacking form at the moment, with Messi being central to their goalscoring efforts. But if Tchouameni, Rabiot and Griezmann maintain their brutal pressing numbers, France will have a real chance of beating the South American giants again.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Lionel Messi
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
