France – Argentina World Cup Tips
Arguably, Argentina cheated through the group stage of the 2018 World Cup and now faces France. For the quarter-finals both teams have to improve.
It is probably the highest-class knockout round of this World Cup – at least nominally: France, winner of the Group C, it gets to do with Argentina, the runner-up of the Group D. While the runner-up has been one of the disappointment of the tournament so far, France went through the group stage without defeat. But: The Équipe Tricolore is also worth a closer look. It is well known that not everything that glitters is gold.
Betting Tips
It could be a slugfest at the highest level – but rather a staid defensive battle. France and Argentina are individually outstanding, but especially the vice-world champion will shy away from greater risks. As it is offensively ordered to the team, when Lionel Messi acts against a strong opponent alone on further corridor, we have already seen against Croatia.
The French, in turn, had no real challenge in the group stage, but did not compete against second-rate opponents like a hot title contender. In plain language: Even the Vice European champion has yet to find.
Accordingly, the game is likely to be less eventful than many suspect. It will be important to take advantage of the few opportunities that arise. Here we see the French front, simply because they are individually the better team and have offered more in the tournament than Argentina.
The previous World Cup results: 2: 1 vs. Australia, 1-0 vs. Peru, 0: 0 vs. Denmark
Seven points from three games, that reads basically good. The French have survived the group stage without major damage, but the team did not steal with fame.
To kick off against Australia, the team appeared uninspired and unthinkable. Two goals scored the team anyway, but by penalty and slapstick. Thus, the team went victorious from the field, but missed the opportunity to set a first Durftmarke.
In match two against Peru, the team played better, but again missed the last bite – especially after the opening goal by Kylian Mbappé. Had the team at least defended confidently, this would not have been bad. But the Peruvians turned up and were closer to equalizing than the French 2-0 preliminary decision. Ultimately, the team saved their lead over time.
Before the match against Denmark, the team was thus already qualified for the first knockout round. Although this justifies Didier Deschmaps numerous changes (six new in the starting XI), but not their playful appearance. In the hitherto unsightly game of the World Cup – because they were without action and without a fight – the teams parted zero to zero with a bland aftertaste.
The status of the tournament favorites, therefore, the French have given despite solid group stage once. Now it is important to upshift a gear in the hot championship phase – at least. If that succeeds, it will mean: A good horse does not jump higher than it has to.
Possible setup
Since none of the starter debutants could strongly recommend against Denmark, Deschamps will return to his original scaffolding. Let’s hope that the break was good for the break. The only really vacant position in the offensive trio will probably be Blaise Matuidi, as he is the strongest available player in the backward movement.
Lloris – Pavard, Varane, Umttiti, Hernandez – Kanté, Pogba – Mbappé, Griezmann, Matuidi – Giroud
The previous World Cup results: 1: 1 Vs. Iceland, 0: 3 vs. Croatia, 2: 1 vs. Nigeria
For a reigning runner-up Argentina played a frightening preliminary round. In many ways. Defensively, the team inexplicably revealed gaps. The team does not seem to be right behind and in front. We do not even need to start from the playful fortune – despite Lionel Messi & Co. What’s up with the Albiceleste?
The group phase probably developed a certain momentum. For about 30 minutes, everything was fine, to kick off Iceland. Sergio Agüero scored his team the first noteworthy opportunity in front and the three points against the crystal-clear outsider appeared bagged. But the island state came with strong help from keeper Willy Caballero to compensate – and Argentina for lack of offensive development does not exceed one point.
So the team was already in the second group match against Croatia under pressure – and failed miserably. In the attack, the team did not sting against disciplined and excellently organized Croats, on the other hand it was duped again and again. In the end, the team stood in front of a 0: 3 pile of shards and especially in the expectant home massively in the criticism.
At least here seemed to coach Sampaoli slipped the reins. There was a break between coach and team, or between coach and Messi, according to domestic media. And so before the all-important game against Nigeria, it was the player, not the coach, who determined the formation and line-up.
At first, Messi’s ideas seemed to work. The first half against Nigeria was Argentina’s best in the tournament. The ball was on, especially thanks to Messi and Ever Banega, which is why it is only logical that the beautiful 1: 0 of the Barca star was a co-production of the two. Even otherwise, the team knew how to convince, defensive as offensive. As if a questionable penalty Nigeria brought back into the game with a kick-start, the whole fragility of the team showed up. Argentina was like swept off the roll, the mechanisms of the first half swept away and the pressure was great. It is significant that with Marcos Rojo a center-back shot the team into the last sixteen.
After all, the passionate final offensive and the overall clear best World Cup match of the team were rewarded. Nevertheless, the team can not buy anything, as long as you do not noticeably increase in the round of 16.
Possible setup
Sampaoli – er, Lionel Messi will rely on a similar starting squad as last against Nigeria. It was the oldest tribe formation in Argentina’s World Cup history (30.5 years). Many of the experienced will need the team again.
Aramani – Tagliafico, Otamendi, Rojo, Mercado – Banega, Perez – Messi, di Maria, Higuain
Prediction Today: win France and under 2.5 goals
Odds: 4.00
