Varane Features in 4-3 France Win Over Argentina

France will be moving on to the quarter-finals after defeating Argentina 4-3. It all started just 12 minutes in when Kylian Mbappe was brought down in the box. The penalty was taken by Griezmann and converted.

Argentina had a problem all match trying to keep up with Mbappe’s speed, he made them pay. It looked like France would head into the half up 1-0 until Di Maria laid down a screamer to level things in the 40th.

The two sides went into the half squared at 1-1. Just minutes into the second half, Argentina would take the lead on a redirected shot from Messi to Gabriel Mercado.

In the 55th minute, Di Maria’s goal was still the best in the match until Benjamin Pavard showed up. He belted one in the top corner, an absolute masterpiece.

All tied at 2-2, France would regain their lead in the 63rd. Mbappe made his presence felt with his first goal in the match, a great run past the defenders in the box.

Just minutes later, Mbappe got on the scoresheet again with his second goal of the match. The pass from Giroud and another great run from Mbappe where he put the ball past Armani, 4-2 France.

The match certainly seemed over so late in the game with France up 4-2, Aguero would make it closer at 4-3 in the dying minutes of stoppage time.

Varane was absolutely stellar again in this match alongside Umtiti. Made some brilliant decisions defensively, namely the one where he prevented a breakaway for Messi on a single tackle. He has been the best defender in this World Cup so far, and he’s only 25. The future is bright for the Real backline and he continues to add to his already impressive résumé.

Mbappe is quickly becoming the next big star, one Real will surely miss not getting to before PSG. He is the first teenager to score twice in a World Cup knockout round since Pele. He is also the first teenager to score in multiple World Cup matches since Michael Owen in 1998. He is certainly one Perez will have to keep a close eye on during his career.

Argentina are going home, Messi will not win the World Cup yet again. Lucas Biglia and Mascherano have already announced their international retirement. Sampaoli is likely done as manager, he’ll rue not starting Aguero, Higuain, and Dybala in this match and not even bringing Icardi.

Varane and France will be back in action on July 6th where they will take on either Portugal or Uruguay.