2018 FIFA World Cup: France and Argentina Clash in Knockout Stage Thriller

• France and Argentina meet in the Round of 16 on Saturday, June 30th
• Argentina scraped through in second place in Group D while France finished atop Group C
• Both sides were underwhelming during the Group Stage; can either lift their game for the knockout phase?

Both France and Argentina flew into Russia with high hopes and lofty ambitions. The French sent a star-studded squad boasting a market value of over $1.2 billion, the most expensive of any nation. The Argentinians sent the greatest player in the world and a squad that came within inches of World Cup glory just four years ago.

However, the Group Stage left both sides looking very mediocre. France lacked cohesion up front and was forced to rely on flashes of individual brilliance to win games. That’s a viable strategy against the likes of Australia and Peru, but it definitely won’t be enough in the later rounds. Argentina got off to a rocky start with a 1-1 draw against tournament debutants Iceland and things got even worse when they were thumped 3-0 by Croatia in the following match. A tight 2-1 win against Nigeria in their final group game was just enough to avoid elimination.

The bookmakers have revised their odds accordingly, placing France at +850 to win and Argentina at a dismal +1200.

Group Stage Records

France manager Didier Deschamps has all the ingredients for a World Cup-winning side, but he’s still searching for the recipe. He has a bunch of phenomenal players but not a system that plays to their strengths or styles. With a front three in Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé, the goals should be pouring in for Les Bleus. But that just hasn’t been the case; France averaged just one goal a game in a relatively weak group.

Argentina’s problems are a lot more straightforward. They have some amazing talent up front — Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Agüero, and of course, Lionel Messi — but that’s just about all they have. Their backline is a mess and their midfield isn’t much better.

The lack of distribution has forced Messi to drop into a deeper role, which has largely neutered Argentina’s attack. World-class strikers aren’t worth much if they’re not receiving any service.

France manager Didier Deschamps has all the ingredients for a World Cup-winning side, but he’s still searching for the recipe.

France vs Argentina Betting Advice

Pick: France (+175)

The difference is that France have been disappointing because they’re falling short of their full potential, and Argentina have been disappointing because their squad just isn’t that good. The Argentinian press has dubbed their side the weakest in their country’s history, and they’re only slightly exaggerating.

France will struggle against a side that can play a fluid, cohesive game. The possession-based style of Spain or the fast-paced attacks of Brazil could wreak havoc on a disjointed French line-up. But the stilted, shaky style of Argentina shouldn’t pose much of a threat.

Argentina struggled to contain Iceland and Nigeria, and capitulated under the pressure of Croatia. France has been underwhelming but not to the same extent.

France vs Argentina Odds