The rise and rise of Kylian Mbappe – new kid on the block
It would be unfair to say that 19-year-old French striker Kylian Mbappe entered this tournament as an under-the-radar player. World football’s most outstanding teenager, the Paris Saint Germain forward has formed a lethal frontline with Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. Yet, in the lead-up to Saturday’s last-16 match against Argentina, much of the focus was on the world’s best number 10 Lionel Messi rather than Mbappe in the same shirt for France. However, it was the precocious teenager who won the game with two goals and the winning of a penalty in the 4-3 victory.
Congratulations, @KMbappe. 2 goals in a World Cup so young puts you in great company! Good luck for your other games. Except against🇧🇷! 😅/ Parabéns, Kylian. Marcar 2 gols em uma partida da Copa te coloca em boa companhia! Boa sorte no resto da competição. Exceto contra o 🇧🇷! https://t.co/DW0XcJF49m
— Pelé (@Pele) June 30, 2018
Mbappe’s run before being fouled for the penalty was an outstanding display of pace and strength, as he punctured the Argentina defence and drew a foul for France’s first goal. To be fair to Messi, two assists from the great man brought Argentina in with a chance. But it was Mbappe, with his flair and ability to carve a line through the clumsy and disorganised Argentinian defence that won the game.
South America’s dark horse – Uruguay
Uruguay impressed in a 2-1 victory over European Champions and Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal. Their strength is in attack with the powerful but deceptively quick Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. However, not enough is made of their backline – centre back Diego Godin marshals a tough unit with speed on the flanks and a plethora of strong passers operating ahead. If you asked observers at the start of the World Cup which South American side would go furthest, almost all would go for Brazil. Yet, in Uruguay there is a dark horse.
Boy oh boy, Uruguay punch above their footballing weight like no other country. Cracking finish from Cavani, one of their 3 million people.
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) June 30, 2018
They are a dynamic, powerful side that is equally adept at finding space and utilising set-pieces. Argentina and Peru are out. Colombia lack a fully-fit James Rodriguez and Brazil have not really hit their stride yet. In Uruguay there is a South American side in-form and firing on all cylinders – but if Brazil begin to truly perform, very few remaining countries would fancy themselves against the 2016 Olympic champions.
#URU WIN!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
Two goals from @ECavaniOfficial means that it is @Uruguay that will face #FRA in Friday's quarter-final in Nizhny Novgorod!#URUPOR pic.twitter.com/JA1dcK4ghM
Best game of the World Cup?
Today’s France-Argentina game was probably the most exciting game to watch as a viewer so far. Two of the tournaments most outstanding goals and a score line constantly in danger of changing. Even Andy Murray, Britain’s former number one tennis player, was annoyed to be missing out.
Andy Murray wasn't too pleased with missing *that* #FRA v #ARG game at the #WorldCup to give a press conference at #Wimbledon!
— The Field (@thefield_in) June 30, 2018
😅
Video: @Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/hXLIcQxifI