A night that witnessed a total of 10 goals in the match between France v Argentina (7) and Portugal v Uruguay (3) in the Round of 16, also bid goodbye to the gods of the game with the exit of Argentina and Portugal.
When France v Argentina match was announced, it was expected to be a tough collision with Messi’s retirement rumours. The evening took a turn for the worst for Argentina camp after Griezmann scored the first goal in just 13 minutes into the game. Argentina enjoyed the possession and had most of the passes done accurately but they had to wait till the 41st minute for the equaliser from Di Maria. A beautiful shot from a distance.
Just 3 minutes in to the second half, Mecardo gave Argentina hope with a lead at 48th minute. But It didn’t last long as Pavard earned a goal for France at the 57th minute. Argentina while trying to get ahead, committed errors that costed them with two consecutive goals from Mbappe at 64th and 68th minute. With a two score lead, the game went to full time but a grace time of 6 minutes was awarded. Messi’s men charged and Ageuro gave a beautiful header that lead to 3 goals in Argentina bag.
The goal was followed by heated arguments between the two teams on field and the referee settled the scene with a booking for Otamendi and Giroud. The final whistle was blow at 90+6 minute, with any hope of Argentina going forward to the Quarter-finals blown away. The players and the fans were devastated.
Now the attention was diverted to the second game of the evening, Portugal v Uruguay. With the reigning champions out in the group stage and Messi’s magic faded in the Round of 16, football fans expected that Rocket Ronaldo will make it through.
Instead, the night had a story of its own to say as Cavani gave the lead to Uruguay by scoring at the 7th minute. Uruguay’s defence was top-notch with the lead going un-challenged throughout the first half. Portugal has as many as 20 shots in the full game time but only one shot succeed at the 55th minute. A header by Pepe in response to the corner kick. It was an unexpected goal.
Cavani did not spare much time with a beautiful assist from Suarez, he scored a lead at 62nd minute. The match saw desperate attempts by Portugal side and a missed free kick from Ronaldo. The game night ended with 7 minutes of added time, during which a yellow card was awarded to Ronaldo who lost his cool.
As the game night ended, the football fraternity was taken by shock as the gods of the game had fallen on the same night. The next day, saw the exit of the 2010 World Cup champions as Spain was defeated by Russia in penalty shootout with 3-4 score.
What is to see is if Brazil, who is considered to be the most promising team in World Cup 2018, makes it to the Quarter-finals or will it be defeated like the other big teams previously.
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