Not Lionel Messi, nor Cristiano Ronaldo. But Kylian Mbappe is shining brightly in this 2018 World Cup. Many are waiting or Messi and Ronaldo duel in the 2018 World Cup. Moreover, Argentina and Portugal have a chance to meet in the quarterfinals.
But both aground in the Round of 16. Argentina were knocked out by France and Portugal by Uruguay a few hours later.
Precisely, it was Mbappe who stole the stage. The 19-year-old striker scored twice in France’s 4-3 win over Argentina in the last 16 at the Kazan Arena on Saturday (30/06/2018).
Throughout the game, Mbappe be a serious threat to the Argentina back line. The pace of the Paris Saint-Germain player left the Argentine defender in trouble.
Mbappe’s action forced Argentina players to commit a foul. One of them took a penalty after Mbappe was violated by Marcos Rojo in the first half.
Through two goals against Argentina, Mbappe equaled Pele’s nickname that has survived 60 years. Mbappe became the first teenager after Pele, who scored twice in a World Cup match.
Mbappe has now surpassed Messi and Ronaldo in scoring in the knockout phase of the World Cup. Both Messi and Ronaldo have never made a goal in the knockout round. Messi has recorded eight games in the World Cup knockout round (756 minutes), but 0 goals. Ronaldo was also unable to score a goal in six appearances in the knockout phase of the World Cup (514 minutes). Meanwhile, Mbappe already has two goals in just 89 minutes of his performance.
Russia seemed to be a field goal for Mbappe. Five of his seven international goals were produced in Russia: three in the 2018 World Cup, two in a friendly match in Saint Petersburg.
“Kylian has that power, speed, he’s special, Kylian, at this level, can keep going. I hope he will continue like this and we can help him,” said Antoine Griezmann about Mbappe.
It is worth to wait for Mbappe “Blast” next time. Next, the tough Uruguay in defense will be Mbappe’s test in the quarterfinals.
In the last 16 of the Kazan Arena on Saturday (30/06/2018), both teams balanced with 1-1 halftime. France opened the scoring thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s penalty, which kicked off with Angel Di Maria’s volley kick in the last minute. After the break, Argentina was able to continue the momentum to turn 2-1 ahead through Gabriel Mercado. However, in the end France managed to snatch the victory that ensured two Mbappe goals. Substitue, Sergio Aguero thins the position in injury time. However, not enough to prevent Argentina from defeat.
