The Round of 16 starts today in Russia and there are two scintillating games to wet your appetite.
Match 1: France v Argentina
Some of the world’s biggest superstars will grace the field in Kazan when France take on Argentina. The likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griemann will all be playing for a place in the quarter-final.
Although France have not yet faced a “powerhouse” nation, they have been far from impressive. France rested some of their big names in their final group match against Denmark, so Les Blues should be well rested and raring to go against Argentina.
Argentina have also been disappointing so far this tournament. The 2014 FIFA World Cup runners up barely made it out of their group after a draw against Iceland, a loss to Croatia and a narrow victory against Nigeria.
Surely we will see both nations start to move through the gears and turn on the style now that there is so much at stake. Kickoff is at 3pm and the BBC will be building up to the match from 2:30pm.
Match 2: Uruguay v Portugal
The second of the Round of 16 games is another belter.
Uruguay have won all three of their games so far this tournament and they will be looking to make that four. After putting the hosts Russia to the sword, they see Portugal as a very winnable game and a great chance to go one step further than they did in 2014.
Portugal are the reigning European champions but they finished second in their group behind Spain. However, although they haven’t won all of their games, they are yet to taste defeat in Russia. So far, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored four of Portugal’s five goals but will he be able to do enough to keep his nation’s dreams alive?
ITV will be building up to the match from 6:30pm with kickoff at 7pm.
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