Ever Banega is key to Argentina's cause against France while Paul Pogba must come good

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  • Despite an underwhelming World Cup campaign so far, France topped Group C and will face Argentina in the round of 16 on Saturday.

    The South Americans endured a far more treacherous path to the knockout stages, needing a last-gasp winner against Nigeria in their final group game to sneak through as runners-up in Group D.

    Both sides boast plenty of attacking talent but have flattered to deceive in Russia.

    Here’s a look at some of the key players who could decide the encounter.

    MIDFIELD CREATORS

    Paul Pogba v Ever Banega

    With his price tag, frequent and flamboyant haircuts and tendency to be over elaborate in possession, Paul Pogba is often an easy target for criticism. Having been benched – presumably owing to the booking he was carrying – for the clash with Denmark though, it looked as if they missed him with the midfield looking increasingly flat in his absence.

    He hasn’t been at his best in Russia as evidenced by his sloppy passing and careless dispossessions but at least he’s strived to make an impact in attack with more key passes and dribbles than any of the other French midfielders. With a little more support around him, he could make them tick again.

    For a midfield starved of creativity, the fact that Ever Banega’s inclusion from the start against Nigeria was an anomaly is criminal. His dominant performance though should see him retain his place. He had more touches (111), passes (90) and key passes (3) than anyone else on the pitch.

    His distribution was phenomenal as well with all five of his long balls hitting their targets, including that delightful ping over the top of the defence for Messi to score the opener. His capricious nature, on and off the field, has always been a concern but at 29, his antics have taken a backseat. Argentina could use a bit of that unpredictability in the middle of the pitch.

    STAR FORWARDS

    Antoine Griezmann vs Lionel Messi

    One successful penalty aside, Antoine Griezmann – like so many of his team-mates – has struggled to make an impression at this World Cup.

    Playing in a France side that deigns to entertain, his performances have been more workman like than talismanic. If Les Bleus are to go far in this tournament, the Atletico Madrid star will have to come good sooner rather than later.

    Meanwhile, much has been expected of Lionel Messi in Russia. Widely considered the best player in the world and arguably of all-time, his lack of silverware with Argentina leaves a void in his legacy.

    After a missed penalty in the 1-1 draw with Iceland, Messi would’ve been forgiven for experiencing an all-too-familiar sinking feeling which was no doubt compounded when he was anonymous during a 3-0 defeat to Croatia. However, he delivered with a stunning goal against Nigeria before Marcos Rojo’s winner saw Argentina sneak through to the round of 16. Messi, like so many Argentines, may be daring to dream again.

    DEFENSIVE GUARDS

    Raphael Varane vs Marcos Rojo

    Despite his less than convincing displays at times in a Real Madrid shirt this past season, Raphael Varane has enjoyed a flawless World Cup campaign so far. The centre-back has been confident on the ball and dominant in the air but he hasn’t had too many defensive interventions to make, it has to be said.

    Much of that is down to France’s cautious approach as a unit, a far cry from Madrid’s oft devil-may-care attacking forays. He may have a lot more to deal with as the tournament progresses.

    Rojo’s exclusion from the starting line-up was just one of several calamitous decisions Jorge Sampaoli made for the clash with Croatia. The Manchester United centre-back has been one of Argentina’s better performers in defence as evidenced by his contributions against Nigeria.

    His selection doesn’t come without risk though as he is prone to the odd reckless challenge but a heroic late goal to qualify Argentina for the knockout stages means he’s pretty much untouchable at the moment.

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