Kylian Mbappe earns a 9 in our ratings as Paris Saint-Germain star leads France into World Cup quarter-finals

Aditya Devavrat 20:39 30/06/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • France won a thrilling fixture against Argentina 4-3 in the World Cup round of 16, sealing their place in the quarter-finals for the second tournament in a row.

    Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show, scoring twice, while Antoine Griezmann and Benjamin Pavard also got on the scoresheet.

    Here’s a look at how the Les Bleus players rated:

    FRANCE

    Hugo Lloris 6 – Was a step late for Argentina’s first goal, though it was a wonderful strike from Angel Di Maria regardless. Could do little for the other two goals.

    Benjamin Pavard 8 – Turned the game around for France with a screamer. It was a moment of inspiration that helped his side regain momentum.

    Raphael Varane 6 – Will want to improve his play from set-pieces and crosses, as France conceded two cheap goals when they could have won handsomely.

    Samuel Umtiti 6 – Like Varane, was suspect aerially, and will have a harsh look at himself over Argentina’s second and third goals.

    Lucas Hernandez 8 – Provided committed defending throughout the game. Argentina tried loading up on his flank throughout, but he was equal to the task.

    Paul Pogba 7 – For the most part, couldn’t pull off his attempts at the spectacular, but his passing from the middle of the park was excellent. His first half ball over the top to Mbappe was sublime.

    N’Golo Kante 7 – Tasked with paying close attention to Lionel Messi, the Chelsea man carried out his duty with typical diligence.

    Kylian Mbappe 9 – This was Mbappe’s coming of age party. He ran Argentina ragged throughout, and his two goals were just reward for a superlative performance.

    Antoine Griezmann 8 – A coolly-taken penalty got France going, just minutes after he’d pinged a free kick against the crossbar.

    Blaise Matuidi 7 – Shared man-marking duties on Messi with Kante and did a good job of preventing the Argentina man from having his usual impact.

    Olivier Giroud 7 – Set up Mbappe’s second goal with a clever touch into the path of his onrushing teammate. In general, his hold-up play was good, although his relationship with Griezmann needs work.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Nabil Fekir 6 – Had a few poor touches and misplaced passes after coming on when he had a chance to help France put their foot on Argentina’s throats.

    Corentin Tolisso 5 – There was a dip in quality in midfield once Tolisso came on for Matuidi, as France began to look more vulnerable.

    Florian Thauvin 5 – Had little impact after coming on a late sub for hero Mbappe.

    Recommended