World Cup

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Attendance: 42,873

World Cup | Round of 16

Jun 30, 2018 at 3pm UK

France
4-3
Argentina

Griezmann (13' pen.), Pavard (57'), Mbappe (64', 68')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Di Maria (41'), Mercado (48'), Aguero (90+3')

Team News: Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain out as Argentina face France in World Cup last 16

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter

Published: June 30 2018 | 13:55

Last updated: July 1 2018 | 16:21

Team News: Aguero, Higuain miss out for Argentina

Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain miss out on a place in the Argentina starting XI ahead of their World Cup last-16 tie against France in Kazan.

Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain have missed out on a place in the Argentina starting XI for the World Cup last-16 meeting with France in Kazan.

Albiceleste coach Jorge Sampaoli has made just the one change from the crucial 2-1 win over Nigeria, Juventus forward Higuain dropping to the bench in place of Boca Juniors winger Cristian Pavon.

Manchester City marksman Aguero also has to make do with a place among the substitutes, with Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi expected to spearhead his side's attack as a false nine in the absence of an out-and-out striker.

France coach Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, has brought back his first-team stars following Tuesday's goalless draw with Denmark, making six changes overall.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, defenders Benjamin Pavard and Samuel Umtiti, midfielders Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi and forward Kylian Mbappe are all recalled.

Those making way in Les Bleus' starting XI include Steve Mandanda, Djibril Sidibe, Presnel Kimpembe, Steven Nzonzi, Ousmane Dembele and Thomas Lemar.

France: Lloris; Hernandez, Umtiti, Varane, Pavard; Kante, Pogba; Matuidi, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Argentina: Armani; Mercado, Tagliafico, Otamendi, Rojo; Mascherano, Banega, Perez; Pavon, Messi, Di Maria

Follow all the action from the Kazan Arena with Sports Mole's live match commentary.