Fifa Football World Cup: France, Argentina clash in marquee Round of 16 clash.

Argentina and France are unlikely opponents for the Fifa World Cup's first Round of 16 encounter in Kazan, Russia.

Both teams have been unconvincing to a certain degree in the World Cup thus far. While Argentina’s midfield and defence have been in shambles for large parts of the World Cup, the French offence has failed to click, with only three goals in three games. On the positive side though, France has only conceded a solitary goal thus far, while Argentina conceded five, defensive errors influencing most of these goals. The return to form of Messi, and the introduction of Banega though, make this high profile tie close to an even matched one.

In the high pressure situation of a must win match, Jorge Sampaoli chose to change his lineup by starting the enigmatic No 10, Ever Banega. Known for having ample time on the ball, Banega has the ability to ping long balls as well as thread the needle with killer through passes. His awareness of space and velvet first touch ensures that Banega is always in the midst of attacking ventures. These qualities though were offset by Banega’s  lack of work rate and discipline in the early years of his career. A move to Sevilla in the summer of 2014 revived his faltering career. Under Unai Emery, the playmaker started delivering on potential, instrumental in two Europa League wins and Sevilla’s first quarterfinal appearance in the European Cup/Champions League since 1958. Viewers saw the renewed Banega in his display against a youthful and highly motivated Nigerian team. He delivered effective long range passes  aplenty in the first half, the best among them being a assist to Messi for the first goal, and a raking grounded through pass to Di Maria at the stroke of halftime. His creativity and calm on the ball meant that Messi could occupy more attacking positions on the pitch, and impact the game as we have been accustomed to - by scoring goals. In the second half though, Banega showed familiar signs of weariness and lack of fitness as Nigeria clawed back in the game by winning the midfield battle, and forcing Argentina into silly defensive errors, equalising with a penalty and only losing to an unlikely equalizer by Marcos Rojo. Apart from Banega, Sampaoli made 6 changes to the lineup that faced Croatia against the Nigerians. These changes brought mixed results. Franco Armani was assured in front of goal, and Gabriel Mercado was solid at right back, delivering the assist for the match winner, Rojo, who himself was reinstated at centre back. Enzo Perez, and Angel Di Maria, starting as wide midfielders performed defensive tasks well but did not offer attacking thrust, while Higuain who replaced Sergio Aguero, again went missing in the big matches as he fluffed two clear chances. It is safe to assume that Sampaoli will make quite a few changes against France too. Armani, Rojo, and Mercado are likely to retain their place while Enzo Perez might start as well due to the defensive discipline he offers coupled with Sampaoli’s tactical aversion to pair Paulo Dybala with Messi .