Event of the Day: Argentina versus France
Our event of the day is the opening knockout round match of the FIFA World Cup between Argentina and France in Kazan, Russia. Each side has plenty of star power and first-rate talent in their squads. However, both teams have put together relatively underwhelming performances so far in the tournament. The Argentinians barely escaped the group stage by scoring a late winner in their last match against Nigeria. France on the other hand, won Group C but only scored three goals in three games. With a berth in the quarter-finals on the line, expect both Nations to pick up their play in this round of 16 clash. Les Bleus will no doubt be focused on containing Lionel Messi as best as they can. The Barcelona great has had a somewhat disappointing tournament so far. However, he showed his class with a terrific goal against Nigeria and is a constant threat with the ball at his feet. Argentina will need a special performance from Messi if they want to move into the final eight.
On the other side, France will be looking to Forward Antoine Griezmann and Midfielder Paul Pogba to carry them to victory. Pogba should have the upper hand against a struggling Argentinian midfield and will be looking to establish dominance early in the contest. To add to the intrigue of the match, today will be the first time in 40 years that these two great footballing nations have met in the World Cup and the first time ever they have met in a knock-out match. It should be an electrifying match between the two former champions as they jostle for Cup glory.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Final of the Royal London One Day Cup between Kent and Hampshire at Lord’s Cricket Ground. In what is expected to be a summer day filled with fun and excitement, cricket supporters can expect a close match. World-class track and field is on display at the annual Diamond League Meeting de Paris at Stade Sébastien Charléty. In Men’s Tennis, the final match of the Antalya Open will be played between Damir Džumhur and Adrian Mannarino. In Formula 1, qualifying begins today for Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix. The 2018 Volvo Ocean Race concludes with the final in-port race at The Hague. In the AFL, the West Coast Eagles will travel to North Adelaide to take on the Adelaide Crows on their home pitch. In Major League Rugby, the Raptors will play the Warriors and the Seawolves and the Legion face off in the league’s respective semi-finals. The Highlanders clash with the Chiefs in Super Rugby action at ANZ National Stadium in Fiji. In Perpignan, France, a Super League meeting between the Catalans Dragons and Castleford Tigers will be played at Stade Gilbert Brutus. Major League Baseball is on at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona as the Diamondbacks welcome the San Francisco Giants to the desert. Real Salt Lake play Columbus Crew in a Major League Soccer match at Mapfre Stadium. There is another knockout game on at the FIFA World Cup in Russia as Portugal look to advance past Uruguay in Sochi.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by FIFA World Cup