Argentina’s clash with France was also going to be a tricky affair for the South Americans. After a rough spell in the group stage, La Albiceleste had to face one of the tournament’s favorites in the round of 16.
With Les Bleus boasting quick and deadly attackers in the form of Griezmann and Mbappe, Sampaoli’s shaky defense was always going to be in danger. And it didn’t take too quick for Rojo and Co. to be torn apart.
Early on in the first half, Mbappe took advantage of a poorly controlled ball from Banega and launched a lethal counter-attack. After running past a few Argentine players, the PSG ace was brought down in the box by none other than Rojo.
Deschamps’ men were thus awarded a spot kick which Griezmann converted with ease to give the European giant an early lead. The Argentine who gifted France this goal quickly became public enemy number one.
Many took to Twitter to express their disappointment in the Man United man for his unnecessary challenge that left his nation trailing. Check out the best tweets.
Things Marcos Rojo CAN do:
— SPORF (@Sporf) June 30, 2018
Save his country
Things Marcos Rojo CAN’T do:
Defend
Make Toast
@Eurosport_UK pic.twitter.com/cQK70dKPyA
If Marcos Rojo had a brain, he'd be one hell of a centre-back.
— FTS Football (@FromTStands) June 30, 2018
Rojo is back to normal then
— 442oons (@442oons) June 30, 2018
Pen to France #FRAARG
Someone hit the reset button on Marcos Rojo. #FRAARG
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) June 30, 2018
All those oddballs who told me Rojo was good because he scored a goal will presumably be telling me that was an accident. The guy is a walking disaster.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) June 30, 2018
What is Rojo doing?!
— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) June 30, 2018
Mbappe took such a big touch in the box, even if he catches up to it, he'll have no angle.
Brain-dead from Rojo.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 30, 2018
Was going to say that’s the dumbest thing Rojo’s ever done but then I remembered his attempt at making toast
— Tom Victor (@tomvictor) June 30, 2018
Things Marcos Rojo can do:
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 30, 2018
- Score a late winner to send his country into the last 16.
Things he can't do:
- Defend.
- Make toast pic.twitter.com/CJ3i9PPGP8
Rojo at it again. Appalling. Immense play from Mbappe but make the foul outside the box. Complete lack of intelligence from the #Arg defender. Mbappe capable of picking up two/three FIFA Ballon d'Or awards during his career. Reminded me in that moment of Henry. #Fra #WorldCup
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) June 30, 2018
Rojo really went from 100 to 0 real quick
— BR14_ (@BR14_) June 30, 2018
Yes it was a bad tackle, but in Marcos Rojo’s defence, he is a very bad footballer. #ARG #worldcup
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) June 30, 2018
Rojo trying to tackle Mbappe just then pic.twitter.com/9wEuXRNcw3
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) June 30, 2018
Why didn't Rojo just let Mbappe run? The chances of finishing after that long of a sprint are slim.
— Un Prophète (@mediocentroEN) June 30, 2018
Argentina managed to grab an equalizer shortly before the break. Di Maria scored an amazing goal from outside the box to make things 1-1.