Broadcast info
Who's playing: It's set to be a tantalizing clash as European heavyweights France take on South American powerhouse Argentina in the first round of 16 match of this summer's World Cup.
What time: Saturday, June 30th at 07:00 PST/10:00 EST/15:00 GMT/16:00 CET
What stadium: This game will be played at the Kazan Arena, which seats up to 42.873 fans for the World Cup.
Which channel:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Match Facts & Stats
- Argentina has successfully cleared the group stages in 12 in its last 13 World Cup appearances (with the exception of the 2002 edition of this tournament)
- France has lost only one of its last 11 games in the knockout stages of the World Cup (W8 D2) - which is not including penalty shoot-outs
- Lionel Messi is the last Argentinian player to have scored against Les Bleus - during a 2009 friendly...
- ...however, the Barcelona star still has yet to net in a knockout round at a World Cup during regulation time (not including his penalty during a 4-2 shoot-out with the Netherlands in the semi-finals)
- Olivier Giroud has yet to record a shot on target at this summer's World Cup, despite playing in all three of France's group stage games
- France hasconceded just one goal so far - a spot-kick converted by Australia on matchday one
- This will be the 12th meeting between France and Australia
- La Albiceleste has the better head to head record, with six wins versus France's two (D3)
- In addition, Argentina has managed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last 11 ties against Les Bleus
Preview
Neither France nor Argentina were particularly impressive during their respective group stage campaigns, albeit Les Bleus faced a lot less drama to get to this juncture. Didier Deschamps's side were in a quartet alongside Denmark, Peru, and Australia, so the general expectation was that they would end up finishing top - which they did - without much fuss.
However, France has received plenty of criticism so far for their lack of urgency, and having showed little initiative in their dull scoreless draw with Denmark, fans will hope that that was just a deliberate attempt to conserve their energies for the upcoming knockout rounds.
Argentina, meanwhile had a nightmare start to this tournament. La Albiceleste were held to a shock 1-1 draw with debutants Iceland, during which star man Lionel Messi failed to convert from the spot. However, no one could have anticipated how poor they would perform as Croatia surprisingly ran riot in a resounding 3-0 win for the Vatreni, leaving the 2014 World Cup finalists on the brink of an early exit.
With Germany struggling, there were fears another big side could head home early. However, during their make-or-break game against Nigeria, Messi finally opened his account. And despite the valiant efforts of the Super Eagles, Argentina was able to sneak through following Marco Rojo - who was involved in a handball incident earlier - netting the game winner late in a very tense tie.
So now, having pipped Nigeria to second spot literally at the last minute, Argentina will look to make amends for the bad start to this World Cup. France, likewise, will look to show observers that they do deserve to be taken seriously as major contenders for the coveted title. Who will come out on top in what's the first of several blockbuster ties taking place over the next four days?
