Teenager Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a remarkable performance as France beat Argentina in a thrilling round of 16 match to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
Though much of the focus before the game was on Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, it was Mbappe who produced a brilliant performance that will linger long in the memory.
The 19-year-old’s second-half double turned the game decisively in France’s favour and inflicted more pain on Argentina in what may be their final chance to win the World Cup during Messi’s prime.
Antoine Griezmann had already hit the crossbar with a free-kick when he slotted home his second penalty of the tournament to put France ahead after 19-year-old Mbappe was hauled down by Marcos Rojo.
Argentina looked unable to reply for much of the first half, until Angel di Maria hauled his side level with a stunning long-range curler shortly before the break.
Benjamin Pavard’s arrowed strike from outside the penalty area made it 2-2 before Mbappe became the first teenager to score at least twice in a World Cup match since Pele in 1958.
He restored France’s lead with an angled finish from eight yards, and four minutes later netted a first-time shot as the 1998 winners reached the last eight.
Substitute Sergio Aguero headed a stoppage-time consolation for Argentina but they could not force a late equaliser.
France will next face either Portugal or Uruguay, who play later.
