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#2 Paul Pogba vs Ever Banega
After his magic in the previous match against Nigeria, a lot was expected of Banega and he was touted as the potential break-out star for the rest of the tournament. Unfortunately for him and Argentina, Pogba dominated the midfield so hard that Banega was barely noticeable.
French fans, not unlike the Manchester United fans - have a love-hate relationship with Pogba - they want him gone one moment, and then he becomes a cult hero the next. Tonight was one of the latter ones, where you look at the money he was paid for his transfer from Juventus and think it was a steal.
This was one of Pogba's strongest performances ever - literally and metaphorically. He used his physique to great effect, shielding the ball from Di Maria on the wings and from Mascherano in the midfield.
His passing was also on fire - a peach of a delivery that Giroud failed to capitalise on - and completed 2 dribbles as against Banega's 1. He was also useful in the air, winning two headers but Argentina once again erred there by not playing a proper striker.
As for Banega, it was a short-lived tryst with destiny, as it is time for him to leave Russia with his head held down. A few more performances like this from Pogba on the other hand will elevate his place in the United and French hearts.
