World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Argentina can knock France out of the World Cup

FBL-WC-2018-FRA-ARG
France will take on Argentina in the first round-of-16 match at Kazan Arena on Saturday

#2 A misfiring Antoine Griezmann

Denmark v France: Group C - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Antoine Griezmann is yet to score a goal from open play in the World Cup so far

Antoine Griezmann played a significant role in taking France to the final of Euro 2016. Who could forget his brace against the Germans that saw Die Mannschaft exit the tournament from semi-finals!

A similar sort of performance was expected of him in the group stage but he looked completely a shadow of the player he was at the Euro two years back.

Tasked with leading the front-line in France’s opening game against Australia, the 25-year-old forward failed to live up to the responsibility. He lost the ball way too easily and on way too many times as he struggled to make a mark in the match. Peru and Denmark's clashes were no different either.

The Atletico Madrid man is yet to score a goal from open play which means he will go into the Argentina match low in confidence and Sampaoli’s back-four would like to add to his misery on Saturday.

This is not to say that Griezmann is the only threat to Argentina but neutralizing a prolific goal-scorer from the opposition will definitely strengthen their grip on the match.

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