June 30, 2018, will mark the beginning of the pre-quarter rounds of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The first pre-quarter round will bring us an exciting contest between France and Argentina. The match is scheduled to happen at the Kazan Arena at 7.30 PM. The teams have come head to head 11 times including the friendly matches since 1930. Argentina has won the game 6 times, whereas, France twice has walked away with the last laugh.

Three matches have ended up with the draw. The last time the two teams met for an international friendly was in 2009, where Messi and co walked away with a victory of 2-0. Let’s talk about the results of the last five encounters.

France vs Argentina, 2009

The international friendly between France and Argentina took place at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi scored a goal in the 41st and 83 minute respectively. The Jaiver Zanetti led Argentine team walked away with the last laugh.

France vs Argentina, 2007

Once again Argentina won the match by 1-0 at Stade de France, Paris at the international friendly match. Javier Saviola scored a goal at the 15th minute of the game and gave a lead to Les Bleus.

France vs Argentina, 1986

The international friendly once again took place in Paris. Goals in this game were scored at the 15th and 80th minute by Jean-Marc Ferreri and Philippe Vercruysse respectively. This gave the team a 2-0 lead as Argentina could not score in the game.

Argentina vs France, 1978

Now, in this FIFA World Cup game, it was Argentina once again who had the last laugh as the team won by 2-1. The match was held at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucci, Buenos Aires and Argentina won the game in presence of over 77000 people. It was Daniel Passarella and Leopoldo Luque who scored a goal at 45th and 73rd minute respectively. From France, it was Michel Platini who scored a goal at the 60th minute.

Argentina vs France, 1977  

Held in Estadio Bombonera, Buenos Aires this international friendly ended with a draw.

So according to us, Argentina would have an upper hand over France. All eyes will be on Lionel Messi who scored a goal in the last match against Nigeria is touted to be an important player for the side. Paul Pogba can actually create troubles for the opponents. You can catch with all the live updates of the match even on Latestly.com.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2018 05:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).