The heavily marked Lionel Messi was moving around, pushing for that one goal which would have made a difference between equalising and staying alive or total elimination.
This was the moment Messi was waiting for. A World Cup to add to his bow after sweeping other titles. But a 19-year-old youth stole the thunder and shattered the dreams of the greatest player of our times. Kylian Mbappe had put France ahead by scoring in the 64th and 68th minute. Argentina hit back but that elusive goal to equalise and enter extra time did not happen.
Messi will be pondering his future now. By the next World Cup he will be in the mid-thirties.
All the football he played over the years will eventually take its toll. The world may have seen the Master in the World Cup for the last time.
Argentina’s journey has not been a happy one with discontent in the camp. Manager Jorge Sampaoli kept many of the better players on the bench and played some indifferent players instead. His stupid tactics ultimately cost the team heavily.
Unfortunately, Argentina had good company going home from Russia. Germany, Spain and Portugal among others exited with displays which were unworthy of such giants.
Germany did well but their style of precision play did not work as the opposition found them out. It was sad indeed that one of the best teams in the world not capitalising on their chances. Some of them were so easy that even an amateur could have hit the mark.
So where do Germany go from here? The talent pool is there but the style needs a rethink and move on with the times.
Spain showed style but sank at the final whistle. The passing was beautiful to watch but the results were zilch. Ultimately they lost in a shootout.
Keeping out champion player Andres Iniesta in the starting XI was inexplicable and the team played lacklustre football. The master player maker left the world stage, bitter and disillusioned.
Portugal started brilliantly with Cristiano Ronaldo in top gear. But Edinson Cavani pulled out two stunners which halted Portugal. The team seemed to have lost some of its penetration as a stubborn Uruguay countered them effectively.
The last eight is very interesting at the moment. There is a possible chance that a new winner may emerge in this tournament of upsets.
Uruguay have an outside chance of winning it with Luis Suarez is excellent form and conjuring a good partnership with Cavani.
England always start as favourites or so their Press say. They have made to the quarters through a relatively easier route with a penalty shootout propelling them in the last eight.
Now they face some real tests and won’t find the going very easy. They will have to play well to progress. The surprise package has been the hosts Russia. Their entry into the quarters has stunned even their hardest supporters. One should never underestimate them.
The tree other European teams in the last eight – Belgium, Sweden and Croatia – have been impressively solid from the start. They could progress even further if they stick to their game plan.
Finally, Brazil are the favourites to win the Cup.
They have lifted their game to almost great heights from a slow build up. At this stage they look good with their classy passing and dodging.
The final answer lies with one of the stars of the tournament – Neymar Jr. He has been the fulcrum of the team, scoring with crafty footwork and playing a major hand in the other goals despite heavy marking.
This could the moment of truth for Brazil. Will they rule the world of football again?
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