World Cup Matchday Wrap, June 30

epa06852019 Paul Pogba (L) of France in action against Angel Di Maria (R) of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2018 round of 16 soccer match between France and Argentina in Kazan, Russia, 30 June 2018.

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Saturday Jun 30, 2018. 22:29

The knockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup took the centre stage on Saturday, June 30 as France faced Argentina in the first match of the day.

With the encounter staged at the Kazan Arena on Saturday at 16:00 (CAT), the French troops were in an uncompromising mood on the day.

Coach Didier Deschamps led his men to a hard fought 4-3 win over the South Americans and secured a spot in the quarter-finals.

In the second match, the Navigators of Portugal were facing Celeste of Uruguay on Saturday night in a highly anticipated match at Fisht Stadium.

Despite a bright start for the 2016 European champions, they failed to score following a number of attempts by skipper Cristiano Ronaldo.

Uruguay’s two goal hero, Edinson Cavani ensured they booked a spot in the next as they overpowered the opposing defence 2-1.

The world’s biggest football stars in Lionel Messi and Ronaldo will not take further part in this year’s tournament as the Uruguayan side faces France in the quarter-finals on Friday.

World Cup Round of 16 Wrap

France 4-2 Argentina

Uruguay 2-1 Portugal