Argentina now face Group C winners France in Kazan on Saturday afternoon, with match-winner Rojo saying: “Now the World Cup begins for us.” Didier Deschamps’ side wrapped up the group with a 0-0 draw against Denmark on Tuesday and while they have not been at their best so far, BBC South American football expert Tim Vickery expects them to be too strong for Argentina.
“It is very hard to see how Argentina can stand up to the French on Saturday,” he said. “If they are going to mount any challenge, it will have to be like it was four years ago when they played on individual talent to reach the final.
“Messi showed glimpses of brilliance and Javier Mascherano was solid at the back. But Mascherano hasn’t got the legs any more and France will not be too concerned about playing Argentina.”