World Cup Russia Round of 16 Day 1 Argentina vs France Preview
Hello Rankers!
To help you score better in RankingBall and win more, here's a strategy guide which can kick you off.
From tomorrow 14:00 UTC begins the tournament stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
In this guide, we will go over which players you can expect to put in your RankingBall bingo.
France preview
France was underwhelming in the group stages, struggling against Peru and Australia and drawing with Denmark. However, they are not a side to be underestimated, as Les Bleus always underperformed their potential in the past two tournaments that they got to the finals, namely the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany and 2016 UEFA Euro 2016 France.
Possible Starting XI (back numbers do not match)
RankingBall Strategies
Shot on - as Les Bleus have tons of attacking talent on their fronts, expect to put any offensive players you see on the starting lineup for shots on goal. If I'm to name certain players, I would go for likes of Pogba, Dembele and Matuidi if any of them appear in the starting XI.
Attack point - This is an interesting one. Go for Griezmann or Giroud, if they are included in the starting XI. The Les Bleus' forwards are more of chance-maker or line breaker styles, rather than the classic goal hunters. In the club, both Giroud and Griezmann were known more for their abilities to lead the attack and set up goals for the midfield, rather than them scoring for themselves. If you want to bet on a super-sub coming on to make miracles, then Fekir could make a good choice. The Man Utd playmaker Paul Pogba is another good bet.
Goal - The PSG talent and France world cup prospect Kylian Mbappe is a good bet. Mbappe is the typical 'striker' that goes for the goal and gets them. In fact, he has just broken David Trezeguet's record aas France's youngest striker! I can see no other good bet than Mbappe. Second choices could be Giroud or Griezmann.
Assist - Go for Pogba or Matuidi, in case you used Pogba for Attack point. Pogba contributed to all the three goals that France has scored in the group stages, so he would be the definitive go for choice when it comes to making assists. Matuidi is a typical left winger, and definitely you would expect assists from such a player.
Card/Foul - Any defensive player or tough defensive midfielder Kante would be a definitive pick. The French defense would have to foul Messi in order to stop him. Especially try betting on the side backs (Sidibe and Pavard/Hernandez) as they would be the ones who will try to stop Messi from marauding the flanks.
Argentina Strategies
Argentina was another letdown in the group stages, drawing against Iceland and suffering a heavy 3-0 loss against Croatia. But as in the tournament stage, there is no room for retreat, so expect Argentina's attacking talents go all out blazing against France. Most importantly, Argentina has Messi!
Possible Starting XI (back numbers do not match)
RankingBall Strategies
Attack Point - Messi. No doubts on this one. In the group stages, Messi has scored 1 goal and made 1 assist versus Nigeria, saving his team from the brink of early knockout. Definitely expect him to make some magic against France as well. If you expect Messi to be locked down by the French team, try going for Aguero or Banega. However, looking at the entry, Messi would be the most probable person in the Argentine side to score a goal or make an assist.
Goal - With Leo Messi in the Attack Point cell, the next best bet for a goal would be the Man City forward Serigo Aguero. Or if you want to bet on the set pieces, try betting on the center-backs Otamendi and Rojo, especially Rojo, as he actually scored in the group stages to send Argentina to the Round of 16.
Assist - The playmaker Ever Banega is the go-for choice in this one. Banega has been one of the best passers in the Spanish Primera Liga, and was just unfortunate not to make it to the previous world cups. It's definitely his time to shine, as it's now or never for Banega.
Card/Foul - Javier Mascherano and Marcos Rojo. Both players have a reputation for playing tough. Mascherano was even labeled as one of the dirtiest players in football. He even conceded a penalty during the match vs Nigeria. Don't expect any of these players to calm down just because it's the tournaments. They'll have to stay tough to fizzle out the French midfield talents.
Shot on - To be honest, I do not feel that Argentina has the offensive talent to match France. Try filling out most of the Shot on cells with French players, and if you HAVE to pick Argentine, well go for any offensive player like Perez or Di Maria to fill in the gap.
Saves - Looking at the depth of the squad, it is more likely that France would be in possession. To get points for saves, I would definitely go for Argentina. In fact, Armani put up quite a show against Nigeria, and replaced Cabalero (thanks to his blunders).