Player Ratings: France 4-3 Argentina - Mbappe outshines all as France finally fly

WhoScored.com run through the ratings from a remarkable match in Kazan as a Kylian Mbappe-inspired France knocked Lionel Messi and Argentina out of the World Cup.

FRANCE - 6.79

Hugo Lloris - 5.63

While he could do little with the three goals France conceded, Lloris made just one save from four shots on target faced.

Benjamin Pavard - 7.42

A truly stunning strike but Pavard had a hit and miss afternoon, dribbled past twice, conceding two fouls and picking up a yellow.

Raphael Varane - 6.34

While it was a great spectacle in Kazan it wasn’t one in which any of the centre-backs stood out, with Varane not so much as making a tackle or interception.

Samuel Umtiti - 6.23

It’s been a disappointing tournament from Umtiti so far and Saturday was no different, losing his solitary aerial duel.

Lucas Hernandez - 7.04

His assist certainly wasn’t meant for opposite full-back Pavard but that was the highlight for Hernandez, who was wasteful in possession but did win five tackles.

Paul Pogba - 7.07

Forced to do more defensively than in attack, Pogba put in a good shift with two tackles and two interceptions but lost possession on a regular basis.

N’Golo Kante - 7.15

It’s difficult to imagine France without Kante’s influence now, with the Chelsea man keeping the ball well and weighing in with three tackles and three interceptions.

Kylian Mbappe - 9.77 (Man of the Match)

A constant menace to the Argentina defence, Mbappe earned the opening penalty with a lung-busting run - totalling seven dribbles in the match - and while his first goal was a result of poor goalkeeping his second was and assured finish to seal a place in the quarter-finals.

Antoine Griezmann - 7.29

While opening the scoring from the spot, Griezmann still hasn’t found the net in open play this summer and was overshadowed by Mbappe.

Blaise Matuidi - 6.59

Did a job defensively from the left in a lopsided 4-2-3-1 formation but committed six fouls and was perhaps lucky that he wasn’t booked until the very last of those.

Olivier Giroud - 7.17

Decent link up play and a smart assist for the ultimate match winner but carried little goal threat and was booked.

Subs: Corentin Tolisso (5.91), Nabil Fekir (5.57), Florian Thauvin (5.88)

ARGENTINA - 6.40

Franco Armani - 4.16

After a relatively assured tournament debut against Nigeria Armani had a nightmare afternoon, conceding four goals without making a save - the third of which he should have kept out.

Gabriel Mercado - 7.04

A fortunate goal, deflecting in a Lionel Messi effort, and 92% pass accuracy represented a decent display from the right-back.

Nicolas Otamendi - 6.66

Busy, winning four tackles and four aerial duels, but didn’t look comfortable alongside Rojo, which was perhaps not his fault.

Marcos Rojo - 5.63

Having been the hero last week, Rojo returned to earth with a bump and took Kylian Mbappe with him when conceding an early penalty and subsequent booking.

Nicolas Tagliafico - 5.69

Booked early on, the left-back was restricted in his duties thereafter and made just one tackle up against a rampant Mbappe.

Enzo Perez - 6.22

The sort of player that sums up why Argentina are no longer a real force. Steady in possession without trying anything ambitious, he was hauled off having been completely anonymous.

Javier Mascherano - 6.74

Wears his heart on his sleeve but showing signs of age and committed four fouls as a result, unsurprisingly receiving a yellow card.

Ever Banega - 6.25

Played the pass for Di Maria’s goal but was less incisive than a strong showing against Nigeria and saw yellow.

Cristian Pavon - 6.22

Struggled again to make an impact and hasn’t shown his worth in attack, without so much as a shot, key pass or dribble.

Lionel Messi - 7.95

As ever the most likely threat for his side but couldn’t conjure the magic in the final third to find a breakthrough. Two assists, four shots, three key passes and three dribbles earned Argentina’s best rating by a distance.

Angel Di Maria - 7.28

A stunning strike from distance was later outdone by Pavard and while it was Di Maria’s best display of the summer he didn’t do enough defensively to prevent France from breaking out.

Subs: Sergio Aguero (6.96 - should have started), Federico Fazio (6.12), Maximiliano Meza (6.61)