World Cup 2018: 4 Things Argentina must get right against France

The group stages are done and dusted, and now it's time for the knockout rounds of the World Cup. No more second chances, no more time to experiment, now teams must get everything right or they go home.

Argentina did not have the greatest of starts to their World Cup campaign and the South American side were threatened with an early exit from the tournament after their disappointing games against Iceland and Croatia.

It was the 86th-minute goal by defender Marcos Rojo that took that took them through to the knockout stages, saving them from the humiliation of a group stage World Cup exit.

Argentina's next opponent is the young and talented France side who topped their group ahead of Denmark conceding just one goal in their three group stage matches.

Here is a list of things that Sampaoli and his men must get right in their tie against France.

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#1 Formation

Deschamps or Sampaoli - who will come out on top?

It is the duty of the manager to send out his best possible side for every game and Jorge Sampaoli has to get it right against the elites of Europe. Three at the back does not work for Argentina. That was evident in their 3-0 loss Croatia.

Also, Ever Banega who came on as a substitute against Iceland and was only an unused sub against Croatia proved to be Argentina's most dangerous player in their tie with Nigeria.

Sampaoli must find a way that not only fits Ever Banega in the team but also solves their defensive problems. Also, he must find a way to use Messi to the most of his abilities.

The Barcelona forward got very limited opportunities to get on the ball and make things happen in their group games, especially the first two games. Sampaoli must address this situation.

Banega showed what he is made of in the game against Nigeria when he found Messi with a brilliant airborne pass that gave Argentina a must needed early lead. His pass that allowed Di Maria to get in behind the Nigerian defence was another display of his vision and execution.

#2 Avoid rash and unnecessary tackles

Javier Mascherano must be careful

With the introduction of the VAR, the 2018 World Cup has already been witness to 24 penalties. Defenders are finding it hard to escape with their antics of shirt pulling and grappling inside the box.

It is not going to be easy for the Argentina defenders to go up against the nimble-footed French forwards such as Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, whose pace a and quality on the ball can leave defenders for dead and at times draw unlawful tackles.

Add on the strength and physicality of Olivier Giroud and the Argentinian backline has some real work ahead of it in their tie against France.

Giroud's ability in the air is going to be a real handful for markers in the game and Argentia must make sure to not try and hold him down by unfair means which are not likely to go unpunished in the presence of VAR.

#3 Teamwork

Argentina Training Session - FIFA World Cup Russia 2018

Football is a team sport and Argentina must remember that. Yes, they have Messi, and yes expectations are high of him. But the other Argentina players must rise to the occasion and share the burden like they did in their game with Nigeria.

The team looked disjointed and unorganised in their first two games of the World Cup. Nothing seemed to work in their favour. Things, however, looked different in their final group game.

The effort and quality from the entire team were evident. Mascherano and Banega bossed the midfield, Messi got a goal and worked hard at tracking back, and Rojo got on the end of Mercado's cross to get the winner.

Argentina has to carry forward this momentum if they are to get anything against the Euro 2016 finalists

#1 Convert chances

Will Messi get on the scoresheet?

With Hugo Lloris in goal and Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti as the centre-backs, France is a hard side to break down. N'Golo Kante's defensive work-rate also makes it harder for the opponents' playmakers to get time on the ball.

As such, Argentina has to be clinical and make good of whatever chances they get. The squad has got players who know a thing or two about scoring and Argentina players have to make sure that chances fall to those who are clinical.

Having scored 21 times in 25 appearances in the Premier League in 2017/18, Aguero will want to get on the scoresheet if he gets a chance today.

Argentina, though, will surely rely on Messi to get goals to guide them to victory. The Barcelona talisman scored 34 times in 36 appearances in La Liga last season and his form in front of goal may just as well decide the outcome of the game.