World Cup 2018: 5 best goals from the Round of 16

Modified Jul 04, 2018 14:32 GMT

FBL-WC-2018-MATCH49-URU-POR — Edinson Cavani scored two great goals for Uruguay against Portugal

#2: Benjamin Pavard – France vs. Argentina

France v Argentina: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia — Benjamin Pavard's swerving strike for France against Argentina was incredible

Despite Argentina taking the lead following a deflected goal from Gabriel Mercado early in the second half of their tie with France, it never really felt like they’d be able to hold onto it. Sure enough, less than ten minutes later they were level with a goal of the greatest quality, and the source was an unexpected one – right-back Benjamin Pavard.

Stuttgart youngster Pavard – who only broke into the France squad in late 2017 after World Cup qualification was already secured – had never scored for Les Bleus before, but this strike more than made up for that.

A cross from Lucas Hernandez on the left side appeared to be floating harmlessly out of the box, but Pavard somehow met it with a swerving strike from the outside of his right boot that flew like a rocket past the despairing dive of Argentina’s goalkeeper Franco Armani and into the right-hand side of the goal.

It was the kind of shot that gave you flashbacks to Roberto Carlos’s legendary free-kick against France a decade ago, and even if Pavard scores plenty more for his country, he’ll probably never top this one.

Two quick-fire goals for Kylian Mbappe followed just ten minutes later, and Argentina were dead and buried.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Zeeshan Ali