Pogba, Mbappe the big winners of Day 16 at the 2018 World Cup

One of the four quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup is scheduled, Uruguay and France ahead of Portugal and Argentina.

Two strikers had different fortunes in the round of 16, while serious questions need to be asked.

Here are three winners and three losers on Day 16 of the World Cup.

WINNERS

Edinson Cavani

Constantly overshadowed by Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, that was Edinson Cavani had time to shine on Saturday

The Cavani doubled finally guided Uruguay into the quarterfinals of the World Cup, and both goals were absolutely gorgeous.

The pbad to Suarez's back post and head in the corner was breathtaking to watch. The victorious strike, struck for the first time without any hesitation, wrapped a bow during a majestic demonstration by Cavani

Unfortunately, Cavani had to drool shortly after with a hamstring injury. With just six days before the quarter-final against France, the 30-year-old is racing against time

Hopefully Cavani is fit enough and will play a role on Friday.

The Pogba-Mbappe Partnership

Kylian Mbappe was the obvious man of the match with his two-goal performance, but the chemistry between Mbappe and Paul Pogba was incredible to watch.

Almost every pbadage from Pogba to Mbappe led to a dangerous opportunity. As soon as the first received the ball, Mbappe was gone for the races. All he needed was Pogba to run the perfect help. He got exactly that.

Mbappe's rhythm, quick touch, and incisive movements tipped Argentina's defense throughout the match. However, the defensive functions of Pogba were the most remarkable. Nobody has accomplished more bullet recoveries than Pogba (10). Not even N & # 39; Golo Kante.

10 – Paul Pogba has made 10 occasions against Argentina today, twice more than any other player in France. Rebellion. #FRAARG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/TeQncmxGJz

– OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 30, 2018

The lack of work of Pogba, specifically defensive , has been criticized throughout his career, but he continues to thrive in a midfield duo next to Kante.

As for Mbappe, becoming the first teenager to score at least two goals in a World Cup since Pele is quite accomplishment, that 's the least that' s not. we can say.

French Weapons

It's time for Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard receives some recognition for his good performance.

Hernandez, who had not started a competitive match for France before the World Cup, was a defensive pillar on the left. It was not different on Saturday. He managed five tackles to neutralize Cristian Pavon, Lionel Messi, Gabriel Mercado and Enzo Perez, who all tried to overload this side of the field.

Hernandez even helped Pavard's goal. An unlikely combination between the back and the bottom

Normally a central defender, Pavard seemed more than comfortable back to France until now. No defender is very involved in the attack, and that 's fine, because with the threat of Mbappe, Pogba and others, there is no need to push .

LOST

Cristiano Ronaldo

After a hat-trick against France, the Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup ended on a sour note, individually and for his country.

Portugal as a whole had trouble defying the defense. Despite the 20 shots, only five hit the target and the Portuguese midfielder was not sharp enough with their defeat.

Ronaldo himself also had little luck. Most of his hits were on the left side of the field and he rarely drilled into the box, mainly because Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez were pbading through the penalty area.

33 years, most players would probably retire from international duty. However, given Ronaldo's impeccable physical condition, it is likely that he could have one last shot at the 2022 World Cup.

Jorge Sampaoli

Even though l & # 39; Argentina lost only 4-3, training the selected players did not behave well, and that 's about coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Cristian Pavon should have started every game to provide more franchise, pace, dribbling and verticality on the wings. His only start was Saturday against France. Enzo Perez was on vacation until June 9 when he was called in to replace Manuel Lanzini, but the Perez, who was out of shape, was in the lineup of three of the four matches of the year. Argentina.

These are just two examples.

Sampaoli chose to play safely with his team selection before the World Cup and deviated from the fast and fluid 3-4-3 system that he rolled out with Chile and l & # 39; 39, University of Chile. It was too intense for this group of players and the 60-year-old tactician had little time to call new players and plan the World Cup.

When a defense is undisciplined in terms of position and that the attack continues box or just the ball to Messi, this proves that there is no clear plan put in implemented by the coach.

This is what was missing in Argentina, and this has been shown with the 15 different alignments of Sampaoli in his 15 matches as an Argentine coach.

The French center advances

Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud all match against Argentina. Apart from Griezmann's penalty and a free-kick from the bar, he was largely invisible, just like Giroud

As mentioned before the tournament, coach Didier Deschamps has a dilemma with Griezmann and Paul Pogba. When one thrives, the other struggles. We are witnessing at the moment at the World Cup

This has not yet embarrbaded France, but facing a strong Uruguayan defense will be a severe test for this French team more cautious.