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Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring the third goal of his team against Argentina on Saturday. He had two in the victory. (Catherine Ivill / Getty Images)
The two international stars that everyone loves, or hates, have been kicked off from the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and Lionel Messi's Argentina lost in the round of 16 on Saturday after being forced into the round of 16.
It took the first and only goal of the Messi tournament to bring Argentina into Group D and Ronaldo's hat trick against Spain to get a draw, a crucial point to help Portugal to pass from Group B.
But even if both teams have been defeated, do not be afraid. There are many international stars on the ground. Here are nine you should know so you can stay on top of things no matter what game you are watching.
Kylian Mbappe, striker, France
Mbappe, 19, has long been was a star, but he announced Saturday against Argentina with a brilliant performance of two goals. His speed is really unusual, and his control of the ball while moving at such a pace makes it almost impossible to defend. And when he has time and space to put a little punch in a shot, he'll probably find the back of the net.
Harry Kane, England striker
Every World Cup cycle, England always seems to have "The guy." It was David Beckham, then Wayne Rooney. Now, it's Kane, a pure scorer who also wears the captain's armband. He scored both goals of England in a 2-1 win against Tunisia, then made a hat trick against Panama.
Romelu Lukaku, striker, Belgium
If you are not a football fan, imagine Lukaku a LeBron James type figure. He is taller, faster and stronger than almost everyone on the field. It can score just about anywhere. By associating with Eden Hazard, Belgium could have the deadliest attack of the tournament
Edinson Cavani, striker, Uruguay
Cavani is another of those players who announced with a huge Saturday. He scored La Celeste's two goals against Portugal to get Ronaldo off the pitch. Uruguay likes to put the ball on Cavani's foot, not only because he's a dangerous scorer, but because he's an elite smuggler who has a strong chemistry with his teammate Luis Suarez. In short, when he has the ball, anything can happen.
But Cavani's status for Uruguay's quarter-final against France is uncertain. He was injured shortly after scoring this goal against Portugal
Luka Modric, midfielder, Croatia
Modric's play on the ball is what made Croatia so dominant in a group and helped his team, Real Madrid, to consecutive titles in the UEFA Champions League. Here's another basketball comparison if you do not know much about Modric: Chris Paul. Croatia uses it as a top man to help organize things and then sing the ball forward. Without Modric at his best, Croatia is struggling to control the pace. But at its peak, teammate Ivan Rakitic said it's as if Modric was coming from a "different planet".
Chucky Lozano, striker, Mexico
El Tri found his next star at Lozano, 22, a do-it-all forward who fits perfectly into the mix of young and veterans. He is just as strong of a smuggler as a scorer. With his Dutch club last season, he completed 2.7 passes by 90 minutes, second best in the league. He also scored 17 goals in the club and 56% of his shots on goal, second best of the top 10 scorers in the league.
Christian Eriksen, midfielder, Denmark
Eriksen is a goalscorer who only waits for the right time goal. In the group stage, he scored a goal and got some help. But in qualifying for the World Cup, he has amassed 11 goals in 12 games with three assists. If it's getting hot, watch out. Denmark will need all their talent to push Croatia back on Sunday.
Denis Cheryshev, striker, Russia
Cheryshev is the key to any Russian plan to spend Spain on Sunday. The tactics of Spain are focused on possession. He likes to dominate the control of the ball and wait patiently for the seams to open. But it's more difficult to play when playing from behind, and Cheryshev represents Russia's best chance to join the table earlier. He is a physical attacker and a dynamic finisher around the net. For proof, look no further than his three goals in three games in the group stage.
Granite Xhaka, Midfielder, Switzerland
The great name of Switzerland is Xherdan Shaqiri, but do not forget Xhaka, the fiery midfielder whose score raises the Swiss of a European ran to a global heavyweight. Switzerland will use Xhaka to send the ball to the attackers, but he expects him to enter the game and look for his own shots. This laser beam coming from just outside the 18-meter zone against Serbia was essential to help Switzerland qualify for the round of 16.
Read more of the World Cup:
Lionel Messi leaves Kylian Mbappe World Cup
World Cup knockout, results and schedule
Sweden is the loser of the World Cup in attach his train to
Ranking of teams eliminated by sympathy factor
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