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Jonathan White

After a day off that we probably needed, the World Cup is back and it means business.
There have been 48 games so far but despite the enjoyment, drama and goals, that was all a palate cleanser. Here we are at the knockout stages and every game someone is going home.
Reputations, no matter how big, won’t help you now.

It doesn’t get much bigger than the first round of 16 game: Lionel Messi’s Argentina take on a France side helmed by Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba.
The South Americans left it late to make it through against Nigeria. Marcus Rojo was the hero in that game but Messi will be expected to deliver in Kazan.
Fifa World Cup organisers to crack down on counterfeiters after Chinese fans holding fraudulent tickets turned away from match
It’s France that are the favourites, even with their part in the only 0-0 draw of this World Cup when they played Denmark in their last group game.
Argentina are $3.6 and France $2.45, the draw at 90 minutes is $3.1 but someone is going to win, even if it takes penalties.
Kick off is 10pm and the game is on the Now TV World Cup channels (618 and 619).
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Barcelona’s Luis Suarez in the late game in Sochi.
Too close to call is what the bookmakers are saying.
Uruguay are the slight favourites at $2.92 with the draw and a Portugal win both at $3.
Fifa World Cup: ‘slant-eyed’ gesture is pure racism – even the well-mannered South Koreans have had enough
The South Americans have three wins from three so far while Portugal remain unbeaten but have drawn twice, including their last match against Iran.
You can see which star is sent packing from 2am on the Now TV World Cup channels.


China marks 20 years since reaching its only Fifa World Cup with long wait for return set to go on

On this day: China qualified for its only Fifa World Cup

Donald Trump the soccer dad? US president has supported son Barron’s fledgling football career, talking him up to Fifa and introducing him to Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney

Help Hong Kong secure Tokyo Olympics broadcasting rights, and keep the public informed

Fifa World Cup 2018

What World Cup games can I watch today? Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Luis Suarez face off in Russia

The Adidas Telstar 18 ball, official match ball of the Fifa World Cup 2018, on display at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Photo: EPA

TOPSHOT - Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during a training session at the team's base in Kratovo, on June 29, 2018, on the eve of the team's round of sixteen football match as part of the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. / AFP PHOTO / Francisco LEONG

epa06849448 Argentinian player Lionel Messi attends a training session in Bronnitsy region, Moscow, Russia, 29 June 2018. Argentina will face France in a FIFA World Cup 2018 round of 16 match on 30 June. EPA-EFE/ALBERTO ESTEVEZ

Sport

Football

The knockout stages get under way at Russia 2018, with two cracking fixtures kicking off the last 16 on Saturday night


Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi

What World Cup games can I watch today? Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Luis Suarez face off in Russia

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The knockout stages get under way at Russia 2018, with two cracking fixtures kicking off the last 16 on Saturday night

The knockout stages get under way at Russia 2018, with two cracking fixtures kicking off the last 16 on Saturday night