Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Benjamin Pavard goal: France star unleashes stunner vs Argentina in World Cup clash
FRANCE right-back Benjamin Pavard scored one of the goals of the World Cup with a stunner in the last-16 game with Argentina.
Pavard, 22, popped up with a volley into the top corner just when France needed him.
Les Bleus were 2-1 down midway through the second half of the engrossing last-16 tie in Kazan.
Antoine Griezmann had given France the lead before Angel Di Maria and Gabriel Mercado turned the tie in Argentina’s favour.
However, the Stuttgart star made it 2-2 with a stunning effort.
Pavard emerged on the right wing to clip home a half volley after the ball had come across the box.
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton said of the strike: “That was really well worked down the left-hand side. The ball just sits up and he hammers the ball!
“Brilliant! Brilliant response, brilliant goal!”
BBC World Cup commentator Danny Murphy said: “Brilliant ball from Matuidi initially and then it's a good cross.
“At first, you think take a touch, but look at that for a strike.
“We are being spoiled today with the goals and the tempo of football. We've got it all.”
Life got even better for France after the goal, when Mbappe scored twice in four minutes to make it 4-2 to Les Bleus.