In FIFA World Cup, the Round of Sixteen is beginning from today. The knockout round is the second and final stage of the competition, following the group stage.
The first match of the day will be played between France and Argentina in Kazan at 7.30 this evening while Uruguay will meet Portugal in Sochi later at 11.30 tonight.
Meanwhile, World football’s governing body FIFA has announced that a new ball will be used for the knockout phase. The Adidas Telstar Mechta will replace the Telstar 18 used during the group stage of football’s biggest tournament.
The new red design reflects the host nation’s colours and the rising heat of the second half of the competition.
France and Argentina will be facing each other for the 12th time. Argentina are looking to put their tricky World Cup start behind them against 1998 winners France in the last 16. Messi has never scored in the knockout stages of the World Cup for Argentina. Benjamin Mendy will miss out for France .
In Sochi, Euro 2016 winners Portugal will take on 2010 World Cup fourth-placed side Uruguay. Uruguay won all three of their group matches, and are the only team yet to concede a goal at the tournament.
Though the real battle is between Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo has scored four of Portugal’s five goals so far, while Barcelona star Suarez netted against Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia.New ball will be used for the knockout phase. The Adidas Telstar Mechta will replace the Telstar 18 used during the group stage of football’s biggest tournament. The new red design reflects the host nation’s colours and the rising heat of the second half of the competition.