THE RUSSIAN REVIEW: World Cup Day 17 recap

It’s the eighteenth day of the world cup today, and we can only hope it lives up to the glory of its predecessor. Two Goats for the price of one was what we got yesterday, as the two best players of this generation the journey has come to an end.

Missed any action from day 17? No worries 3-mob.com is here. The legends might but we will never let you down, keep it locked here for all your world cup news, views and updates.

King Kylian Shines…Messi Cries

In what might have been Lionel Messi’s World Cup swansong, one certain Kylian Mbappe made sure it was not a fond one. The 19 year old stole the show outshining his opposite number. His lung bursting 70 yard run was too much for Marcus Rojo and the Argentine defence, winning a penalty for Antoine Griezmann to open the scoring for France. Argentina equalised just before half time, Angel Di Maria curling a sublime effort into the top corner to leave Lloris with no chance. The comeback looked well and truly complete when Mercado deflected a Messi effort into the net but there were to be no happy ending as little known French right back Benjamin Pavard scored one of the goals he will tell his grandchildren about, a sweetly struck half volley no keeper could stop. It was the Mbappe show after that as the first of his two goals came after cleverly creating space in the box and blasting past Patricio before a well worked team move ended with Giroud setting up Mbappe to clinically seal the tie. Argentina fought and Aguero got a consolation from another Messi assist but it was not to be.

France 4-3 Argentina

Mbappe 68’ Aguero 93’

Mbappe 64’ Mercado 48’

Pavard 57’ Di Maria 41’

Griezmann 13’

One Bridge too far….Ronaldo Falls

Not even the phenomenon that is Cristiano Ronaldo could save Portugal last night. The Portuguese were undone by a combination of lethal finishing and stoic defense. Uruguay’s lethal duo wasted no time in showing their teeth, Luis Suarez whipping in a dangerous ball which Cavani headed in from close range to give the South Americans the lead. It is easy to tell that Uruguay’s centre backs both play for Atletico Madrid as after that it was backs to the wall defending, the Portuguese probing and passing the ball well but finding no space, Cristiano in particular was well marshalled. Portugal found the breakthrough in the second half however with Godin partly at fault allowing Pepe to rise and head home to breathe life into the Portuguese charge. King Eddy was to have the final say breaking Portuguese hearts with an archetypal strikers goal, a beautiful curled first time shot worthy of winning any game and in this one sending Portugal packing. Will we ever see Cristiano at a world cup again? No one knows what is certain however is that the great Ronaldo will be missed.

Uruguay 2-1 Portugal

Cavani 62’ Pepe 55’

Cavani 7’

Let us know what you have made of the world cup so far, your favorite moments, players and predictions on Facebook (fb.com/ThreeMenOnaBoat) and Twitter (@ThreeMenOnaBoat).

Join us again tomorrow as we recap Day 18!

Meanwhile, catch the best coverage of the FIFA World Cup on SuperSport across six dedicated high definition channels.