Pavard’s goal may be an omen for France
Eight months ago, Benjamin Pavard was a young player with potential.
He’s now the first France defender to score a goal at the World Cup since Lilian Thuram did it against Croatia in the 1998 semifinals, a few days before the host country won the title.
Yesterday, the 22-year-old Pavard made it 2-2 against Argentina with a much-needed strike. Kylian Mbappe
If indeed this is it, Messi came closer to winning football’s biggest prize, when Argentina lost to Germany in extra time in the 2014 final, around the time he was reaching his peak at club level.
Ronaldo came closest in 2006, when he was 21 and only just beginning to become a star, in a Portugal team where veterans Luis Figo and Deco were the big attacking names. They were eliminated in the semifinals.
Does it mean anything that Messi and Ronaldo might never win the World Cup?
Not really. Their feats at club level – soon finished off the 4-3 victory to send France to the quarterfinals.
Twenty years ago, Thuram inspired France to a win over Croatia with a pair of goals, his only two with the national team in 142 appearances.
‘‘The coach told me, there is another right back who scored the same goal, Lilian Thuram,’’ Pavard said after netting his first international goal.
and at continental level with their countries – are more than impressive. You also can’t blame them for their country’s failures – there are 11 people on a football team, after all.
Does it take away from this World Cup that they won’t be there when the quarterfinals begin next weekend?
Not really. There are plenty of young up-and-comers who will happily take the spotlight – Kylian Mbappe´ , who led France past Argentina for one – and plenty of others from the MessiRonaldo generation who deserve to step out of their shadows – Croatia’s Luka Modric, anyone?
Pavard’s effort in the 57th minute was perfectly executed. From the edge of the area, he transferred his body weight to his left leg and sliced a volley from a bouncing ball with the outside of his foot into the far corner of the net.
‘‘To score a goal like that at the World Cup is something huge. I will remember it for the rest of my life,’’ Pavard said.
That Messi and Ronaldo’s World Cup exits came on the same day is fitting. Debate has raged during their careers as to who is better, and there will be nothing to separate them here. They each had one bit of brilliance in their four games in Russia.
Ronaldo had that freekick to tie Spain in their opening group game. Messi had that delicate bit of control to put his side up in their must-win clash with Nigeria.
They’re two gifts that will be remembered when this tournament ends, even though neither will be there at the close.