Stage set for four mouth-watering clashes this weekend
Updated 14:43, 30-Jun-2018
Suvam Pal
["china"]
Argentina's last gasp win against Nigeria on Tuesday night set the stage for four top-class weekend clashes in the World Cup. Here we take a look at the slew of exciting matches lined up at the top half of the knockout stage.

France vs. Argentina

Messi and Rojo's goals catapulted the Albiceleste from the brink of a shock first round exit to the knockout stage where they will face one of the most formidable sides of the tournament, France. Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba have already made the French lineup an enviable one and their back-to-back wins over Australian and Peru have made them one of the strongest teams in this competition.
On the other hand, an under-performed Argentina have been over-dependent on Messi and Messi just overcame his two nightmarish games against Iceland and Croatia to lead the Latin Americans back to winning way in last night's nerve-jangling tie against Nigeria. All eyes will be on the battle between the two time former World Cup champions and the one time World Cup winners in Kazan on Saturday.
Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates scoring a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Uruguay and Russia at Samara Arena. /VCG Photo

Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates scoring a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Uruguay and Russia at Samara Arena. /VCG Photo

Uruguay vs. Portugal

The second round of 16 game on Saturday will be played at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi where two-time former World Cup winners Uruguay will take on one of the tournament favorites and European champions Portugal. If Uruguay have a balanced squad featuring the talismanic attacking duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani and the likes of defense mainstay and captain Diego Godin, the Portuguese have one and only Cristiano Ronaldo, who has already scored four goals in the tournament before missing a penalty against Iran in his side's last game. However, Portugal's performance will depend heavily on the individual brilliance of Ronaldo, the five-time UEFA Champions League winner.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo in action during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match against Spain at Fisht Stadium. /VCG Photo

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo in action during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match against Spain at Fisht Stadium. /VCG Photo

Spain vs. Russia

On Sunday, hosts Russia will be up against a mighty Spain at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The Russians, lowest ranked host team in the tournament's history, kick-started their campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their opening game and edged past Mo Salah's Egypt in the second game before losing to group leaders Uruguay.
On the other hand, Spain didn’t quite have a flying start after coming to the World Cup without their dismissed coach Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on the eve of their departure to Russia. Playing under temporary coach and former captain Fernando Hierro, the Spanish Armada were held by Portugal in their opening game but managed to win their next against Iran before being held to 2-2 draw by Morocco to finish atop the group league table.
Croatia's Luka Modric waits during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Iceland and Croatia at the Rostov Arena, in Rostov-on-Don. /VCG Photo

Croatia's Luka Modric waits during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Iceland and Croatia at the Rostov Arena, in Rostov-on-Don. /VCG Photo

Croatia vs. Denmark

In another Super Sunday clash in Nizhny Novgorod, Denmark will take on a high-flying Croatia, who have convincingly won all their group league matches and have the firepower to beat any team in the tournament. The lineup comprising Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic have the fire power to beat any side in the world on their day. 
On the other hand, Denmark were far from convincing with their sloppy performance so far. They are also fresh from playing one of the most boring games of the tournament, against France and the goalless draw helped help them qualify for the second round or the round of 16.