Russia 2018: France, Argentina, a great match ―Lloris

Captain Hugo Lloris says France are excited at the challenge of facing Argentina for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Argentina scraped through to the knockout stage following a dramatic victory over Nigeria in their last group match, finishing as runners-up to Croatia.

Spurs goalkeeper Lloris insists Les Bleus, who came top of Group C after two wins and a draw, will relish the challenge of facing Lionel Messi’s side in Kazan on Saturday.

There has been a lot of excitement (in the French camp), because Argentina are a major contender, with great players and many supporters in the stadium. It is going to be a great match and we hope to answer the call to continue with our (World Cup) adventure,’ Lloris said at a press conference, broadcast by FIFATV on YouTube.

Lloris rejected suggestions Argentina were a one-man outfit. He said: “There is so much expectation around Messi, which I think is normal, but still I think the Argentina team has a lot to show.

“They have had difficult times and still have been able to qualify. I am sure they will feel like going much further in the competition, they have won the World Cup before.

“This is going to be a big match, and a difficult one, we are going to have to step up our level.’

Lloris feels France have their own potent threat n Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.

He said: “Antoine is one of the top players at this World Cup, has done things in a major European competition. He has made a lot of effort, is completely focused.”

With both teams now having no margin for error in the knockout stage, when games could be settled on penalty kicks, Lloris is confident Les Bleus can make the needed mental adjustments.

“It should give us additional strength. We should make all of the effort possible and leave the pitch without regretting anything because each pass, kick or throw-in may be the last in the competition,’ the Tottenham player said.

“We should go beyond our limits, have to be full of energy, bet on our collective solidity and use it all (on Saturday).”