FIFA World Cup last 16 fever to start this weekend

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The 2018 FIFA World Cup Round 16 will kick-off on Saturday with two matches.

France will meet Argentina in Kazan, the showdown will start at 1400 GMT.

Known as "Les Bleus" (The Blues), France emerged as winners in Group C; they remained unbeaten in the group where they faced Denmark, Peru and Australia.

Their opponents in the last 16, Argentina, have advanced to Round 16 after beating Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling match at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Argentinian defender Marcos Rojo emerged in the 86th minute as the unlikely hero for Argentina to strike a volley to the cross from the right.

Known as "La Albiceleste" (The White and Sky-Blues) Argentina finished Group D at second place.

In the other match of the day, Uruguay and Portugal will fight for quarter final ticket in Sochi.

Uruguay defeated Russia, 3-0, in the World Cup Monday to claim the to position in Group A with nine points.

The South American team paired with Group B runners-up Portugal in the last 16 phase.

Portugal barely advanced to Round 16. In the last Group B match, Portugal drew 1-1 against Iran at Mordovia Arena.

Led by world famous star Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese managed to come second in Group B as they struggled to have a 1-1 draw against Iran. The result gave the last 16 ticket to the Portuguese.

Portugal is right after leaders Spain in the group. After final matches both teams have five points. In the group standings Portugal were only one goal behind Spain. Iran, which ended Group B in third place, bagged four points, narrowly missing the last 16 spot.

In the last 16 phase, there are 10 European teams: Portugal, France, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and England.

Five teams are from Latin America such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Colombia, and there's only one team from Asia, Japan.

- Round 16 fixtures:

- June 30

France - Argentina at 1400GMT

Uruguay - Portugal at 1800GMT

- July 1

Spain - Russia at 1400GMT

Croatia - Denmark at 1800GMT

- July 2

Brazil - Mexico at 1400GMT

Belgium - Japan at 1800GMT

- July 3

Sweden - Switzerland at 1400GMT

Colombia - England at 1800GMT

*Last 16 winners will qualify for the quarter finals in World Cup