Neville: Only Argentina Can Stop France at the World Cup

France have emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers, producing dominant displays from the group stage through to the knockout rounds. Their latest statement came on Tuesday night when Didier Deschamps' men swept aside Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.

Kylian Mbappe once again starred for Les Bleus, scoring twice to take his tournament tally to six goals. Young winger Bradley Barcola added the third as France comfortably advanced to the Round of 16.

The victory continued an impressive run of form for the French side. They opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal before beating Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1 to top their group. Their attacking firepower has overwhelmed every opponent they have faced so far.

Assessing the tournament, Neville said Argentina are the only side he believes possess the mentality and experience to challenge France.

Like the French, the defending world champions won all three of their group-stage matches and will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Saturday.

Speaking on ITV, Neville said: "At this moment, I can only see Argentina stopping France because of their mentality. They have aggression, intensity and experience."

"I think they are the only team with the togetherness needed to stand up to France. Of course, another team could emerge. England, Spain or Portugal may improve, and let's hope they do, but right now Argentina are the team I see capable of challenging France."

France's next obstacle is Paraguay in the Round of 16. The South Americans produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating Germany in a penalty shootout on Monday.

Despite Paraguay's shock victory, France will head into the last-16 clash as overwhelming favourites, given the form they have shown throughout the competition.

MMR