Assi di Coppe: Mertens Deludes Napoli, Griezmann Saves Barca

In their first visit to the temple that once belonged to Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi and Barcelona were put to the ropes by a convincing Napoli side in a Champions League Round of 16 first leg. The Partenopei, however, failed to knock Quique Setien’s squad out after Dries Mertens’ opener and saw their lead canceled by Antoine Griezmann’s equalizer.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Vive La France! The World Cup Is Bleu!

The World Cup Winners remains an elite club with very strict admission rules. France covered themselves with glory for the second time, while brusquely rejecting Croatia’s application to join the club. The Final in Moscow ended 4-2 for Didier Deschamps’ side, but we need to thank both teams for giving life to one of the most entertaining finals in decades.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Umtiti Brings France Back to WC Final

A flash in the night of Saint Petersburg, Samuel Umtiti’s header brought France back to a World Cup Final, 12 years after the bitter outcome of Berlin 2006. Didier Deschamps’ side prevailed in their Semi Final over Belgium with a lone goal by their Barcelona-based center back. Just like 4 years ago in Brazil, the Red Devils faded away in the decisive moment.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Maimed Uruguay Bend Knee to France

Et voila! Without Edinson Cavani’s genius – kept at bay by an injury – Uruguay evidenced their limits, and bent their knee to France. Les Bleus won 2-0 their Quarter Final match in Nizhny Novgorod with goals by Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann, showing cynicism and team solidarity. France's next opponents in the Semi Finals will be Belgium.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Pogba Saves Bleus in Aussies Battle

It took a little help from technology for France to overcome a gritty Australia, and gain their first three points in their World Cup run. The French benefited of the first penalty ever assigned via VAR in a world competition, but coach Didier Deschamps and his boys left Kazan with more doubts than certainties, despite goals scored by Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba.