Hugo Lloris conceded France will have to go beyond their best if they are to overcome Argentina and reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Argentina required a late winner from Marcos Rojo to sneak out of their group in second place behind Croatia, setting the stage for a clash with Les Bleus in Kazan on Saturday that promises to be one of the best ties of the round of 16.

France’s progress to that stage has been more serene but their two wins and a draw did not bring the flowing football Didier Deschamps side are capable of.

Spurs and France captain Lloris said: ”This is going to be a big match, and a difficult one, we are going to have to step up our level.

"We should go beyond our limits, have to be full of energy, bet on our collective solidity and use it all.

"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.

"We hope to answer the call to continue with our (World Cup) adventure.”

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Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi was crucial in securing Argentina’s unlikely passage out of Group D, scoring a brilliant opener in a 2-1 win over Nigeria, and will inevitable be crucial to La Albiceleste’s hopes of progressing in the tournament.

However France are scarcely lacking in star power, though the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Paul Pogba are yet to fire. Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe became the youngest Frenchman to score at a World Cup and Lloris is hoping the 19-year-old can make the difference.

“Kylian has huge qualities and huge potential,” Lloris said. “He is fast, explosive and needs space, he will have that tomorrow, more than in the first three matches.

“He has the ability to make a difference in the great moments, I hope he does tomorrow."