He may have only made his debut for the national team in November last year, but France defender Benjamin Pavard has made a stunning start to his international career at the 2018 World Cup.
Pavard, who was largely unknown in France before the tournament opener, has impressed in the group stages.
But it was only until Saturday night's performance against Argentina that made the world stand up and take notice.
The 21-year-old scored arguably the goal of the tournament to level the tie and as the spinning ball hit the back of the net, commentator Mark Lawrenson must have been eating his words.
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Lawrenson slated the defender for his performance in France's opener, but he has blossomed into a reliable member of Didier Deschamps' team and his family are incredibly proud of his achievements thus far.
In an interview with French TV channel Telefoot, Pavard received a message from his parents, as the emotions of his journey got the better of him.
"We are going through something amazing thanks to you." they said, according to Get French Football News.
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In the below you can see the Stuttgart defender shed a tear as he stands next to his manager. What a scene.
It was a game full of goals, goals and more goals.
Di Maria curled in a beauty from 30 yards to equalise for Argentina just before the interval and then in the second half, with the Albicelestes 2-1 up, Stuttgart defender Pavard levelled matters for Les Bleus with the most satisfying goal of the World Cup.
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Lucas Hernandez's cross from the left made its way all across the pitch to the 22-year old right-back, who unleashed an outrageous outside of the boot half volley that rippled into the top bins.
If you haven't seen this yet, take a look at the above. You won't regret it.
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Even if you did watch it, it's definitely worth another 389 repeats.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Benjamin Pavard, World Cup, France
