The cream of world football is expected to rise to the top as the knockout stages get underway on Saturday.

Tore Andre Flo has told ‘The 32’ that Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will steal the show on the first day of the last 16 – and that’s bad news for France and Uruguay.

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Chelsea legend Flo, a guest on Yahoo Sport’s fantastic daily World Cup show, expects Argentina and Portugal to triumph as the action heats up.

He believes Messi and co will be too strong for a French side who have yet to find their form in the 3pm kick-off.

Flo also thinks Ronaldo has the mental strength to help push Portugal into the quarter-finals at the expense of Uruguay’s golden boys Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

“I fell in love with Argentina when I was younger and have kept track of their progress ever since,” he said. “They are good in these situations. It’s difficult because France have the players but I have to say them.

“Messi loves these moments so I think Argentina will get through.”

Despite winning all three of their group stage games, it’s Oscar Tabarez’s team who will be packing their bags for home tonight.

“Ronaldo is in such good form and he is going to be too hard to stop again I think,” added Flo.

“Both teams have good players of course but I expect Portugal to progress. Ronaldo, like Messi, is made for the big games.

“I think we might lose France and Uruguay but both games will be good to watch.”