Soccer World Cup round-up (June 21)
Dave Savides, editor-in-chief of Zululand Observer, shares a quick round-up after every World Cup match.
Denmark 1 Australia 1
In the opening game on day eight of the FIFA World Cup, Australia made a point against Denmark – but they needed three points, and came within a whisker of getting them.
It was the great Danes who struck first, following a failed clearance in the 5th minute.
Jorgensen’s clever side flick found the irrepressible Christian Eriksen, and the Spurs striker struck a superb left-footed half volley into the back of the net.
But Australia refused to stay down under for long and grew into the game, setting up a number of clear cut chances with Mathew Leckie ‘the wizard of Oz’ at the heart of most attacks.
The Roos bounced back in the 36th minute when a VAR decision went in their favour after the hand of Poulsen prevented a goal from a corner cross.
Captain cool Mile Jedinak, who plies his trade with Crystal Palace, never looked like missing with his second penalty in this competition to boast a 15 out of 15 career successes from the spot for club and country.
There were no goals in the second period of play but it was far from boring, with thrust and counter thrust ensuring the result was always on a knife edge and the Aussies ahead on the possession and shots stats.
The status quo remained, spoils shared, which means Denmark now have four points after two games, and Australia one.
Should Peru beat France later today, the top two Group C spots will be wide open.
France vs Peru
French fans are cock a hoop after a 1-0 victory over Peru.
A solitary first half goal was enough to see France through to the knockout stages with a match in hand, while Peru have no hope and have joined the growing band of soon to be departees.
It was the skill, style and swagger of France pitted against the honest intensity of the Peruvians, who had little other than sweat and determination in their arsenal.
Big name players of the ilk of Olivier Geroud, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba constantly threatened Peru’s goalmouth, while the Le Bleus defenders ensured the French resistance gave nothing away, with keeper Hugo Lloris was a virtual spectator for much of the game.
France’s goal came in the 34th minute from brash youngster Kylian Mbappe, who merely had to tap a deflected ball into the empty net.
France seem to be gaining momentum with each match, which augers well as they prepare for the last 16 round.
They still have a tough Group C encounter against Denmark ahead and should the latter win, they would top the group standings.
However, after the Danes’ lack-lustre 1-1 display against Australia earlier today, that result looks unlikely.
Croatia vs Argentina
Croatia rocks, Argentina rolls.
That was the story as underrated Croatia stunned Argentina 3-0 in their Group D encounter on Thursday evening.
It was all very ‘messy’ for odds-on favourites Argentina, whose star performer was once again given little chance to display his undoubted talents.
Facing a well organised and highly motivated team fabulously led by Luka Modric, the unimaginative Argentinians were unable to thread any meaningful balls through to Lionel Messi so he could add his magic touch.
As it was, the magic act was of the disappearing kind as he faded out of sight as the game evolved.
Argentina’s game plan was non-existent and they increasingly became desperate, their play more error-ridden; none more so than Willy Caballero in the blue-and-white’s goals.
He totally duffed an easy clearance and gifted Ante Ribec a chance in the 53rd minute which he gleefully and skillfully accepted with a perfect overhead volley.
The Chelsea keeper quite rightly held his head in shame, and the blunder seemed to infiltrate all the men in front of him, who went from bad to worse.
They paid again for their lethargy in the 80th minute when Modric did his own version of land expropriation and gratefully took all the space offered him before thundering the ball into the net for 2-0.
Soon after, Ivan Rakitic hit the cross bar, but in time added on the Barcelona man made the most of an Argentinian defence gone AWOL to make it 3-0.
With a draw and a loss, Argentina must now rely on favours from others to stay in the hunt.
On the positive side, Nigeria must be relishing the chance to meet them in the final Group D match.
Should they beat Argentina and Iceland, they can make the last 16 cut.
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