Denmark vs Australia and the Aussies were the first team in the tournament so far to start the second game unchanged from their first. It didn’t help them early on though as after just seven minutes Christian Eriksen had put the Danes one nil up after some superb build-up play. Seven minutes before half-time and Australia were level when VAR intervened to award them a penalty after a hand ball.
Once the penalty was given it became mind games between two Premier League stars as Jedinak came up against Kasper Schmeichel, who’d not conceded goal for Denmark in over nine hours. Jedinak didn’t allow Schmeichel’s chat to put him off though and he scored his second penalty of the tournament. Both teams had chances in the second-half but the Aussies probably had the better of them and will be disappointed they couldn’t pinch all the points.
Denmark 1–1 Australia
Eriksen Goal 7′
Jedinak Goal 38′ (pen.)
Next fixtures for Denmark & Australia:
Tuesday June 26th: Denmark v France (Group C) – Moscow (Luzhniki), 3pm
Tuesday June 26th: Australia v Peru (Group C) – Sochi, 3pm
France vs Peru and the French knew before kick that if they won, they’d qualify for the next round after Denmark had drawn against Australia earlier in the afternoon. Both sides made changes from their opening group games, most notably Olivier Giroud started up front instead of Dembele, which is what the French fans wanted. France started the better and numerous chances came their way including an excellent chance for Mbappé, but he failed to convert from a few yards out.
Mbappé then did score after some great work by Pogba, who found Giroud, his shot was blocked but fortunately it loop into the air and over the Peru keeper for Mbappe to tap in from a yard. The french continued to create chances in a free-flowing game that was very competitive and very open. There was even a VAR intervention after the referee booked the wrong player. France held on though and a good Peru team are going home early.
France 1–0 Peru
Mbappé Goal 34′
Next fixtures for France & Peru:
Tuesday June 26th: Denmark v France (Group C) – Moscow (Luzhniki), 3pm
Tuesday June 26th: Australia v Peru (Group C) – Sochi, 3pm
Argentina vs Croatia turned out to be one of the games of the tournament and certainly one of the biggest upsets so far as Croatia thumped Messi’s Argentina by three goals to nil. Before kick off, Croatia started top of the group and that is where they finished the night after a niggly game of football. The last time Argentina failed to win either of their opening two games was way back in 1974, surely they cannot lose to Nigeria next Tuesday? If they do, heads will roll for sure, especially when you consider the attacking talent they have on display.
Unfortunately though, defensively they’re not very good and it was a Willy Caballero goalkeeping error that gifted Croatia their first goal. Saying that, Rebic’s volleyed finish was outstanding. Messi had chances to get Argentina level but wasn’t his usual clinical self. Croatia kept attacking and just as you thought Modric had nowhere to go, he twisted, turned and then put a super shot in from thirty yards. Rakitic then hit the bar from a free-kick, but he got another chance in injury-time and scored.
Argentina 0–3 Croatia
Rebić Goal 53′
Modrić Goal 80′
Rakitić Goal 90+1′
Next fixtures for Argentina & Croatia:
Tuesday June 26th: Nigeria v Argentina (Group D) – St Petersburg, 7pm
Tuesday June 26th: Iceland v Croatia (Group D) – Rostov-on-Don, 7pm
