AGONAsport World Cup Daily Recap, Day 8: Croatia And France Through; Argentina On The Ropes
France and Croatia picked up the victories necessary to advance to the knockout round of the World Cup after Day 8 victories. France held off a game Peru side by a 1-0 scoreline. Croatia put Argentina to the sword with a 3-0 win that leaves Lionel Messi and company staring at elimination. In the day’s other match, Denmark and Australia engaged in a full-blooded tilt that eventually ended in a 1-1 draw.
GAMES RECAP
Denmark v Australia
Denmark and Australia played out a 1-1 draw in Samara. It was a result that leaves qualification to the knockout stages open for both teams. The Danes took the lead in the 7th minute thanks to a fantastic volley inside the box from Christian Eriksen. Australia levelled a half-hour later thanks a penalty-kick called by VAR. Mile Jedinak slotted home from the spot to make it 1-1. Australia had the better of the second half, but Kasper Schmeichel made a couple of fine stops to preserve the draw.
Match Rating - 6.5: This was a true battle. It was 90 minutes of physical play without ever entering into the realms of being dirty. Both teams fashioned chances good enough to win the match, but in the end a draw was probably the fair result.
France v Peru 1-0
Kylian Mbappe’s goal ten minutes from halftime saw France defeat Peru 1-0 and book their place in the Round of 16. It was another performance from Les Bleus that was perhaps underwhelming, but they picked up the points they needed. Peru offered plenty in this match, however they lacked the precision in attack to score the goals they needed.
Match Rating - 6.5: Peru have been a bright spot at this tournament, performing well in both their matches thus far though they have nothing to show for it. In this match, the South American side contributed to a decent game, but it was not enough to avoid defeat and elimination from the knockout stages.
Argentina v Croatia 0-3
A disjointed Argentina lost the plot in the second half as they lost 3-0 to Croatia. After an even first half, Croatia took the lead through Ante Rebic shortly after halftime. Argentina pressed and probed, but never looked organized enough in attack to consistently threaten the Croatian goal. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic scored late goals to inflate the scoreline clinching a spot for Croatia in the last 16 while putting Argentina on the brink of elimination.
Match Rating - 6.5: A back-and-forth tie in the first half promised much for the neutral in the second. Croatia overran their counterparts in midfield though and broke the game wide open toward the end.
GREEK CONNECTION
Dimitris Petratos, an Australian of Greek heritage, remained on the bench for the second consecutive match for the Socceroos.
GOAL OF THE DAY
Modric’s strike against Argentina was well-hit, but today’s goal of the day goes to Christian Eriksen and his volley against Australia.
TALKING POINTS
- First penalty issued with help from VAR
- Denmark and Australia both alive after 1-1 draw
- Peru plenty of style, but no substance
- France through to the Round of 16
- Croatia also advance after big win versus Argentina
- Messi and Argentina facing early exit after loss
LOOKING AHEAD TO TOMORROW
All eyes will be on Brazil in Friday’s early match. The Selecao take on Costa Rica on Day 9 with hopes of securing their first win of Russia 2018. The Ticos will be in search of a result that would keep their Round of 16 chances alive. Also, in action in the late match of the day is another Group E encounter pitting Serbia against Switzerland. In between, the second matchday in Group D will be concluded when Iceland and Nigeria square off in Volgograd.
