Argentina are almost knocked out, Australia came from a goal down to draw against Denmark while France booked a round of 16 place with Peru bowing out on day 8 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
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Croatia crush Messi’s Argentina
Croatia scored three unanswered goals in the second half to beat Argentina 3-0, booking the place in the knockouts at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Both teams matched each other in the opening exchanges of but not many chances were created despite some neat build up play. Enzo Perez had a golden opportunity to put Argentina in front after a mistake at the back but he dragged his shot wide.
Mario Mandzukic did well to get to the ball off a swirling cross but couldn’t direct it on target. But the chance of the first half came in the last minute when a delightful Luka Modric cross found Ante Rebic but he fumbled and then rocketed the ball way into the orbit.
Half Time – Argentina 0 – 0 Croatia
With deadlocks yet to be broken, both teams started to loosen things up with some free-flowing football.
Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute, thanks to the blunder made by Willy Caballero. The initially second choice goal keeper failed to clear a back pass and Ante Rebic acrobatically deposited the ball to an empty net from outside the box.
The shell-shocked Argentina tried to overcome the deficit by bringing in new players but Croatia kept the pressure on. Luka Modric who had an excellent game scored a peach of a goal from outside the box to give his side an unassailable lead in the 80th minute.
Ivan Rakitic came close to adding the third but his brilliant free kick effort could only trouble the cross bar. But he was able to add his name to the scoresheet in the 85th from close off an easy tap in leaving the Argentine defence all at sea.
Full Time – Argentina 0 – 3 Croatia
Man of the Match – Luka Modric (Croatia)
Goal Scorers
Croatia – Ante Rebic 53′, Luka Modric 80′, Ivan Rakitic 90+1′Bookings
Yellow Cards
Argentina – Mercado 51′, Otamendi 85′, Acuna 87′
Croatia – Rebic 39′, Mandzukic 58′, Vrsaljko 67′, Corluka 90+4′
France holds off hard working Peru
Hugo Lloris on his 100th cap for France, lead Les Bleus to a hard-fought win against Peru in a Group C encounter at the Ektarinburg Arena, Ektarinburg.
Peru started off brightly with some smart football in the first 10 minutes of the game. France grew into the game slowly and Raphael Varane had the early sight on goal with a good header going just wide.
On the half hour mark Paolo Guerrero had the best chance to put Peru ahead, only managed to strike directly at Hugo Lloris.
France’s persistent attack paid off when Kylian Mbappe slotted home to an empty net after a diverted shot from Olivier Giroud. France continued with their beautiful attacking football however were unable to add to the goal tally.
Half Time – France 1 – 0 Peru
In the second half Peru started off brightly once again with fast attacks through the wings. Pedro Aquino almost gave Peru the goal they needed when he hit the frame of the goal with a 30-meter bullet with Lloris beaten.
As it was in the first half it was France who were raising all the questions at the Peruvian defense. After the hour mark Peru were pushing bodies forward in search of the elusive equalizer with several shots at the French goal which were away from the target.
Peru put in their grit and might till the final whistle with the last chance came their way with a free kick. A tame effort from Captain Guerrero sealed the fate for Peru.
Full Time – France 1 – 0 Peru
Man of the Match – Kylian Mbappe (France)
Goal Scorers
France – Kylian Mbappe 34’Bookings
Yellow Cards
France – Blaise Matuidi 16’, Paul Pogba 86’
Peru – Paolo Guerrero 23’, Pedro Aquino 81’
Denmark & Australia share a point
Another penalty from Mile Jedinak drew the game 1-1 with Denmark in Samara Arena, Samara with hopes still alive for both teams in Group C.
The game began with Denmark getting the first set piece which Christian Eriksen whipped it away dangerously. In the 7th minute, Eriksen scored the first goal volleying the ball into the roof of the net.
Denmark held possession controlling the game with clever moves in the penalty area with Australia forcing some corners and failing due to the lack of players in the box. Later, Australia was awarded a penalty after a VAR intervention for a Yurary Poulsen handball. Jedinak slotted it in comfortably.
In the last few minutes of the first half, Eriksen’s low free kick evaded the goal until Trent Sainsbury touched the ball with his foot which could have ended up as an own goal.
Half Time – Denmark 1 – 1 Australia
Australia started off the second half on the front foot and Mathew Lecki overran the ball in an attempt to reclaim the lead. The Aussies seemed to get into the dangerous positions with Robbie Kruse and Lecki to the fore which was not well received in the box.
The Australian defense worked perfectly fine, however, on the other end many close encounters at the goal went away until Araon Mooy kicked a long-distance effort just above the bar.
Man of the Match – Christian Eriksen
Goal Scorers
Denmark – Christian Eriksen 7’
Australia – Mile Jedinak 32’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Denmark – Yussuf Yurary Poulsen 37’, Pione Sisto 84’
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