World Cup Roundup: Croatia and France through, Argentina face exit
Messi fails to inspire Argentina yet again.
Croatia 3-0 Argentina
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.
https://twitter.com/WorIdCupUpdates/status/1010092653395042307
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.
Argentina’s game plan was non-existent and they increasingly became desperate, their play more error-riddled; especially 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 crossbar, but during the referee’s time added on, the Barcelona man made the most of an Argentinian defence gone AWOL to make it 3-0.
Australia 1-1 Denmark
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.
Another #AUS game at the #WorldCup, another penalty ⚽️ from the #Socceroos' captain Mile Jedinak.
We look at the influence and leadership of Australia's man on the (penalty) spot:
👉 https://t.co/6QJF6rtzEo pic.twitter.com/Nvpe7eHKuW
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 22, 2018
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.
France 1-0 Peru
A solitary first half goal by Kylian Mbappe 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.
France march on to the round of 16! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/LvPUx4u0iF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 21, 2018
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