The 2018 FIFA World Cup is well into their second set of group stage matches as Group C took the pitch. Denmark and Australia played to a competitive draw, while Peru was eliminated by France.
Denmark v Australia
Australia came very close to knocking Denmark out during the final minutes.
First Half
The first half opened with a bang. Christian Eriksen opened up the scoring in what was a beautiful display of collective football.
Australia went on defensive mode from that point on. However, Denmark’s defense seemed to be too quick. They looked slow and clumsy at certain points while trying to defend.
Things changed for a while as the 25th minute arrived. The game turned into a back and forth battle as Australia found a way to counter attack.
Minutes later, Denmark’s handball inside the box had VAR once again, on their toes. The handball was then later confirmed by the Video Assisted Referee, it was a penalty kick for Australia.
Captain Mile Jedinak converted on the penalty kick. Australia evened out the score, 1-1 at the 38th minute
Second Half
The second half started off with a bit of a different tone. The Socceroos looked like a much more aggressive team. Not only that, but they also looked like a much more quicker team.
Denmark found their way on the pitch as the second half progressed. It was again a back and forth game, with the Australians barely coming out on top.
Aaron Mooy came really close to score. A goal seemed imminent for the AFC team
Despite being so close to score, both teams split the points, one for each as the final score was 1-1 after 90 minutes.
France v Peru
France got the W against Peru, getting them closer to the knockout stage.
First Half
Peru went into the attack very early in the first half. Andre Carrillo caused trouble for the French defenders right from the get go playing next to the touch line. Thus, forcing France to get physical in order to stop the Peruvians.
Hugo Lloris kept the score tied with a formidable save at the 30th minute mark, as Peru was putting on some pressure on the French.
Ironically, Mbappe managed to score taking advantage of a mistake by Peru’s defense when Peru seemed to be playing at their best.
With that goal Mbappe is now the youngest French scorer in a World Cup
Halftime arrived and France was up. 1-0
Second Half
Peru hit the reset button at the beginning of the second half as they were once again on the attack right away as the whistle blew.
It again looked as if Peru was about to score the equalizer.
Nonetheless, Peru had a problem, a problem that had been chasing them since their previous match against Denmark. Peru was unable to finish plays, they either over complicated things inside the box or, missed their chances altogether.
That very same problem cost them not only this match, but their shot at making it into the round of 16.
At the end of both halves the final score read 1-0. Frances is moving on.
Group C will meet for a third and final time next Tuesday as Australia will face Peru, while Denmark and France will clash to define the group’s first place.
By now, Australia still as a chance at making it into the round of 16, while Peru has to start packing their bags and look for a flight ticket back to home.