France collect 3 points in an underwhelming effort. Kudos to the Aussies
As expected France collected the 3 points albeit in an underwhelming team effort. The close to a one Billion dollars aggregate worth of the French squad was not yielding the sort of return expected of the elegant and talented French. Kudos to the Aussies for putting up a gritty defense, excellent goaltending by Ryan and a spirited all around physical direct (“British”) style play. Australia held France to a scoreless tie in the first half and maintained 50% (!) possession in the match, against an on-paper dominating team.
History was made when the VAR overrode the Uruguayan referee and awarded the French a penalty kick (justifiably) which Griezman converted emphatically. Pogba who scored the winning goal by looping it from under the cross bar to inches across the goal line (as proven by the Goal technology) was too lethargic throughout the game. His clever looping balls behind the Aussie defense and his intricate footwork were not enough to assert dominate leadership as expected. Talent and skills alone as has been proven cannot win games on their own and the French demonstrated that vulnerability today. The Aussies spirited team effort and grit came close to earn them at least a point. The French need to leave the Foiegras in the dressing room and bring the stake onto the field. The Aussies deserved at least a tie for their gallant and courageous display but that’s not how football is scored.
Ronaldo 3 Messi 0 in a dominant Argentinian 1:1 tie with over achieving brave and dangerous Iceland
The big winner of this game was Cristiano Ronaldo who scored a penalty and a fantastic free kick against Portugal while Leo Messi missed both from the same position. This was not the Barcelona Messi who was 0 from 10 shots on goal but did not create the magic that characterizes his brilliance. Happens to the best of them. Ronaldo for now has the bragging rights. The statistics show Argentina’s total domination in ball possession, passes and pass completion, shots on goal, corners etc. But they were not dangerous, too many passes and attempting to walk the ball into the net through the middle. This may have been a deliberate Sampaoli’s strategy to not play wide and cross into the box owing to the height advantage of the Icelandic Vikings. Aguero who started brilliantly with a fabulous goal was not heard from since and Di Maria was not as fast and daring as you would expect.
For a few minutes at the start of the second half Iceland threatened to win the game with a furious attack but quickly rendered possession and soaked the Argentinian pressure to the final whistle. The Iceland goal exposed an Argentinian weakness at the back with all the experience and reputation of Macherano, Otamendi et al.
Footie-Fanatic picked Messi to hoist the World Cup and while this was not a stellar performance we are confident that they will hit their stride. Total admiration for Iceland they made their countrymen (and women) proud and now stand a chance to move on to the Round of 16 as we predicted.
It’s not how well you play it’s how well you score. Denmark 1 Peru 0
There is no justice in football. In the same way that yesterday Iran did not deserve to beat Morocco, Peru, by far the better team on the day and on paper, did not deserve to lose. In football like in life a win must be earned not deserved. From the start even though Denmark had more of the ball, Peru were more dangerous. As the game progressed Peru asserted itself, had more and some splendid opportunities but failed to capitalize. Once again VAR overrode the referee decision and awarded Peru a penalty kick. Cueva with a chance to put Peru ahead skied the shot to his and Peru’s dismay. There is a simple rule for taking a penalty kick: pick a corner (up or down), concentrate and shoot with conviction. All the stuttering and trying to outguess the goalie is for the dogs. Cueva and many (mainly South American) players who attempt this gimmick are wrong. Both team were feisty with many fouls and hard tackling. Denmark’s only goal was well deserved but Peru could have scored 3. Peru may well advance but will have to be more efficient in front of net and try shooting from outside the box when open. Denmark had the advantage from set pieces but their ace, Totenham Hotspurs’ Erickson under performed on the day.
Watch out for Croatia 2 – They Came to Play. Nigeria 0 No Slouch Either
This was the best high intensity match of the day. Keep watching Croatia a solid technical, disciplined team headed by the mid-field tandem of (Real Madrid) Modric for my money the man of the match if not the day, (Barcelona) Rakitic with (Juventus) forward Mandukic upfront. Nigeria was at time more energetic with (Chelsea) Victor Moses and (ex-Chelsea) Mikel. No need for VAR review for the penalty on Mandukic he was pulled down while in the air to head the cross. Modric penalty text book example of what we said earlier about the missed penalty by Peru: pick a corner, concentrate and shoot with conviction. Nigeria was a tough opponent and had but few chances. Cannot wait for the Argentina Croatia match – don’t miss it.
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