Day 13 Review

Australia v Peru

Prediction: 1-1

Result: 2-0 Peru

Both teams surprisingly started the game the opposite to expected. Peru sat deep and defended whilst Australia were strong and forceful going forward. It was all looking well for Australia who created 2-3 really good chances before a long ball to Guerrero into a cut back lead to the Peru opening. Although replays showed Guerrero was offside, no VAR was used. Australia created even more chances in the half but suffer from a lack of quality striking options.

The 2nd half couldn't have started worse with Australia conceding just a few minutes into the half. At 2-0 all their hopes were sapped and the players were frustrated. Peru had their points they came for an sat back for the rest of the half, wasting time when they could. Australia continually attacked and pressed for goals but again were undone but not have a high quality striker up front. After all the talk of "a tough Australian team", they exit the Cup with a whimper.

France v Denmark

Prediction: 2-0 France (0-0)

Result: 0-0

France made 6 changes to their lineup resting Pogba and even Lloris. The first half was quite void of chances with only 1 shot on target from either side. Neither side wanted to press for a win and why would they, both only needed a point. Greizmann was awful and almost all his passes went to opposition or out of play. If you didn't know better, you'd think he was just trying to waste time.

The 2nd half Denmark pushed a little harder for a goal. No doubt hearing news Australia were 2 down settled their nerves as they realise a loss would no longer see them out of the Cup. France clearly didn't care about the game and Denmark only marginally tried. If Australia had of won their game you would feel a little hard done by, but alas they didn't so this clear agreement to take the draw by both sides effected no one.

Nigeria v Argentina

Prediction: 1-0 Argentina

Result: 2-1 Argentina

An end to end affair but with Argentina the only team creating a real goal scoring opportunities. Messi struck first with a brilliant Messi style goal to give the Argentinians the lead. Nigeria barely bothered the keeper at the other end and Argentina went into the break full of confidence.

Nigeria knowing they only needed a draw pushed hard. The game continued its end to end fashion from the first half but with both teams now creating opportunities. Nigeria finally got their equaliser thanks to a dubious penalty that could be construed as a dive. Argentina then pushed hard for the winner, and it took them all the way until the 90th minute to find it. With Rojo scoring just his 3rd international goal, and 2nd goal against Nigeria, to secure Argentina a place in the next round.

Iceland v Croatia

Prediction: 2-1 Croatia

Result: 2-1 Croatia

This game went exactly as planned. Iceland had to attack knowing only a win will keep them in the tournament which left them vulnerable on the counter. Croatia didn't look to fussed as to the result and were playing very nonchalantly. Iceland came close a number of times but the score was 0-0 at the break.

Croatia finally broke the deadlock after an error by an Icelandic defender basically gifting the ball to Croatia on the edge of the box which was calmly put away by Badelj. Iceland once again chased hard to keep themselves alive in the tournament and were gifted a penalty to equalise. However Croatia, although not really playing at 100% had enough skill and class to grab a late winner from a counter-attack and secure top spot.