Day 8 Review

Australia v Denmark

Prediction: 0-0

Result: 1-1

Australia once again started the game poorly and were under the pump for the first 10 minutes. Eriksen capitalised as he did in the small 10-minute window against Peru to give Denmark the lead. Australia then had to chase the game which Denmark showed against Peru, they hate playing against an enthusiastic and hungry midfield. A questionable VAR penalty and Jedinak scores his 16th straight penalty to give Australia the equaliser.


Denmark were against strong for the opening 5 minutes of the 2nd half but Australia showed more hunger and determination. Arzani coming on transformed the game as Denmark couldn't handle 2 nimble wingers. But as I said prematch, Australia have no goal scorer and now with Nabout out injured and Van Marwijk's refusal to use Cahill, they have even fewer goal scorers at their disposal.


With 4 points Denmark go into the final game knowing another draw will see them through. Australia have no choice but to attack Peru in the next game but again, lacking goals with their last 4 competitive international goals being Jedinak penalties, I don't like their odds.

France v Peru

Prediction: 2-0 Peru

Result: 1-0 France

M'bappe becomes the youngest ever French goal scorer at a major tournament. The first half was end to end with both teams having good chances. Peru tore France apart and should have scored through Guerrerro who shot the ball at Lloris. Less than 10 minutes later Mbappe jumps onto a deflected shot and taps in the go ahead goal.

France were much better defensively this game and with Giroud up front had a better structure to their attacks. Peru once again toiled and worked hard and attacked a lot but with no real penetration in the 2nd half. The closest they came was a shot that hit the bar.


Peru are now out and with nothing to play for other than pride, it will be interesting to see how they fair against Australia. France now through to the round of 16, only need a draw in their final game to wrap up top spot.

Argentina v Croatia

Prediction: 2-1 Croatia

Result: 3-0 Crotaia

Argentina struggled in qualifying, people said its ok they will turn it around at the tournament. They struggled against Iceland, people said its ok they are a very defensive team hard to break down. Now they get utterly picked apart by Croatia. 0-0 at half-time in what was an end-to-end game it was a fairly even affair.

An early second half blunder by the keeper miskicking he ball and setting up a wonderful volley for Rebic. Argentina then had to attack the game pulling the CDMs and WBs up the field which left more space in behind for through balls. They were woeful defensively and once they went a goal down, never looked like getting back in the game. Messi went missing when his team needed him the most, once again casting doubt over whether he can truly be considered the "greatest of all time".

With the 3 points, Croatia are through to the knockout stage while Argentina sit on 1 point after 2 games and have a game against Nigeria on the final day. If Iceland pick up all 3 points against the Africans tomorrow you have to say, Argentina look like they will be going home no matter what they manage against Nigeria.