Group C and D Wrap Up

AUSTRALIA v PERU             DENMARK v FRANCE

Much like Group B this is very simple. Denmark and France are in the same position as Portugal/Spain were and Australia is in Iran's position. Peru in Morcco's.

France need only a draw to secure top spot in the group and have no real reason to go for a win other than maintaining good form and momentum.

Denmark too, only need a draw to qualify 2nd in the group but with a win can top the group.

 Australia need to win and need Denmark to lose for Australia to progress. If both results are 1-0, Australia will go through on goals scored, if the result is 1-0 and 2-1 the deciding factor becomes Fair Play rules with the team with less cards going through, if that is even, the winner is simply drawn out of a hat. However if Australia win by more than one or Denmark lose by more than one Australia go through on GD.

Peru are already eliminated but being South American and very passionate they will not let Australia just have a free win. 

Australia have proven resilient and much stronger team then many people including myself gave them credit for. However they have started both their games very slow and conceded many early chances one of which was converted by Denmark last game. Peru love to come out of the blocks fast which just prove to be the Australians downfall. With the only 2 goals they have scored being Penalties it is hard to see where Australia will find the goals from. 1-1.

France and Denmark go into the game knowing a 0-0 benefits them both. It gives France top spot whilst guaranteeing Denmark a place in the next round. The may be some pre-game handshakes here. France may even decide to rest some players or give their bench players some game time. If the game was played out as it was meant to be, with France finding some attacking form against Peru, you would say they have ability to win this game cleanly. With only Eriksen to worry about from Denmark, the star studded midfield should easily boss the game. 2-0 France if they play properly, but I honestly expect a tame 0-0.

NIGERIA v ARGENTINA        ICELAND v CROATIA

The first group where all 4 teams are still in with a shout at going through. This should be interesting.

Croatia are through no matter the result today. A draw or win would guarantee top spot. They can still claim top even if they lose as long as Nigeria fail to win by enough goals to make up the GD.

Nigeria can guarantee progression with a win. A draw may also see them through however if Iceland beat Croatia the two will be on equal points. If Nigeria lose they will be jumped by Argentina.

Iceland need a win to need Nigeria to not win. This will put Iceland either equal points with Nigeria (if they draw) or Argentina (if they win). They will then be separated by GD/GS/FP/Lots.

Argentina need to win. If Iceland fail to win then Argentina go through. If Iceland also win then the 2 will be separated by GD/GS/FP/Lots.

Nigeria were awful in their first game but came to life last time against Iceland. With Croatia proving their worth against Argentina, perhaps Nigeria just looked bad against such a good team. It is do or die for the Argentinians who were put to the sword by Croatia. Messi who has already retied from international football once because of the "unfair criticism", may just do so again if his team fail to get out of the group. I think they will do enough though, despite Nigeria only need a draw, I have hope that Argentina find a way. 1-0 Argentina.

Croatia are through no matter the result and can play this game however they like. They could either rest stars for the next game or play hard to try and maintain momentum. Iceland are plucky little fighters who love the counter attack and defending to to walls of 5. It showed against Nigeria that they can';t really hold their shape when they have a lot of possession and have to chase the game but against Croatia it won't be like that. However with Iceland needing a win, if they commit to many forward it will spell disaster for them. 2-1 Croatia.