Wednesday, 20 June 2018

Group C "deciders"


Image result for denmark Vs Image result for australia

Denmark go into this game after a solid win over Peru which came at a cost with their defensive midfielder Kvist breaking 2 ribs from a challenge. They were solid enough in defence to hold out a very quick and possessed Peru. Denmark however were not all good. Peru managed to man-mark Erikesen which caused them to be poor going forward. That being said it only took Peru being lazy fro 10 minutes in the 2nd half for Eriksen to get time and space to set up their goal.

Kvist hoping to recover in time for more action in Russia

Image result for cahillAustralia were solid defensively much like Denmark, but lacked any kind of forward outlet with their only goal coming from a penalty. You can argue it was more France being poor than Australia being good in the first game which saw Australia lose 2-1 with some bad luck. Australia are arguably much better defensively than Peru but much much worse on attack. With their only real goal threat Tim Cahill being 38 and a bench warmer these days it hard to see where the goals will come from.

I would like to say that Australia can snatch this but I feel it will be quite a possession heavy game with not many note worthy shots on goal. This is almost a must-win for Australia who don't want to go into the final day with only 1 point. Denmark can probably afford to take the draw as long as Peru fail against France. 0-0.


Image result for Peru Vs Image result for france
Embed from Getty Images
Peru were dynamic and amazing to watch last game and were unlucky to go in at halftime 0-0 after a pretty poor missed penalty. Like many South American teams they play with a lot of passion and pride epitomised by some of them shedding tears during their national anthem. Their success will hinge on Guerrerro and if he is fit enough to start. If he starts the game, I think Peru will be able to punish what is a poor and untested French defence.


Image result for PogbaFrance were nothing less than awful in their last game against Australia. Bailed out by VAR they need a much improved performance if they wish to go further in this competition. The scare against Australia led to the French strangely having another warmup game between games which they barely managed to win against a club team. Signs are there that this French team much like in 2010 are ready to capitulate. Pogba and Gerizmann need to do more to drag this team into the light.

France have more then enough talent to win against anyone in the world but do they have the heart? Peru showed they don't care about possession, they just want to attack. If Peru manage to get the lead, I can see them running away with it. If they concede, I can see emotion getting the best of them and the game running away from them so the first goal will be crucial. I want this group to be exciting so I will say, 2-0 Peru.


Image result for argentina flag Vs Image result for croatia flag
Image result for MessiArgentina last game were poor against Iceland and even with a Penalty and 11 shots at goal, Messi could not break his World Cup drought. All eyes are on him to perform event though his team is full of star players. Aguero was poor but no one talks about him. Di Maria was average but no one talks about him. Croatia will be out to get all 3 points in what could potentially be a must win if Iceland go on to prove they are a team to be feared with a win against Nigeria.


Croatia had probably the most textbook game at this world cup. A very poor Nigeria who could barely string passes together against a very structured and controlled Croatia. Modric was good in the midfield creating chances. They may have been lucky with the own goal, but they were dominating  and should have scored more. This will be the first true test for their defence but if they control the ball like they did last game they will be in for all 3 points.
Image result for Modric
Modric v Messi is the key to this game; both will need to be on point for their teams. I was impressed by Croatia in their last game and the fact that the Argentine defence were broken by Iceland tells me Croatia are in with more than a shout.
2-1 Croatia.

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