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.

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.

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.

Group C "deciders"

 Vs 

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.

Australia 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.

 Vs 

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.

France 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.

 Vs 

Argentina 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.

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.

Day 3 Review

France v Australia

Prediction: 4-0 France

Result: 2-1 France

France almost scored within the first minute then it was downhill from there. Pogba was invisible for the majority of the game and Greizmann was wasteful. France seemed to play at a slow pace and one that will not trouble the bigger teams. They also defended very poorly and unless they increase their intensity 10-fold, they won't be making it too deep into the tournament.

Australia were defensively strong but not completely solid. They gave up big chances but scrambled well and clearly had the plan to stack the centre of the field and let France have the wings. Moments of brilliance from Kante setup the first goal (penalty), Pogba got lucky with a deflected shot for the winner.

Mile Jedinak extends his record to 15/15 penalties converted.

A point from Australia would have made them favourites to get out of the group. However with a France win, regardless of scoreline, the results and points are going as expected.

VAR proved that its not 100%, although it was 99% a penalty against Australia, one camera angle showed that Risdon touched the ball before the foul was committed which should cast doubt over the decision.

Argentina v Iceland

Prediction: 4-1 Argentina

Result: 1-1

Argentina were woeful; much like Uruguay it seemed they turned up expecting Iceland to roll over and not need to try. Very little movement from their forward players and only glimpses of brilliance from Messi. That being said, Iceland defended stoutly and were extremely dangerous on the break; mainly because Argentina's defence was shockingly awful.

It was clear Messi wanted to put his mark on the game, taking the penalty and free-kick, just like Ronaldo, but unlike him, Messi missed them both. This performance is very reminiscent of Argentina from 2014 where they performed poorly in groups but ended up with 9 points and making it all the way to the final.

With this result, surely Iceland have to become favourites to go through in 2nd place. Impressing on both attack and defence, Iceland are definitely making their first world cup ever one to remember.

Peru v Denmark

Prediction: 0-0

Result: 1-0 Denmark

Peru started the game like a team possessed, attacking with a fervor that would have you think this game would be filled with goals. Denmark defended strong but were almost lost going forward. Peru man-marked Eriksen which left Denmark leaderless and without a plan B if Eriksen wasn't bossing the game.

Peruvian Manager reaction to Cueva's penalty miss

A late missed penalty in the first half seemed to have drained Peru as they started the second half awfully. The first 15 minutes they were poor going forward and very loose at the back which gave Eriksen time and space which eventually led to a Danish goal. Peru became a different beast when Guerrerro came off the bench however Farfan missed several clear cut chances to equalise and let the game slip away.

With this win, Denmark only need to beat Australia in the next match to all but guarantee progression. Peru will now have to hope for a result against France to have any chance.

Croatia v Nigeria

Prediction: 2-2

Result: 2-0 Croatia

Both teams were fairly evenly matched in a back and forth contest that never created any real chances in the first half. Both sides passed the ball around their backlines to keep possession which is how most the 1st half was played. However when they did get forward Croatia were by far the more creative.

Nigeria unlucky to score an own-goal in the first half which should have forced them to play more open in the 2nd; but if thats how Nigeria play chasing a game, they are really lacking any attacking flair. A Game decided by an own goal and a penalty, I can't see either of these teams breaking down Iceland let alone holding Argentina.

Croatia take the drivers seat in the group with 3 points, however with Argentina up next they could certainly lose their momentum if they were to lose and Nigeria unlock Iceland. Unlikely though if Nigeria play like they did today.

Game 6: Argentine Republic v Iceland

The first country in this world cup whose name is actually their official name. Iceland.

Argentina (The Abiceleste). Messi FC. Very much like many other nations, Argentina is coming to an end of its glorious generation of players. Messi, Di Maria, Higuain, Aguero, Otamendi, Mascherano are all now in their 30's. In fact only 3 players in the team are under the age of 25.

Argentina struggled a little in qualifying, in fact in went down to the last day of qualification for them needing a win to secure it. After going 1-0 down in the very first minute of the game, up steps Messi who bags and hattrick and sends Argentina to Russia.

It is hard to gauge teams like Brazil and Argentina as they are so dominant in their regions. Argentina were Runners-up int he Copa America two tournaments in a row, losing to Chile in the final both times. We also all remember, Argentina were Runners-up last World Cup losing to a formidable German team in extra time.

For a team of such great talented players, since Messi has joined the team, the only thing they've won is a gold medal at the Olympics in 2008. They have also looked a little weak recently with losses in friendlies to Nigeria (4-2) and Spain (6-1). Their most recent friendly against Israel was also cancelled due to political reasons so its not the best run in for Argentina.

Iceland (Our Boys) have qualified for the first time and by doing so, become the smallest nation (population wise: 334,000 people) to ever qualify. With such a small population it is just genuinely amazing they can compete on the world stage. They were the surprise team in Europe as they not only qualified, but did so automatically topping their group above Croatia; the very team that beat them in a play-off for a berth in the 2014 world cup.

This is in fact only Iceland's 2nd ever major tournament, the other being EUROS 2016 where they managed a 1-1 with Portugal and came 2nd in their group. They also had the pleasure of knocking out England in the round of 16 before losing to eventual Runners-Up France in the quarters. So there is some recent form and pedigree for them.

Naturally I do no know much about Iceland so this will be a nice learning experience for everyone. Their team consists mainly of players who play in the Nordic leagues such as Sweden and Denmark with a hand full of others who play in England.

They are a strong team who have managed good results against some of the best teams in the world. However a string of poor results in friendlies may have some people worried.

I think the Argentinian team is simply too strong for these Nordic heroes. Although they can keep things tight, France showed that when push comes to shove, they can be broken open. Argentina 4-1 winners.