A last-minute effort helped France secure a 2-1 victory over a heroic Australia side that pushed the French for much of the game. Australia started the match with drive, but failed to exploit their opportunities. Then, in an attempt to defend, Australia’s Josh Risdon fouled Antoine Griezmann within the box, resulting in a penalty that the Atletico Madrid striker finished. The penalty call proved historic as the decision was confirmed through Video Review -- a World Cup first. France’s celebration was cut short, however, as Samuel Umtiti committed a handball near the post, forcing a penalty for the Socceroos and leveling the game at one apiece after the tally by Mile Jedinák. Despite Umtiti’s mistake, France showed why they are favorites to win the tournament as they grew in confidence as the game grew on. Their late-game determinations proved successful as Paul Pogba linked with Oliver Giroud to score and give France the victory.
-
Argentina could not overcome a defensive Iceland side as the two teams played to a 1-1 draw in a match highlighted by a penalty miss by Lionel Messi. Argentina dominated the game from the start and took the lead when Marcos Rojo drilled the ball into the area onto the feet of Sergio Agüero who buried his 38th international goal and his first at a World Cup. Iceland equalized less than five minutes later on a powerful strike by Alfreð Finnbogason for his nation’s first World Cup goal. Argentina soon regained the momentum but could not break down the resolute Icelandic defenders, and then in the 63rd minute, Hördur Björgvin Magnússon brought down Agüero to give the South Americans a chance to take the lead. Messi stepped up to take the attempt, but his shot at the lower corner was easily saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson. Though Argentina took control of the rest of the match, they could not break down Iceland who earned their first point at a World Cup by denying the tournament favorites a win.
9 AM
- Peru vs Denmark (Group C)
- Mordovia Arena, Saransk
- FS1 / Telemundo
- After being the last nation to qualify for Russia, Peru will face Denmark for the first time in the history of the tournament. Denmark will be looking to advance the group stage after their early 2010 exit, while Peru will be competing in their first World Cup since 1982.
12 PM
- Croatia vs Nigeria (Group D)
- Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
- FS1 / Telemundo
- Nigeria’s youthful side, with an average of age of 25.9, confronts the experienced Croatian team at the Kaliningrad Stadium. Saturday's encounter between Croatia and Nigeria, the lowest ranked team of Group D, will be the first in World Cup history.
LA GALAXY'S WORLD CUP HUB
The author
No comments: