Matchday three of the 2018 FIFA World Cup began with one of the tournament favorites, France taking on Australia after which Denmark squared up against Peru in the second match of the group.
As expected, France were off to a bright start with Kylian Mbappe forcing the Australian goalkeeper into an early save at his near post in the second minute. France continued with the same momentum but as the game progressed, the Socceroos grew into the match and forced Hugo Lloris into a reflex low save. This was followed by a couple of other chances but they failed to convert.
The second half was however characterized by 5mins of drama which resulted in two penalties and two goals for either side. In the 55th minute Griezmann was brought down in the box and France’ appeal for a penalty was waved away by the referee. But for the first time in the World Cup, VAR came to the rescue and Griezmann converted from the spot to score his first ever World Cup goal.
Few minutes later, the Socceroos were awarded a penalty of their own after Umtiti handled the ball in the box. Jedinak then stepped up to slot past Lloris in goal.
Both teams huffed and puffed but it was Paul Pogba who got the crucial goal for Le Bleus in the 81st minute after a good build up play with substitute, Olivier Giroud supplying the crucial final pass. For the second time in the game VAR came to the rescue as Pogba’s strike went in via the underneath of the crossbar before coming out as Didier Deschamps’ boys snatched all three points in a tightly contested game.
In the second game of group C, Denmark edged a rather profligate Peru who failed to convert their chances. Peru started out the brighter side and we’re soon rewarded for their efforts thanks to VAR who for the second time today, awarded a penalty that was initially overlooked by the centre referee.
Christian Cueva won the penalty, stepped up and ballooned it high into the stands. Tottenham Hotspur playmaker, Christian Eriksen who was rather silent for the most part of the game stepped up midway through the second half driving forward from deep to release Yussuf Yurary who finished for the Danes emphatically.
This win means the Danes will join France at the top of group C after the first round of fixtures
