Group C opening week analysis
Photo credit: Kremlin.ru (Creative Commons license)
Saturday’s World Cup action illustrated that Group C will be an enjoyable bracket to watch. The combination of the four styles left a feeling of satisfaction, and there will not be a comfortable rival as public opinion expected.
France vs. Australia
There were plenty of expectations about the game chemistry of the French team. As it was said before, France is exceptionally complex in every line of the pitch; however, Australia challenged Les Bleus by using their best game plan: closing the space in the last 30 yards of the field.
France controlled the game from beginning to the end and dominated the possession, but Paul Pogba was disconnected from the offensive line.
He didn’t display the spark that he was supposed to bring. France manager Didier Deschamps gave Pogba and Tolisso the ability to interact more into the attack, but the efficiency of their effort was broken by the Aussie centerline commanded by Jedinak and Aaron Mooy.
France didn’t have an exceptional offensive equilibrium; part of it was because Antoine Griezmann acted as a fake striker, leaving him without options of association when he carried the ball into the last zone of the pitch. There was no referent to help him penetrate the middle. And the lack of incorporations of right back Benjamin Pavard affected the ability to use the whole width of the pitch and create more offensive game situations.
Even still, France insisted and achieved the victory, but not by displaying aesthetic football. Les Blues won because of their individual quality and the style of Australia.
Peru vs. Denmark
This was, for sure, one of the most exciting first games of the World Cup. The match had suspense, dynamism, talent and tempo equilibrium. This one was fantastic the moment the national anthems were playing.
Peru knew how to isolate Eriksen, but Denmark’s offensive speed and effectiveness made the difference.
Peru demonstrated that it is a team that knows how to treat the ball and take initiative. They created chances with Cueva, Farfan, Carrillo and Advincula. But when it was time to face Kasper Schmeichel, Peru failed and paid the price.
Denmark never lost patience and adapted to the game situation. They were more frontal, and in one fast transition, took advantage. Poulsen, with a run at the back of the defenders, scored the only goal of the game.
Peru paid for their lack of efficiency, but their appearance after 36 years was worth the watch. Denmark showed that they could be dangerous without having ball control, and even if they don’t have the best center forward, they have an exquisite goalkeeper.
Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.
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