Update on Group C

Photo credit: F. Decomite (Creative Commons license)

We’ve seen a little bit of everything so far in the 2018 World Cup. Here’s an update on Group C after the second wave of matches:

France vs. Peru

Fútbol is capricious; many times the means to achieve the victory don’t matter, but it is great to see a team show the desire to succeed. After the first game, Peru was wounded, and the chance to defeat France felt almost impossible. However, they fell with dignity against a tittle contender.

France presented two changes from the original lineup: Giroud took the place of Dembelé, and Matuidi started instead of Tolisso. Deschamps changed the 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2, with Griezmann playing behind Giroud and Matuidi acting as a left midfielder.

In the first half, France showed the potential of the team that is fighting as a contender for the title. Les Bleus managed the ball and tempo of the game; it was definitely the best 45 minutes of France during the first round. That domination was rewarded on the scoreboard with a 1-0 result.

Peru didn’t stop and withdraw; they played with the desire to push back. Peru went after the ball and sent France back into its own side of their field. Peru attacked like the match decided the future of la Albirroja.

But the key man was disconnected from the match. Paolo Guerrero struggled; he was inaccurate. Even still, Peru tried and missed in the zone where benevolence is not allowed — in front of the goal.

Denmark vs. Australia

The Danish team has an artist in Christian Eriksen. He sees space and movements that an ordinary footballer can’t see. But Denmark works better in the defense than in the offense.

Today’s draw was a combination of two factors: Eriksen, and a mistake made by teammate Yussuf Poulsen, who committed a second penalty in two games.

But don’t misunderstand the comments. Australia took more risks because Denmark didn’t show enough game authority. After the penalty, the Aussies took control of the possession; they looked for the goal defended by Kasper Schmeichel, who played another magnificent match, and almost succeeded to turn the scoreboard in its favor.

Both teams shot four times on target and had chances to expand the lead. Australia’s order almost nullified their opponent’s offense, but a man like Eriksen doesn’t need much space to send the ball back in the net.

Eriksen demonstrated to be a luxury on a team that defends well but doesn’t exploit the rest of the talent. Australia showed that being a careful team could send them into the second round.

Denmark will face France in the last game of the Group Phase. If they draw, both teams will automatically be in the second round. Australia will face Peru, and the Aussies need three points and a victory by France over Denmark to advance into the second round.

Denmark will need to be proficient in defense, keeping the same order they’ve been showing and taking advantage of the space that France might leave open in the back. Australia will need to be careful, but not careful enough to forget about the most crucial task, victory.

Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.

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