Compelling Group C storylines
Photo credit: Rene C. Nielsen
Group C play wrapped up Tuesday with France and Denmark advancing to the Round of 16. What were some of the most compelling Group C storylines during the Group Phase?
A Goal Makes a Difference
On the afternoon of June 22, 1982, Guillermo La Rosa scored the only goal for Peru in a match that ended 5-1 against a Poland team that featured Zbigniew Boniek.
Peru was eliminated in the first round of the 1982 Spain World Cup in the hands of Poland. But the sensation of La Rosa’s goal was forgotten for more than three decades.
World Cup after World Cup, Peru didn’t remember how to spell the word “goal” with their lips; they forgot how much oxygen their lungs needed to scream it again. Thirty-six years later, they suddenly recovered that memory.
Andre Carrillo and captain Paolo Guerrero gave Peru the dignity they deserved. Peru wanted and played the three matches always in search of the three points via the offensive and risky football fructified in the last game of “La Albirroja.”
The Real Tasks
France and Denmark advanced to the second round of the 2018 World Cup. After a 0-0 draw, both teams qualified to the Round of 16 undefeated.
France progressed in first place with seven points out of nine possible (two victories, one draw), and Denmark in second with five points (one win, two draws).
Now, math will not be necessary; the second round means proficiency. One mistake and you are out; ineffectiveness is a high price to pay.
Denmark demonstrates to have an excellent defensive mechanism, but benevolence in the attack. They’ve scored just two goals, which is the lowest offensive average of the qualified teams.
They will face Croatia, the black horse of Group D, which advanced with three victories behind a lot of offensive participation. Denmark’s game reclines in Eriksen’s potential, but a midfield with Modric and Rakitic could isolate him from the game, leaving the Danish without ball possession.
Denmark seems comfortable defending their goal; they’ve shown an unbreakable order and an efficient effort by holding the result. However, Sisto, and Poulsen will be the most important variations to bring instability to Croatia’s first line. Jorgensen could be the oxygen, and not just by holding the ball. The Danish center forward must appear as the referent for air balls and crosses. Against Croatia, Jorgensen needs to become the killer that Denmark wants.
The First Final
The conditions of Group D led to an unexpected encounter for the second round. France will face Argentina in their first knockout match.
It was scripted that France progressed as the dominant team from Group C, but it was a surprise that Argentina advanced in the last 10 minutes to the second round, struggling against Iceland and Nigeria.
Les Bleus have their most important task of the 2018 World Cup against a sleeping giant. Without translating the roster depth into game chemistry, Didier Deschamps hasn’t found the best facet of the French team yet. But as we review the 2016 Euro, France made progress to reach an enjoyable level of football during the knockout stages.
The key to the game against Argentina will remain in the midfield. Argentina doesn’t have a connection between the skeleton of the team and Messi; there’s a profound lack of systemic ideas with the Argentinian central midfielders and the offense.
Even if Deschamps makes rotations in the starting lineup — with players or formations — France has the best defensive midfielder in the game, N’Golo Kante. Kante can cover ground, recover and play at a very high intensity without being outpaced from the game.
This match will bring joy to World Cup fans.
The Kangaroo King
The 2018 World Cup was Australia’s fourth appearance in the most important stage of soccer. The Aussies scored two goals, both penalty kicks, to reach a total sum of 13 goals across their four appearances.
Tim Cahill converted five of those 13, and Tuesday’s match was his last chance to match a record by becoming the fifth player to score in four consecutive World Cups.
Pele, Klose, Uwe Seeler and Cristiano Ronaldo accomplished the feat.
Cahill, 38, played 37 minutes during the 2018 tournament, all against Peru. Even if Australia didn’t qualify to the next round, the Aussies showed resistance against better rivals.
However, the Australian fans are saying farewell to their most prominent icon of the 21st century.
Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.
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