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DAY 3

Some heavy hitters kicking off this third day, including twice-winners Argentina and France, as well as Denmark, Poland and Mexico, all of whom will fancy their chances of getting into the next stages. First up:

Group C

Argentina v Saudi Arabia: Result 1-2) (No, you read that right).

This should have been a done deal. As I say above, Argentina have great pedigree in this tournament, having won twice, and made it through to this stage without losing a single game. They also have had in the past in their team the mighty Maradona, these days his place as such is taken by Lionel Messi, once - and possibly still - acknowledged as the best footballer in the world. They should have swept the Saudis aside like swatting an insect, Messi shooting in the second minute but missing, and then scoring a penalty in the ninth, nothing to it. He scored again in the 22nd minute but the goal was ruled offside, however Martinez netted seven minutes later and Saudi Arabia looked well and truly done. Until it looked like his shadow was offside and again the goal was ruled out. Incredibly, Martinez scored again in the 34th minute but was again ruled offside, this one clearer.

With the score, which should perhaps have been 3-0 to Argentina, only at 1-0, Saudi Arabia scored as the second half begun and it was all level. Then amazingly scored again to take the lead only five minutes later with a peach of a shot, rocket of a volley from what, 30 yards outside the box? Argentina of course laid siege to the Saudi goal but even though they came so close, the final shot was saved and to everyone’s amazement, after THIRTEEN MINUTES of extra time (what the blue living…?) the impossible had happened. Saudi Arabia had beaten the mighty Argentina! Shock of the tournament so far, without question.


Mexico v Poland (Score 0-0)

Chances mostly went Mexico’s way, but by half time the score was still 0-0 until Poland got a penalty in the 57th minute - and missed. A second scoreless draw, and the first missed penalty in the tournament.

Group D

Denmark v Tunisia (Result 0-0)

Great to see Christian Eriksen back after his cardiac arrest in last year’s Euro Championships. Other big names in the team includes Kasper Schmeichel, son of the great Manchester United keeper Peter, and currently playing with Leicester, as well as Pierre Hoijberg, who plays with Tottenham Hotspur. Tunisia seemed to have taken the lead in the 22nd minute but the old offside came into play again, and it remained scoreless despite a few good chances for both sides. This match therefore became the first 0-0 draw of this World Cup. Would not have expected that.

France v Australia (Score 4-1)

Mbappe, Dembele, Giroud, Griezmann, Lloris: major names in French and indeed English Premiership football, surely likely to roll all over Australia, and yet it was the Socceroos who opened the scoring on 8 minutes! France weren’t too long replying, scoring in the 26th minute to tie it up at one each. Australia quickly lost possession just outside the box and Giroud took full advantage, putting his country in front. Naive defending if ever there was. Mbappe missed a sitter as the first half came to a close, but Australia almost drew level in the last few minutes of the half, hitting the post.

Into the second half and Mbappe got his goal in the 67th minute, taking France into a comfortable lead they never looked like losing. Nor did they, Giroud netting his 51st goal for his country, equalling the record of legend Thierry Henri, and giving France a 4-1 lead in the 70th minute. And so it ended, France showing why they are world champions, and have no intention of surrendering that title easily.

So, to everyone’s surprise - no, amazement, almost incredulity - it’s Saudi Arabia who top Group C with Argentina right at the bottom. If you bet with Paddy Power on that you’ll be a rich person now. No such surprise in Group D, where France comfortably and expectedly take top position.

Tomorrow’s matches

Group F

Morocco v Croatia: Croatia have the mercurial Luca Modrić, a real star of previous tournaments, even if he is getting on now (37 years old). They reached the finals last time out, being beaten by France, and will be out for revenge this time no doubt. I can’t imagine Morocco will present much of a problem to them, though I did say that about Saudi Arabia yesterday, and look what happened. Hey, this is why we love football!

Belgium v Canada: Belgium are another of the world’s football titans, with names like Kevin DeBruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard in their squad. They have a good record, reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 and the semis in 2018. They should breeze past Canada, but again, you can never say.


Group E

Germany v Japan: Some major league hitters coming into the tournament tomorrow. Who doesn’t know the mighty Germany, four-time winners and four-time runners-up, technically three times both as West Germany and once as the reunified Germany. With players like Muller, Gündoğan and Havertz, they’ll be expected to sweep all before them. Japan are no slouches either though, and should put up some stiff competition.



Spain v Costa Rica: Another big name of course is Spain, 2010 winners but who failed to shine at more recent tournaments, going out in the group stages in 2014 and the round of 16 in 2018 . With players like Rodri and Pedri (the latter touted by pundits as the most exciting new young footballer in the world), Torres and Morata, who have scored 13 and 27 goals for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively, they surely must put Costa Rica to the sword tomorrow. Surely?

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