The Saturday World Cup action saw our first team book their place in the round of 16, while one of the tournament’s GOATs returned to winning ways.
A Kylian Mbappe brace saw France beat an inspired Denmark side and, in the process, advance to the knockout round.
In the final match of the day, Argentina bounced back from their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia. Lionel Messi scored the eventual match winner in a 2-0 victory over Mexico, a result that sees the Albiceleste climb to second in Group C.
France finally shake off Denmark to reach last 16
France and Denmark have squared off twice in the past six months. And twice, the Danes have emerged victorious, securing Nations League wins by scores of 2-0 and 2-1. Not that Les Bleus needed any additional motivation to win their Group D contest, but those two defeats sure added some fuel to the fire.
The likes of Antoine Griezmann and Aurelien Tchouameni spoke of France’s recent losses, and how the team spoke ahead of the Saturday match about this time being different, and it was. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, Griezmann starred in midfield and the partnership of Raphael Varane and Dayot Upamecano in central defence looked imperious. Denmark never made it easy, but there was an air of inevitability about this France team.
Also Read: Superb Saudi Arabia Stun Argentina in Dramatic World Cup Win
The reward for Didier Deschamps’ team? A place in the round of 16, the first side in this edition of the World Cup to reach the knockout stage.
That’s not the end of Denmark, though — not yet anyway. They’ll take on Australia on Wednesday, and assuming that France win or draw against 30th-ranked Tunisia, a victory over the Socceroos will take them through to the round of 16.
Messi, Argentina bounce back vs. Mexico
Has there been a bigger upset in this World Cup than Saudi Arabia beating Argentina in their Group C opener last week? It was the sort of result that looked ominous, casting a shadow over what is the final appearance in this competition for one of the game’s all-time greats in Messi.
With Poland having beaten Saudi earlier Saturday, Argentina were on the foot of the table at zero points. Anything short of victory would’ve left the Albiceleste with a mountain to climb against Robert Lewandowski & Co. on the group’s final matchday.
And three points is exactly what Argentina got from El Tri. While Mexico’s tactical tweak failed to truly stifle Lionel Scaloni’s side, they did look short of ideas for much of the 90 minutes, ultimately relying on the individual brilliance of Messi — again.
It’s a result that serves as a lifeline for Argentina, who are now second in Group C. Their destiny is in their hands, with a win over Poland in their final match of the group stage securing them a place in the round of 16 — they’ll need help from elsewhere if they’re held to a draw, and a defeat would make the uplifting win Saturday meaningless as a group stage exit would be confirmed.