The Day 3 of the FIFA World Cup witnessed huge drama amidst one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, a couple of drab draws and eventually a roar of the defending champions which lit the night. Let us have a look how the Day 3 progressed in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia vs Argentina : Group C ( 2-1 )
Lionel Messi led Argentina were expected to make light work of the Saudis as the teams met at Lusail Iconic Stadium. The start too was as expected as the South American giants went a goal ahead in the 10th minute by way of a Messi Penalty. With the lead so early it was a foregone conclusion that Argentina were set to extend their 36 match unbeaten streak. However what eventually transpired was completely the opposite.
Tactical brilliance from Renard
Saudi players ( unlike Qatar and Iran ), put their bodies on the line. They fought tooth and nail for every ball and it became increasingly difficult for Argentina to control the game. The heat from the Saudi players was unexpectedly high. Not only this, Saudi Arabia under Herve Renard, their French Manager were tactically brilliant too and led the Argentinians into the offside trap on several occasions during the First Half which had two goals from Argentina disallowed. This tactical game plan led to the Argentinians wary of the Offside trap and began to hold themselves back.
Pure Magic from Aldawsari
Saudi players celebrate after the Aldawsari strike
With just a goal ahead and Argentina already getting frustrated, the Saudis had their chance and in a 5 minute blitzkrieg they played some world class sublime football to score two brilliant goals. In the 48th minute Saleh Alshehri scored from his left foot after a good brief run and then in the 53rd minute Salem Aldawsari produced pure magic. He controlled the ball beautifully at the edge of the box, moved past a defender and unleashed a stunning right footer which sailed into the Argentine Goal. This would be one of the goals of the Tournament and even Messi would have been proud of it.
Shell Shocked Argentinians
The Argentinians were shell shocked by the Aldawsari strike and however hard they tried they just could not get the equaliser. Messi too appeared clueless and could not provide the inspiration which his team needed. The Saudis gave it all and hung on gamely taking every blow. They defended like warriors and eventually ended the 36 match unbeaten run of Argentina creating a major upset. It has to be said that Saudis made it happen. Kudos to their self belief, energy and defiance.
Denmark vs Tunisia : Group D ( 0-0 )
Inspired by the Saudi display, Tunisia, the North African team played some good football particularly in the First half against the favourites Denmark and only some brilliant goalkeeping from Kasper Schmeichel held the Tunisians at bay. However in the second half the Danes were far better and moved well to create chances with Andreas Cornelius missing a sitter. Tunisia held on and defended well at the Education City Stadium at Ar-Rayyan to earn a well deserved point while Denmark were left a tad disappointed.
Mexico vs Poland : Group C ( 0-0 )
Mexico were favourites against Poland when they both squared up at the Stadium 974 in Ras Abu Aboud, Doha, a temporary stadium built from 974 recycled shipping containers (featured image). Though Mexico had the better possession ( 61% ), they just did not look threatening enough. Poland, led by the mercurial Lewandowski, too appeared a bit listless with Lewandowski having nothing much to do upfront. It was a bit of a cagey performance from both teams which resulted in a drab draw. Mexico take on Argentina next in a must win game for Messi’s side while Poland will have to play really well to get past a belligerent Saudi Arabia.
France vs Australia : Group D ( 4-1 )
Australia draw First Blood
The Defending Champions met Australia at the Al Janoub stadium at Al Wakrah. The stadium designed by the legendary architect, Late Zaha Hadid has a retractable roof and one of the most spectacular stadiums on display. Australia drew first blood with a brilliant move from the right flank and a perfect Centre for Craig Goodwin to score from close range in just the 9th minute . France stirred by the goal, equalised through Adrien Rabiot in the 27th minute.
The French turn tables on the Socceroos
Olivier Giroud scoring a brace for France
The match, however turned on its head when the Australian defence had a major lapse in concentration and gave away the ball to France in a rather uncharacteristic way. The French obliged and Olivier Giroud tapped in in the 32nd minute to give France a 2-1 lead at the break. But the momentum had shifted by that time as the French grew in confidence and the prolific Kylian Mbappe started playing freely from the left flank. He headed France’s third goal in the 68th minute while assisting in the 71st minute Giroud header to give France a 4-1 comprehensive win over the Socceroos. Australia began well but went subdued as the French mounted the pressure. Still a lot to play for in the Group for the Aussies while the French would be difficult to dislodge.
An amazing day at the World Cup indeed.
The Day 4 has some exciting contests lined up in Group E and F. Morocco take on Croatia in Group F, while it’s going to be Germany vs Japan and Spain vs Costa Rica in Group E, with Belgium clashing with Canada in Group F, being the last match of the Day.
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