A Critical day in the FIFA World Cup unfolded in Qatar. Argentina had to win, the Saudis had to carry the weight of expectations, France were on the verge of Qualification to the next round and the subdued Lewandowski was expected to emerge. There was a lot on the cards as the day 7 progressed in the Arab Oasis.
Australia vs Tunisia : Group D ( 1-0 )
The Day of the Socceroos
The Australians took on Tunisia, the Northern Africans at the Al Janoub Stadium in the first match of the Day. Tunisia had earned a draw against Denmark in a gritty display and had held the Danes at bay, while the Socceroos were beaten 4-1 by France. However the Australians are known for the determination and tenacity and this is what they showed. The Tunisians generally had the ball, but Mitchel Duke had other ideas. A quick break from the left flank by the Aussies had the Tunisians surprised and by the time they regrouped in their defence, Duke had headed home the first and only goal of the match in the 23rd minute.
Tunisia fought back with repeated attempts on the Australian goal and came close to scoring on several occasions but missing out every time. Youssef Msakni had 6 attempts on goal, but all going futile. The resolute Socceroos held on for an important victory. Tunisia lacked finishing skills and rued the missed chances. Australia will take on the Danes next while Tunisia have an uphill task against France.
Saudi Arabia vs Poland : Group C ( 0-2 )
The Weight of Expectations
The Education City Stadium played host to giant killers Saudi Arabia and Poland in an important Group C clash. A lot was expected from the Saudis after their thrilling win against Argentina and undoubtedly the weight of expectations was lying heavy on their shoulders. The Polish side were infact the underdogs for the match and that was a blessing in disguise.
Lewandowski Celebrates
The Saudis played some delightful football, controlled possession ( 64% ), had 16 shots on goal and 5 on target against just 9 and 3 respectively from Poland. However Saudi Arabia appeared impulsive, trying too hard to prove a point and at times getting distracted and losing the ball quite easily. Hats off to Poland, they appeared relaxed and defended valiantly. It has to be said they were excellent at the back and whenever they moved forward they showed intent and in the 39th minute Piotr Zielinski made a cool finish from a Lewandowski pass against the run of play. The Saudis were down a goal and then came the moment of the match.
Brilliant Szczesny and Plucky Lewandowski
Stung by Poland, the Saudis mounted more pressure and won a penalty. The hero of the first match and the captain, Aldawsari took the kick. A right footer saved brilliantly by the veteran Wojciech Szczesny and then he added more sheen by saving the rebound too. It was exceptional from the Polish keeper. The Saudis had missed a great opportunity. The second half too was fought well with Saudis attacking with no luck and in the midst of it the Poles had their moments too. Saudi defence was scrappy and the worst was yet to come. The dependable Al Malki was dispossessed by a lurking Lewandowski just outside the Saudi Box. The great Lewandowski was not going to miss and the Poles were ahead 2-0 through a superb finish by their captain in the 82nd minute. It was all over for Saudi Arabia and the Poles had recorded an important victory. Saudis now have to win against Mexico to go through, while for the Poles a draw against Argentina will just be enough.
France vs Denmark : Group D ( 2-1 )
A Tale of Danish Resistance & Mbappe’s Resolve
Stadium 974, the stadium spectacular witnessed a thrilling European contest with Denmark taking on the World Champion France. The Danes had lacklustre draw against Tunisia in their first while France expectedly had a comprehensive win against Australia. The Danes were expected to improve and so they did. A slugfest ensued at 974, with France held by the Danes to a goalless first half. The second half too was breathtaking with quick moves from both sides. But it was Kylian Mbappe who broke the deadlock.
The 23 year old French star, dabbed a right footer away from Kasper Schmeichel, probably blinded by the presence of his defenders in front of him. By the time he could react the ball had entered the goal. The French were ahead in the 61 st minute. But more drama was to unfold as the Danes shot back through a header from Andreas Christensen 7 minutes later. The match was again brought back on an even keel. The tension was mounting as the match approached its end. Kylian Mbappe’s determination to reach out to every ball, make quick runs and keep trying harder and harder led to the second goal when he tapped the ball from close range on a lovely cross. The Danes could not come back. The brilliant Mbappe proved the difference between the two sides. France advanced to the next round, while the Danes will have to win against Australia for qualification.
Argentina vs Mexico : Group C ( 2-0 )
Messi & the Two Glittering Gems
Argentina clashed with the dangerous Mexico in a must win game at the Lusail Stadium. It was a knockout game for Lionel Messi and he had to bring all his experience and guide his team to victory. The first half was a goalless draw with the match being fought generally in the midfield with Lionel Messi getting nothing much to do. The Mexicans too did not go all out in attacking the Argentinian goal. The play was a scrappy one.
Messi”s mercurial left foot
The second half was where the game transformed. It was none other than Lionel Messi and his brilliance which came to the fore. Before this moment Messi never had even a sniff in Mexico’s penalty box, but the magician needed just that miniscule space to unleash his deadly left foot, sending the ball through into the goal in a blink as the 64th minute arrived. The Lusail Stadium erupted. This is what people had come to see. Messi at his best. The Argentinians held on to the lead and in the 87th minute the young Enzo Fernandez produced a brilliant strike to ensure victory for Argentina. The right footer so precise in its direction from a difficult angle would have made even Messi proud. Argentina had produced two glittering gems to take the game away from Mexico. Messi’s men were still alive and kicking, but will have to get passed Poland to ensure qualification. Simply put another knockout game awaits Messi.
The Day 7 with brilliant performances from Messi, Mbappe and Lewandowski added sparkle to the proceedings. There was massive skill, talent, determination and grit on display with some missed chances too, as the day of huge expectations closed out. A superb day of Football indeed.
Day 8 promises nothing less with a beleaguered Germany taking on Spain in a must win game, Japan meet Costa Rica looking for a win to qualify, Belgium take on Morocco and Croatia looking for their first win, square up with an impressive Canada. There is a lot to play for.
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