The World Cup has lost four more teams and we now know who is heading home and who is heading out from Groups C and D. Here’s all the latest news from Qatar, on the most remarkable day.
Well, not many people thought they would care how many cards Mexico and Poland picked up this World Cup, but tonight we were gripped. With Mexico 2-0 up and Poland 2-0 down, the two nations were completely level on goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded.
That had statisticians in a panic as they worked out how they would be separated. It turns out it would be via fair play, e,g which team had picked up fewer cards. Mexico were leading that count 7-5, so had to go all out for another goal. That proved to be their downfall as Saudi Arabia struck late, and Poland celebrated their second place finish.
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VAR- mare: Messi misses penalty but Argentina win
Lionel Messi, in his 999th official appearance, helped his Argentina team to a dominant 2-0 win over Poland that saw them top Group C. But it wasn’t all good news for the main man, as he saw his first half penalty brilliantly saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
It caused another level of controversy though, as the Polish goalkeeper only clipped Messi’s face when coming for a cross. The referee didn’t give anything, but once again VAR got involved and made him point to the spot. It was the incorrect decision and only Szczesny’s save kept Poland in the competition.
Australia pulled off a World Cup shock with a 1-0 win over Denmark, a result that was good enough to secure second spot in the group behind France. Mathew Leckie scored a sensational individual goal to put his country through as the Danes head home having severely underperformed. Given their opening day 4-1 defeat to the 2018 champions, it has been a remarkable turnaround, and they partied long into the night.
France top group despite defeat
Tunisia recorded a famous 1-0 win over a much-changed French side as Wahbi Khazri found the net, but it wasn’t enough for them to progress. Meanwhile Didier Deschamps will be left slightly concerned about his second string, who failed to produce. Kylian Mbappe and co will be back to take on Poland in the next round.
Germany’s date with destiny
Germany face a monumental clash with Costa Rica tomorrow, knowing that anything less than three points will see them suffer a second successive group stage exit. Even three points will not guarantee their progression, as Hansi Flick’s side need Spain to beat Japan. If both of those results happen, Germany will take second spot in the group.
Ben White leaves England camp
After the 3-0 win over Wales, England’s players have had a day off training at their Souq Al Wakra training base. However, they are now without Arsenal defender Ben White, who has flown home due to personal reasons and is not expected to rejoin the camp. It takes Gareth Southgate’s squad down to 25, and they will not be calling up a replacement.
Last 16 fixtures look tasty
With the first four groups now reaching their conclusion, we know four of the fixtures that will take place in the last 16. They are as follows:
Netherlands vs USA
Australia vs Argentina
France vs Poland
England vs Senegal
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