A debacle resulting from a Caballero blunder, a Modric gem, and a stoppage-time goal from Rakitic threatened to send Argentina out of the World Cup in Russia early. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Iceland in their opening match, Argentina lost badly, 3-0, to Croatia, who advanced to the round of 16. In Novgorod, another poor performance from Sampaoli's team, who, despite substitutions (Di Maria and Biglia were out), fielded a patchy team, short on ideas and lacking in energy. Messi paid the price, feeling disoriented and ineffective like few others, and even the introduction of Higuain and Dybala failed to do much good, just when the situation was already at an end. Caballero had taken care of the situation with an ill-timed pass to Rebic, who, all alone, slotted the ball in. Argentina led with a bang but had no real chances, and Modric sealed the win in the 35th minute with a curling goal that curled into the bottom corner. Rakitic made Messi's night even more bitter in stoppage time, as his future now hinges on the result of Iceland vs. Nigeria tomorrow (June 22). France advances: Deschamps's team strengthened with key players, winning narrowly against Peru and securing a place in the knockout stages with a game to spare. A goal from PSG striker Mbappé was the deciding goal. The match between Denmark and Australia, opening Matchday 2 of Group C of the World Cup, ended in a 1-1 draw. Denmark, who, after their victory against Peru, now have four points, are optimistic about their next match against France, which will help them qualify for the round of 16. Australia, with today's point, are moving up the table and are still hopeful. A draw against the Danes is too much for Jedinak.
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