Five things we learned from matchday 3 in Group C

With tricky opponents looming from Group D, all the sides in Group C headed into their group stage knowing that someone would have to take on Lionel Messi and Argentina in the round of 16. The South Americans, however, almost crashed out early, which certainly wouldn’t have upset France, who were leading Group C, nor would it have perturbed runners-up Denmark or even Australia, who still hoped to have a late shot at sneaking into the round of 16. In fact, with Croatia as the Group D winners, the runners-up side in Group C would have a much more palatable opponent, whilst the top-ranked side faced a more nervy outcome.

Well, as the dust settled, France will have to play Argentina in a game many fans would have preferred to see in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, or even final, whilst Denmark will face a Croatia side who are growing in confidence with each game.

Here’s what we learned from matchday three in Group C.

1. An utter snoozefest…but it was Mission Accomplished for two sides

It was bound to happen at some point. A scoreless draw. And France and Denmark treated fans and neutrals alike to arguably the most boring game so far of this summer’s World Cup. Not that all scoreless stalemates are painfully boring, but this one certainly was. It was apparent that Les Bleus were more than happy to settle for a draw, as they were already through to the round of 16. Meanwhile, there was nothing dynamic about the Danish Dynamite as they, too seemed content with grinding out a stalemate.

However, let’s hope that both sides crank up it a notch as they will face some tough opposition in the form of Argentina and a high-flying Croatia next round.

2. Peru play some entertaining football

Peru’s appearance this summer was even more emotional for their fans as it marked their first participation since 1982 (even before this author was born!) Although they failed to get out of Group C, they kept fans and neutrals entertained. Never were they crushed or humiliated, conceding just one goal against Denmark and another against France before finally scoring two of their own against Australia to make sure they didn’t finish dead last in their quartet.

Paolo Guerrero, who was banned before this tournament after but got that overturned, was able to achieve his dream of playing at a World Cup – and even grabbed his first ever goal during the 2-0 win over Australia. Los Incas has been steadily improving as of late, finishing third at the 2011 and 2015 Copa Americas, with Guerrero being their top scorer on both occasions, and whilst their World Cup dream ended early, they at least showed they weren’t just there to make up the numbers.

Hopefully, they won’t have to wait another 36 years before appearing at another World Cup tournament, as their exuberant fans also provided for a carnival-like atmosphere for all.

3. France yet to get tournament really started

Overall France didn’t impress in their group stage campaign. They were largely subdued against Australia and failed to really fire against Peru, whilst their insipid showing against Denmark hardly set off any fireworks. The question is as to whether this is a deliberate attempt by Les Bleus to save their energies for the knockout rounds. If it is a strategy, then it’s a smart one, but at the same time, they’ll have to be careful so as not to settle into a sort of complacency. Operating in a lower gear can be efficient, but only up to a certain point. Fans will certainly hope that the team’s showings are just a sign of getting warmed up and not a sign of things to come – otherwise, it could be game over before things really get up and running.

4. Despite Australia’s disappointment, there was something to celebrate

Australia fought valiantly, but they weren’t able to get anything out of this tournament. The Socceroos, though, do deserve a commendation for their serious effort. They pushed France nearly to the brink and held Denmark to a draw to give themselves hope of qualifying for the round of 16. Unfortunately, it didn’t come to pass as a revitalized Peru side fought to earn themselves a 2-0 win, but amidst all the disappointment, there was still something to celebrate.

Veteran striker Tim Cahill, who finally got to play in the final game, now joins some pretty elite company. Only a handful of players have featured in four World Cup tournaments, and that includes Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Gianluigi Buffon,  Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Whilst he wasn’t able to score, it’s still a great personal achievement for a player widely regarded as one of Australia’s best ever players.

5. Denmark are the obvious beneficiaries of a comfortable group

To be honest, Denmark is very fortunate to be in the round of 16, and they have to be very thankful that Peru beat Australia on the final matchday. Otherwise, the Danish Dynamite could have been on the first flight home. Christian Eriksen netted a brilliant effort against the Socceroos, but that was pretty much it. They barely edged out Peru, struggled against Australia, and were content to just plod by against France – in a game they could have certainly won had they cranked it up a bit.

Then again, perhaps this is the best they can muster, and that bodes well for a Croatian side keen on making a huge impact this summer on Russia. Unless if Denmark have something up their sleeve, it’s hard to see how they will beat the Vatreni outright – unless if the objective is to hold out until spot-kicks and fancy their chances from there.