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World Cup: France and Croatia advance while Argentina suffers

By Orri Benatar

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 21: Ivan Rakitic of Croatia celebrates with teammate Dejan Lovren after scoring his team's third goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Argentina and Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 21, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 21: Ivan Rakitic of Croatia celebrates with teammate Dejan Lovren after scoring his team's third goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Argentina and Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 21, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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UEFA’s World Cup hot streak continued on day eight. All three European teams in action didn’t lose with two advancing to the Round of 16.

Denmark, France, and Croatia all picked up points on day eight of the World Cup in Russia. Each team had EPL stars in the eleven and each of the EPL players were tremendous to lead their teams to points. We take a look at the highlights, moments, and more from the eighth day of the World Cup. For more analysis on today’s action and from the first weekdays of the World Cup, check out the latest episode of “The Top Flight Podcast: Road to Moscow” down below.

Eriksen’s bullet canceled by Jedinak’s penalty

Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen scored a bullet at the beginning of Denmark’s match with Australia to kick the day off. Striker Nicolai Jorgensen’s feed to Eriksen was perfect as the Spurs star rifled it past Brighton goalie Mathew Ryan for the lead. The goal wasn’t enough as former Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak scored his second penalty of the tournament.

The 1-1 draw gives Denmark a really good chance of progressing to the knockout stage. They sit on four points in the group and only need a draw against France to earn their first Round of 16 appearance since 2002.

Pogba excellent in France’s 1-0 win over Peru

France once again didn’t perform to their potential against Peru. Les Blues won by a goal to nil on Kylian Mbappe’s tap-in late in the first half. The stars of the show for France were their EPL midfield of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante. Pogba scored a 7.9 rating with great distribution to the French attackers and winning duels all game.

Chelsea boys Kante and Giroud also shined with their play. Kante had a pass success rate of 88% and had a 75% success rate on his tackles. Giroud got the start up front as the striker and opened the game up for France. Griezmann, Mbappe, and Matuidi made runs off him, making the French attack much more versatile. Despite good individual games, the team as a whole needs to improve if they want to win it all.

Next: Chelsea: The Bridge finally being restored

Croatia obliterate Argentina

The story of day eight was Croatia’s 3-0 win over Messi and Argentina in Novgorod. Chelsea goalie Willy Caballero made a HORRIBLE mistake to allow the first goal and then the Croatian midfield could not be stopped. Luka Modric banged in the second and Ivan Rakitic passed in the third. One of the best performers for Hrvatska was Liverpool centerback Dejan Lovren.

Lovren was containing the Argentine attack all game and was in the right place at the right time whenever Croatia defended. He was 39-for-44 on his passes and won six out of his eight duels. Croatia has gotten the good Lovren at the World Cup thus far. The dark horses advance to their first knockout fixture in 20 years and all while not conceding a goal.

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