World Cup: Best of Group C – Danish scrape by as France finish first

Group C ended quietly this morning as Denmark advanced to the knockout stages with the tournament’s first 0-0 draw. Peru finally scored and sent Australia home.

Many expected France to breeze through Group C with ease, and while Les Bleus did finish atop the group, the road to the top position was rougher than anticipated. Over three games the French scored just three times, relying on individual moments of brilliance to push them over the line against Peru and Australia.

Although they are still a favorite to win the tournament, their side of the bracket is starting to look tougher and tougher, and they will need to create chances more regularly to advance through.

Denmark also advanced from the group, getting a draw against a France team with most of their starters on the bench to secure second position. The Danes conceded only one goal – a penalty against Australia – but only scored two over their three games. Peru and Australia fought valiantly, but Peru’s 2-0 win in the final match sealed the Socceroos elimination.

Best Game – Peru 2-0 Australia

Group C lacked much excitement, with most of its games coming down to VAR decisions and goals from the penalty spot. But on the final day, Australia needed to win to have any hope of advancing, and already-eliminated Peru was playing for its pride in front of a raucous crowd. That led to plenty of end-to-end action. Peru finally found their shooting boots, and Man-of-the-Match Andre Carrillo and captain Paolo Guerrero both scored fantastic goals to finish off Australia.

Best Player – Paul Pogba

He may have only garnered a 7.37 rating across two matches, but Pogba proved crucial for France. Paired in midfield with N’Golo Kante, Pogba had the freedom to roam and dominate play in midfield. He created the chance that led to France’s only goal against Peru by winning the ball back high up the pitch and finding a pass to Giroud, and in Les Bleus game against Australia, he scored the winning goal with a peach of a chip that careened in off the crossbar.

Most Memorable Moment – Mbappe scores for France

Kylian Mbappe tapped home the winner against Peru in the 34th minute, becoming the youngest French player to score at the World Cup at just 19 years and 6 months old.

Best Goal – Pogba chips Australia’s Ryan

How fitting that the best player in the group scored the best goal. While Andre Carrillo’s finish for Peru certainly deserves mention, Pogba’s exquisite finish in front of goal just beats it out. Under pressure, the midfielder chipped Australia’s Mathew Ryan, clipped the underside of the bar, and scored a goal that had to be confirmed by goal-line technology to clinch the win against Australia. It was inch-perfect.

Next: The best of Group B