Argentina is through to the last 16 by the skin of its teeth at the expense of Nigeria, Antoine Griezmann struggled for France against Denmark, and Peru finished on a high note. Here are three winners and three losers on Day 13 at the 2018 World Cup.
WINNERS
Ever Banega
- No player transformed Argentina’s overall performance more than Ever Banega.
- Banega assisted Lionel Messi’s opener, generated a sumptuous through ball to Angel Di Maria, who was fouled on the run, and orchestrated the middle of the pitch for Argentina.
- If there is any player who should be a key starter for Argentina, it’s Banega. He offers incisive forward passing and the vision to unlock defences. La Albiceleste have been desperate for a player like him since World Cup qualifying.
- Hopefully for Argentina’s sake, Sampaoli sees it the same way and starts Banega versus France in the Round of 16.
Paolo Guerrero
- It was poetic that Paolo Guerrero was involved in both of Peru’s goals versus Australia.
- The country’s all-time leading scorer was controversially banned twice and fought for his World Cup eligibility until the end.
- Because he only played five matches since October, Guerrero’s match fitness was lacking before the tournament. He was partially at fault for France’s goal after coughing up possession twice and was largely contained by Samuel Umtiti, leading to Peru’s elimination.
- But now the 34-year-old has achieved his dream. He’s played and scored at a World Cup. Plus his nation will leave Russia with their heads held high after a 36-year absence from sport’s biggest stage.
Tom Rogic
- Tom Rogic was running the show in the final third for Australia. He carved through Peru’s defence on several occasions, setting up a few quality chances in the process.
- All of Rogic’s passes went forward and usually led to a promising attack. He also constantly received the ball in between pockets of space between the Peruvian lines.Unfortunately for Rogic and Australia, forward Tomi Juric finished the match with zero shots and was incredibly inefficient all tournament long.
LOSERS
Antoine Griezmann
- Once again, France coach Didier Deschamps is dealing with a Griezmann-versus-Pogba dilemma.
- Paul Pogba has been remarkably strong in France’s opening three games. He’s been involved in all three of the team’s goals and has thrived in a 4-2-3-1 next to N’Golo Kante. Quite surprising, given Pogba’s weaknesses defensively.
- However, while Pogba has thrived, Antoine Griezmann is struggling to impose himself. He had momentary spurts of brilliance versus Australia, including winning and converting a penalty, but was rather inconsistent. Griezmann finished the game with only 32 touches, the second-lowest among outfield players.
- Olivier Giroud started the final two matches in Group C so Griezmann could play with a strike partner, which he’s used to at Atletico Madrid. He still hasn’t prospered.
- With France already qualified, it might be unfair to read too much into Griezmann’s struggles. However, he was substituted in the 68th minute, only received one pass from Giroud and logged just two touches in the Danish box
Iceland defence
- Normally very structured, Iceland’s defence was quite disorganized in the defeat to Croatia.
- On Ivan Perisic’s goal, all four defenders were scrambling back off a turnover. Perisic noticed a gaping hole in the middle of the box, so he made a run and easily converted.
- Croatia’s pace was a problem for Iceland all game long, and it showed on both strikes. With the Icelanders pushing forward for goals, they couldn’t keep up with the rapid counters from the Croatians.
- It was a tough ask from Iceland in the end, although their objective wasn’t made any easier by the Croatian forwards picking apart the Icelandic back line.
Australian forwards
- In a must-win game for Australia, the team’s attack was its ultimate undoing.
- Tomi Juric and Robbie Kruse finished the match against Peru without a shot, while Matthew Leckie was shut down by Peru left-back Miguel Trauco for most of the game. Even with Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy bossing the middle of the field, none of the three forwards were able to capitalize.
- Once the young and dynamic Daniel Arzani replaced Kruse and Tim Cahill came on for Juric, the Australian attack was much more lethal.
- Australia actually generated more opportunities with Arzani and Cahill. As evidenced by expected goals (xG) – an advanced analytic used to determine the quality of a shot – the xG actually rose dramatically after the 60th minute, which coincided with those substitutions.