Denmark’s forward Yussuf Poulsen (C) vies for the ball with Australia’s defender Mark Milligan (L) and Australia’s defender Aziz Behich (R) during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between Denmark and Australia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 21, 2018. EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP
The 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup is here. Welcome to our daily updates of the world’s biggest football competition.
June 21, 2018
Denmark vs Australia
20′ Tom Rogic from Australia creates a good chance when he cuts the opponents’ defence open with a through ball but Henrik Dalsgaard clears the danger for Denmark with a good tackle.
7′ G O O O A A A A A A L – Denmark are now leading.
Christian Eriksen scored the goal while Nicolai Joergensen provided the assist.
6′ Australia’s Matthew Leckie has a great chance to score but sends his header wide of the goalpost.
It is goal-kick for Denmark.
1′ The referee starts the match. Denmark kick-off and the game is ongoing.
Australia coach Bert van Marwijk named an unchanged starting line-up for their crunch World Cup clash with Denmark on Thursday following their opening 2-1 defeat to France.
The Socceroos, who have made it into the last 16 only once, in 2006, need to beat the Danes to have any chance of repeating the feat.
Despite having several attacking options at his disposal, including veteran Tim Cahill and 19-year-old starlet Daniel Arzani, Van Marwijk has stuck with the same side that asked questions of France in the defeat in Kazan sealed by a late Aziz Behich own goal from a Paul Pogba strike.
Denmark opened their Group C campaign with a 1-0 win over Peru, in which Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel performed heroics before frontman Yussuf Poulsen hit the winner.
Schmeichel, the son of former Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, is expected to be key to their hopes of a second straight win as the Aussies look to build on a solid defensive display against France by being more creative and, ultimately, scoring crucial goals.
Australia, however, will also be wary of danger man Christian Eriksen, the Tottenham midfielder who scored 11 of their goals in qualifying.
Starting line-ups for the World Cup Group C game between Denmark and Australia at the Samara Arena on Thursday (1200 GMT kick-off):
Denmark (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel; Henrik Dalsgaard, Simon Kjaer (capt), Andreas Christensen, Jens Stryger Larsen; Thomas Delaney, Lasse Schoene, Christian Eriksen; Yussuf Poulsen, Nicolai Joergensen, Pione Sisto
Coach: Age Hareide (NOR)
Australia (4-2-3-1)
Mathew Ryan; Josh Risdon, Trent Sainsbury, Mark Milligan, Aziz Behich; Mile Jedinak (capt), Aaron Mooy; Mathew Leckie, Tom Rogic, Robbie Kruse; Andrew Nabbout
Coach: Bert van Marwijk (NED)
Referee: Antonio Mateu (ESP)
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June 17, 2018: Germany Vs Mexico
That is it for the game.
90′ + 4 Full-Time! Germany 0-1 Mexico
90′ Herrera picks up a late yellow card for a clumsy foul.
83‘ Yellow card Thomas Müller
Muller picks up Germany’s first yellow card of the game for a blatant shirt pull on Herrera.
Germany’s forward Thomas Mueller (L) receives a yellow card from Iranian referee Alireza Faghani during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 17, 2018.PHOTO: Juan Mabromata / AFP
70′ PENALTY SHOUT! Hernandez is found by a searching through ball and he has the goal at his mercy. He comes under pressure from Hummels, falling to ground but he was certainly looking at it.
62‘ Into the final 30 minutes of the game both sides are still looking for at least one clear-cut opportunity to find the net. Mexico would love to double their lead but Germany are dictating the tempo of the game.
52′ Germany are enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the minutes since the restart but they’re yet to find a way through the Mexico defence.
46′ KICK-OFF! We are back underway.
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HALF-TIME: GERMANY 0-1 MEXICO
42′ There have been 9 shots on target in this game – the most in the first half of a World Cup game since 2006.
40′ Moreno picks up the game’s first yellow card for wasting time.
Mexico’s forward Hirving Lozano celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 17, 2018. PHOTO: Yuri CORTEZ / AFP
35′ GOAL! Mexico 1-0! Lozano has been all over the Germany defence in the opening half hour and he’s finally got his reward. Hernandez leads the charge and feeds the PSV ace on the left, who cuts inside and fires into the bottom left-hand corner.
31′ It’s a very physical game, with fouls all over the field, but we’re still yet to see a huge chance for either side. The play in the final third so far has disappointed.
12′ Mexico remain dangerous and Germany are certainly not getting things all their own way. The atmosphere within the stadium is absolutely rocking.
9′ Free-kick to Mexico in a dangerous central position, which Layun is lurking over. However, his effort is way over Neuer’s bar.
3′ WIDE! Werner now showing his pace in the final third from Germany, latching onto Kimmich’s through ball but dragging a shot wide of the far post.
1′ KICK-OFF! Mexico get underway in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Mexico subs: Jesus Corona, Alfredo Talavera, Marco Fabian, Raul Jimenez, Jonathan dos Santos, Giovani dos Santos, Edson Alvarez, Rafael Marquez, Oribe Peralta, Jesus Manuel Corona, Javier Aquino, Erick Gutierrez.
Germany subs: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kevin Trapp, Ilkay Gundogan, Mario Gomez, Matthias Ginter, Antonio Rudiger, Leon Goretzka, Julian Brandt, Marco Reus, Niklas Sule, Sebastian Rudy.
Mexico XI: Guillermo Ochoa; Carlos Salcedo, Hugo Ayala, Hector Moreno, Jesus Gallardo; Miguel Layun, Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera; Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano.
Germany XI: Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Marvin Plattenhardt; Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos; Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Julian Draxler; Timo Werner.
Starting line-ups for the World Cup encounter between Germany and Mexico in Russia 2018 World Cup Group F match.
June 16, 2018.
That is is for today. Join us tomorrow for more updates.
Croatia Vs Nigeria (8:00 pm)
95′: The referee blows the final whistle. Full time, Croatia 2-0 Nigeria.
Nigeria’s players react after the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Croatia and Nigeria at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad on June 16, 2018.OZAN KOSE / AFP
75′: Ivan Perisic sends in a cross but Francis Uzoho comes out and claims the ball.
73′: Croatia start a counterattack: Great tackle by Troost-Ekong to avert danger for Super Eagles.
71′: GOOOAL! Luka Modric steps up and tucks it in. Croatia 2-0 Nigeria.
Croatia’s midfielder Luka Modric scores the penalty. Patrick HERTZOG / AFP
70′: PENALTY! The referee points to the spot after William Troost-Ekong pulls Mario Mandzukic by the shirt in the box. Not good for Nigeria.
Nigeria’s defender William Troost-Ekong (L) receives a yellow card from referee Sandro Ricci during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Croatia and Nigeria at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad on June 16, 2018.Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP
62′: Substitution for Nigeria: Alex Iwobi is replaced by Ahmed Musa.
60′: Croatia make the first change of the game. Andrej Kramaric is replaced by Marcelo Brozovic in a tactical substitution.
50′: Victor Moses puts Nigeria under pressure after fluffing an attempt to clear Sime Vrsaljko’s cross. He is let off the hook as Ivan Rakitic fails shoots wide from outside the box.
49′: Victor Moses shoots wide after showing good skill to dribble past his opponents.
46′: We are back underway.
HT:
8:47 pm: The referee brings the first half to an end after two added minutes. Possession: Croatia: 58%, Nigeria: 42%.
8:43 pm: Mario Mandzukic finds Sime Vrsaljko inside the Eagles’ box but he lets a good chance go begging by shooting wide.
8:41 pm: Croatia’s Ante Rebic is injured and receives treatment off the pitch.
8:37 pm: Croatia intercepts the ball and start a counterattack. Sime Vrsaljko mishits a cross and the ball goes off target.
8:32 pm: OWN GOAL! Oghenekaro Etebo has put the ball into his own net. Croatia 1-0 Nigeria.
8: 22 pm: Pressure from Nigeria: An Odion Ighalo cross is blocked and Dejan Lovren gives away a corner under pressure. Victor Moses Swings in the corner but Sime Vrsaljko relieves pressure with a clearance. The falls to Iwobi whose teasing cross is cleared by Lovren. Captain Mikel then chips the ball into the penalty box but once again it is cleared.
8:20 pm: Croatia is bossing possession 66%, leaving Nigeria with 34%.
8:13 pm: Brian Idowu has a cross blocked.
8:08 pm: Alex Iwobi tries to create a chance. He sends the ball behind the defence but none of his teammates benefit from it.
8:00 pm: We are underway. After Argentina and Iceland played out a 1-1 draw, the Eagles can boost their chances of progressing from the tough group with victory here.
Starting Line-Ups:
Starting line-ups for the World Cup Group C match between Croatia and Nigeria at Kaliningrad Stadium on Saturday (1900 GMT):
Croatia
Danijel Subasic – Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic – Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric (capt), Ivan Perisic, Ante Rebic, Andrej Kramaric – Mario Mandzukic
Coach: Zlatko Dalic (CRO)
Nigeria
Francis Uzoho – Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Brian Idowu – Oghenekaro Etebo, John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi – Odion Ighalo
Coach: Gernot Rohr (GER)
Referee: Sandro Ricci (BRA)
Peru Vs Denmark (5:00 pm)
Full time: Peru 0-1 Denmark.
Denmark beat Peru 1-0 in both sides’ World Cup group stage opener on Saturday after Christian Cueva blasted over a VAR-awarded penalty for the Peruvians in Saransk.
Yussuf Yurary Poulsen capitalised for the Danes, slotting into the net in the 59th minute.
Argentina vs Iceland
Thank you for your time. Join us again by 5:00 pm as Peru take on Denmark.
90+6′ It’s full time and the scoreline is Argentina 1 – 1 Iceland.
90+4′ Nicolas Otamendi puts in a cross but Hannes Thor Halldorsson rushes out to claim the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Emil Hallfredsson from Iceland trips Lionel Messi.
63′ The referee awards a penalty against Iceland after Hoerdur Magnusson makes a rough tackle against Maximiliano Meza.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson is injured and is replaced by Rurik Gislason.
It’s heart-breaking for Argentina as Lionel Messi takes the spot-kick but Hannes Thor Halldorsson stops the ball.
46′ The second half is underway.
45+2′ Iceland get a chance but Gylfi Sigurdsson fails to connect properly on the volley and sends the ball wide of target.
The referee blows the whistle for half time.
24′ GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLL.
Iceland’s players celebrate after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 16, 2018. Mladen ANTONOV / AFP
Incredible. Iceland have levelled the scoreline.
Alfred Finnbogason volleys the ball into the back of the net. The ball possession is Argentina 72% – Iceland 28%.
19′ GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLL.
Sergio Aguero puts the ball in the net for Argentina. Marcos Rojo made the assist.
Meanwhile, Football legend Diego Maradona is at the stadium to watch the match.
Argentina’s football legend Diego Maradona waves to the crowd ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 16, 2018. Juan Mabromata / AFP
13′ Argentina try to create a chance but Nicolas Otamendi fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box.
4′ A reckless challenge as Kari Arnason commits a rough foul on Nicolas Tagliafico.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi crosses the ball into the box from the free kick and creates a chance for Marcos Rojo who heads the ball off the goalpost.
1′ The referee blows the whistle and the game starts.
2:00 pm: Welcome back.
The World Cup opener between Argentina and Iceland has begun.
Iceland fans cheer before the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 16, 2018. Yuri CORTEZ / AFP
France vs Australia
Thank you for staying with us. Join us by 2:00 pm for updates on the Group D match between Argentina and Iceland.
READ ALSO: France Beat Australia As VAR Makes History
90+6′ Referee blows the final whistle.
The game ends with the scoreline France 2-1 Australia.
90+5′ An Australian player takes a long throw from the left side of the pitch into the opponent’s box but Paul Pogba clears the ball to relieve the pressure on France.
81′ GOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL.
Paul Pogba reclaims the lead for France after his effort is deflected past the goalkeeper. Olivier Giroud provided the assist for the goal.
75′ Nabil Fekir makes a good pass into the box but his French teammates fail to take advantage of the chance.
61′ GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLLL.
The referee awards another penalty just four minutes later. This time, it is against France after Samuel Umtiti handles the ball in the box!
Mile Jedinak takes the kick and equalises for Australia. The scoreline is now 1-1.
57′ GOOOAAAAALLLLLLLLLL.
The referee shows Joshua Risdon a yellow card after a foul in the box and awards a penalty in favour of France.
Antoine Griezmann puts it away from the penalty spot!
47′ The restart is underway.
45+2′ France take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in Australia’s half of the field and the referee blows for half time.
30′ France reclaim the ball possession by 52% while Australia have 48%.
Paul Pogba creates a chance when he cuts the opponents’ defence open with a through ball. But it is not enough to make a goal.
France’s midfielder Paul Pogba (R) controls the ball as he is marked by Australia’s midfielder Aaron Mooy during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between France and Australia at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 16, 2018. Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
25′ The ball possession is France 49% – Australia 51%. Benjamin Pavard from France passes the ball in the box but it’s intercepted by an Australian player.
18′ Corentin Tolisso makes a weak attempt to clear the ball which puts his side under pressure. Hugo Lloris, however, makes a great save for France.
France’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (R) jumps to gather the cross during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between France and Australia at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 16, 2018.
World Cup Live: Denmark 1-0 Australia (First Half)
