A surprise, a loss of flavor and then a festival tainted by an injury, this day in Qatar was once again rich in emotions. Saudi Arabia got the ball rolling with a feat rarely seen in World Cup history. The Saudis offered the scalp of Argentina (2-1), ending a 36-game unbeaten run by Lionel Messi’s teammates. After this earthquake, the pace fell somewhat since Denmark and Tunisia left with a goalless draw (0-0), as did Mexico and Poland (0-0). But to close this day, we had to hope for goals. France offered 4 after conceding one in a nightmarish start to the game which saw Lucas Hernandez leave his partners.
Today’s results
Announced among the favorites in the competition, Argentina had started its campaign in Qatar perfectly, against Saudi Arabia, by scoring a quick goal from the penalty spot, thanks to Lionel Messi, for what should be its last World Cup. But Lionel Scaloni’s men nearly killed the game in the first half, were disallowed three goals for offside and the unlikely happened. In just ten minutes, thanks in particular to an anthology goal from Salem Al-Dawsari, the Saudis knocked the Albiceleste down (1-2). Signing the first big surprise of the tournament
Argentina – Saudi Arabia : 1-2. Goal for Argentina from Messi (10th, sp). Goals for Saudi Arabia from Al-Sherhri (49th) and Al-Dawsari (53rd).
The second match of the day, between Denmark and Tunisia, was much less emotional. Padlocked, very tactical, the meeting turned out to be quite poor in opportunities. The placed but sterile attacks of Christian Eriksen’s teammates were no more successful than the counterattacks led by Issam Jebali, certainly a scorer in the first half, but logically declared offside. Finally, the biggest chance took place on a set piece, the Carthage Eagles being saved by a header from Cornelius (70th). The final score, devoid of any goal (0-0), could do the business of the Blues, also placed in group D.
Denmark – Tunisia : 0-0.
Same score as the previous one but for a much more exciting scenario. In terms of the game, there was no photo. Carried by their hundreds of excited supporters in the stands, the Mexicans largely dominated the meeting. Led by Hirving Lozano, sharp on counter flashes, “El Tri” was extremely scared. While dominating by leaving almost no opportunity to strike the Poles, the Mexicans faulted by offering a penalty to Robert Lewandowski. The latter then had the opportunity to score his first goal at a World Cup. But in front of him, stood the wall Guillermo Ochoa who released a superb parade
Mexico – Poland : 0-0.
To close the evening, the Blues offered a festival of goals and a record. Thanks to a superb double, Olivier Giroud scored his 50th and 51st goals in the jersey of the France team, equaling the top scorer in the history of the Blues Thierry Henry. Adrien Rabiot allowed the Blues to get back in place after a nightmarish start to the match. Australia opened the scoring with an action that left Lucas Hernandez on the floor. The side came out injured, seriously according to his coach. Then, in the second half, the Blues ended up rolling out and Kylian Mbappé also distinguished himself by scoring his second headed goal for the France team.
France – Australia : 4-1. Goals for France from Rabiot (27th), Giroud (32nd and 71st) and Mbappé (68th). Goal for Australia from Goodwin (9th).
The unusual info: a public holiday for Saudi Arabia
The first feat of this World Cup and the greatest victory in the history of Saudi Arabia, the victory of the Falcons against Argentina (2-1) triggered scenes of jubilation in the country. To the point of pushing King Salman ben Abdelaziz to declare Wednesday a holiday, which will therefore not be worked for all students, or workers, to commemorate the feat. This is not a first: just last June, a public holiday was declared in Peru for the qualifying play-off for the World Cup against Australia… ultimately lost.
Player: Olivier Giroud
He is now the co-top scorer in the history of the France team. This Tuesday evening, Olivier Giroud offered himself two goals that he was particularly waiting for. Those who allow him to touch the Grail of the Blues, sitting alongside Thierry Henry, before potentially overtaking him during the competition. “I never gave up, never gave up, I wrote a biography called ‘Always Believe It’ so it wasn’t for giving up. There are bound to be difficult times, you have to take refuge in work and believe in better days. It is only work and humility that pay off, ”delivered Olivier Giroud, after a match that made him go down in history.
The highlight: the injury of Lucas Hernandez
At first glance, at real speed, it is difficult to really understand the extent of the damage. But in slow motion, the image is terrible. On a bad support, the left side of the France team collapsed on the ground, his face steeped in pain. “Lucas Hernandez has to do some exams but it seems serious to me. It will be necessary to confirm but it is the big black point of this evening ”, declared Didier Deschamps, fatalistic, at the end of the meeting. The injury appears to be in the Frenchman’s right knee. Examinations will come to make a precise diagnosis in the next few hours.
The sentence: Olivier Giroud
“It’s an immense pride to be able to equal Titi (Thierry Henry, editor’s note), a legend of French football, I hope not to stop there and help my partners and finish their job”.
The number: 36
Arrived in Qatar without having lost a single meeting since July 2019, Argentina intended to continue its momentum during a first round of the World Cup well within its reach. But the Albiceleste fell to everyone’s surprise, in an opposition that it has long dominated, against Saudi Arabia (1-2). His unbeaten match counter therefore remains stuck at 36. Frustrating, especially since the record for the longest unbeaten streak for a selection, held by Italy (37 matches between 2018 and 2021), was very close.