CNN
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Defending champion France grew to become the primary facet on the 2022 World Cup to achieve the knockout phases with a 2-1 victory over Denmark, sealed by a late purpose from star ahead Kylian Mbappé.
Les Bleus loved the vast majority of possession within the opening 45 minutes, however Denmark’s protection held agency because the groups went in degree at half time.
The impasse held till the 61st minute when Mbappé’s deflected effort discovered its well past Kasper Schmeichel, prompting wild celebrations from the French crew because it put one foot within the knockout phases.
However Denmark equalized quickly after as Andreas Christensen latched on to a ricochet from a nook, tapping the ball into the web.
It appeared as if France had let its likelihood of qualifying slip because the clock ticked in direction of the tip of normal time, however Mbappé showcased his immense expertise and instincts to seize one other purpose and end the match with a brace to propel his facet into the spherical of 16.
Robert Lewandowski scored at a World Cup for the primary time as Poland defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 to maintain its qualification hopes alive in Qatar.
Striker Lewandowski, already Poland’s main purpose scorer and the third-highest scorer in Champions League historical past, behind solely Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, didn’t play on the 2014 World Cup after Poland did not qualify, didn’t rating on the 2018 match, and had a tame penalty try saved on Tuesday in opposition to Mexico.
Overcome by emotion, he slid throughout the pitch in celebration the place his teammates jumped on prime of him as he buried his face within the turf.
It doubled Poland’s lead late within the sport, sealing an vital victory over the Inexperienced Falcons who have been flying excessive after defeating Argentina on Tuesday.
Poland’s first purpose got here in opposition to the run of play within the first half when Lewandowski took a shot, missed however saved the ball in play and handed to his teammate Piotr Zielinski, who made no mistake with the end.
Simply earlier than half-time, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) awarded Saudi Arabia a penalty however Salem Al-Dawsari’s Preliminary spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, as was the follow-up try.
Saudi Arabia missed a number of alternatives to equalize within the second half, earlier than Lewandowski sealed Poland’s win.
Australia received its first World Cup match since June 2010, defeating Tunisia 1-0 to offer itself an opportunity of qualifying for the knockout phases in Qatar.
An excellent header from Mitch Duke within the first half proved the distinction between the 2 sides, as Tunisia spurned likelihood after likelihood and couldn’t discover a well past the cussed Australian protection.
For each groups, looking for to achieve the knockout phases from a gaggle containing heavyweights France and Denmark, this was a must-win sport.
The Eagles of Carthage kicked off with the wind at their backs, having secured a 0-0 draw in opposition to Denmark of their opening match, whereas Australia had succumbed 4-1 to defending champion France and wanted a win to maintain them within the hunt for qualifying.
Australia started the stronger of the 2 groups, pinning Tunisia in its personal half in the course of the opening skirmishes and the Socceroos took the early lead with an end-to-end purpose.
They labored the ball up discipline, with Craig Goodwin discovering area down the left wing and firing a cross into the field which, regardless of a deflection, discovered Duke who leaped into the air to rocket the ball into the purpose with a glancing header.
Mobbed by teammates, Duke made a ‘J’ along with his palms, a message to his younger son Jaxson watching within the stands who responded in variety and with a thumbs-up.
Tunisia had possibilities to equalize earlier than half-time as Mohamed Drager lined up a shot on purpose however Harry Souttar swept the ball away and out of hazard, earlier than Youssef Msakni put the ball huge with the purpose open in entrance of him.
The Eagles of Carthage saved urgent after the break however, regardless of engineering a number of makes an attempt on purpose, they might not unlock Australia’s protection.
With 5 minutes of normal time left, all of a sudden the sport opened up and Tunisia poured ahead on the counterattack.
As soon as once more, it was Souttar who got here to Australia’s rescue, defending his facet’s slender lead and Australia held on for a historic victory.
