Two simultaneous games, Peru beating Australia and Denmark hold France to advance further, at the expense of the Socceroos; the unfolding of Group C reviewed.

The big story that came out of Group C today after the third and last matchday was Denmark’s qualification into the knockout stages of the World Cup. The Danes, however, qualified at the expense of the Australians, who battled hard, but were still defeated by a Peru side under no pressure at all, having already been eliminated from the tournament.

France, on the other hand, wanted to keep their main stars fresh, and thus Didier Deschamps opted to play many of his second string stars in their game against Denmark, who were looking for a win and ensure qualification into the next round. That game, however, ended in a 0-0 draw, the first of this World Cup, but in the end, the Danes did qualify.

Peru hit form at the right time, like Australia, whose future in the World Cup hanging by a victory over the South Americans, but eventually ended up on the losing side and crashed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup without registering a single win.

But Group C did not unfold silently, and there sure were moments from each game that influenced the performance in the other.

Andre Carrillo Goal for Peru – 18th Minute

Andre Carrillo scores Peru's opener against Australia and his nation's first goal at this World Cup. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)
Andre Carrillo scores Peru’s opener against Australia and his nation’s first goal at this World Cup. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)

If not for glory, Peru were practically playing for nothing but to keep their heads high as they make their return back to the South American continent after a disappointing performance to the World Cup after 36 long years without participating in one. The Aussies, on the other hand, were out to make the most of their chance and register a win to boost their chances of qualification into the next round.

Andre Carrillo struck in the 18th minute to drastically change Australia’s seemingly straightforward plan, against the run of play as Australia dominated play till that point. The Carrillo goal not only changed Australia’s plans for the game but also changed that of Denmark.

Denmark, with already four points from their first two games, only needed a draw in their game against the French to qualify for the next round. The Peru goal meant, Denmark were no longer eager to go forward with purpose and were more than happy to hold France for as long as possible.

The rest of the Australia’s first half

Australia were way too superior in attack against Peru but could not find a goal and eventually crashed out of the World Cup. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)
Australia were way too superior in attack against Peru but could not find a goal and eventually crashed out of the World Cup. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)

Australia might have been a goal down early in the first half, but that did not deter them from attacking Peru even more with a lot more vigour. The Socceroos dominated the rest of the half, the same way they had done before Peru’s goal.

The way they were attacking showed signs that the Australians might have more than enough opportunities to get back into the game and even try to win it by more goals. Unfortunately for the Australians that wasn’t the case as the half ended with Peru leading. Fortunately for Denmark on the other side of Russia, it still meant they could advance.

Paolo Guerrero Goal – 50th Minute

Paolo Guerrero gave Peru fans what they wanted to see, as he scored the goal he so deserved for a stellar career he's had. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)
Paolo Guerrero gave Peru fans what they wanted to see, as he scored the goal he so deserved for a stellar career he’s had. (Photo courtesy: AFP/Getty)

The moment Peru had been waiting for a long time. Although it was Andre Carrillo who scored the country’s first goal in a world cup after 36-years, the real joy for Peru fans came when their captain and talisman Paolo Guerrero scored his dream goal around the 50th-minute mark

The goal meant, Peru had extended their lead over the Socceroos and Denmark heaped a further sign of relief at the news. Now all the Danish had to do was defend, and even going a goal down against the French wouldn’t have bothered them at all.

The Peru-Australia game eventually ended 2-0 to the South Americans, meaning Denmark qualify for the next round and will face Croatia. As for the French, they advance as group winners and will likely play either Iceland, Nigeria or Argentina in the next round, depending on the happenings of group C.

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