Australia defeated Tunisia 1-0 in the inaugural match in Qatar, overcoming a discouraging opening loss to the defending champions France to keep their hopes alive. After a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, two-time world champions Argentina, who had a 36-match unbeaten streak entering Qatar, are in a vulnerable situation.
The Argentines declared they would be motivated by memories of legendary Diego Maradona, their captain when they won the World Cup in 1986 and who passed away two years ago this week. “We think of him often. Not just for us Argentines, but for everyone of international football, he was a very important figure “said Lautaro Martinez, a forward for Inter Milan. Everyone has a bad day today; hopefully tomorrow we can make someone happy.
To advance to the round of 16, France, the defending champion, must defeat Denmark at Stadium 974, which was built using shipping containers. In their opening victory over Australia, the French lost defender Lucas Hernandez to injury, adding his name to a list of absentees that also includes Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, who limped out of the World Cup before a single kick was made.
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However, after missing more than a month due to a leg injury, France coach Didier Deschamps claimed defender Raphael Varane was prepared to play again. Olivier Giroud, a seasoned forward, needs just one more goal to surpass Michel Platini as France’s all-time leading scorer.