Saturday is Day Three of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. France kicks off their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance Saturday against Australia, while Croatia may break its streak of never making it past the Round of 16.
2018 World Cup Standings
After the opening two days of play, the standings are as follows:
Group A Standings: Russia (1-0-0) 3 points
Uruguay (1-0-0) 3 points
Egypt (0-0-1) 0 points
Saudi Arabia 0-0-1), 0 points
Group B Standings
Iran (1-0-0), 3 points
Portugal (0-0-1) 1 points
Spain (0-0-1) 1 points
Morocco (0-0-0) 0 points
World Cup matches Saturday
*all times Eastern
France 2 – 1 Australia
Two penalty kicks, a chipped shot and goal line technology
France kicked off their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance Saturday against Australia early Saturday morning. They were heavily favored for the opening match of Group C. After a scoreless first half, both teams conceded penalties, trading goals early on in the second half of play. In the 80th minute, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba broke through late with a chipped shot on goal that bounced backward into the net for a France lead. The Australian keeper caught it after goal appeared to have bounced down and into his arms. But after the referee’s watch indicated the ball had bounced fully into the net, it was called a goal.
France never relinquished that lead for the next 10 minutes. Even after 5 minutes of stoppage time, Australia couldn’t do much and France took their first win of the tournament.
GOALS: 58′ – Antoine Griezmann – FRA (PK)
62′ – Mile Jedinak – AUS (PK)
80′ – Paul Pogba – FRA
CARDS: 13′ – Mathew Leckie (AUS)
57′ – Josh Risdon (AUS)
76′ – Corentin Tolisso (FRA)
87′ – Aziz Behich (AUS)
Full recap: France vs. Australia (CBS Sports)
Argentina vs. Iceland (Group D)
Argentina brings the star power of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria as they take on Group C underdog Iceland Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Iceland is the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup. While underdogs, Iceland knocked off powerhouse England a few years ago to reach the European Championship quarterfinals.
Date: Saturday, June 16
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST
Location: Otkrtitie Arena, Moscow
Follow live: Argentina vs. Iceland (CBS Sports)
TV: Fox and Telemundo
Online stream: fuboTV (try for free), FoxSports.com (subscription required)
Peru vs. Denmark (Group C): Paolo Guerrero, captain of the Peru side, was cleared to play after his drug been was suspended. He and Peru will take on Denmark, who’s led by Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen. The second match of Group C is too close to call.
Date: Saturday, June 16
Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
Location: Mordovia Arena, Saransk
Follow live: Peru vs. Denmark (CBS Sports)
TV: FS1
Online stream: fuboTV (try for free), FoxSports.com (subscription required)
Croatia vs. Nigeria (Group D)
Croatia has never made it past the Round of 16 in their five World Cup appearances. But experts at SportLine peg them as a possible sleeper for the 2018 World Cup. Nigeria also poses international talent. The matchup to watch will be in the midfield between Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel and Luka Modric for Croatia as the two sides close out Group D play Saturday.
Date: Saturday, June 16, Time: 3:00 p.m. EST
Location: Stadion Baltika, Kalinigrad
Follow live: Croatia vs. Nigeria (CBS Sports)
TV: FS1
Online stream: fuboTV (try for free), FoxSports.com (subscription required). CBS News
