The 2022 FIFA World Cup is buzzing as games are coming thick and fast. Let’s take a look at some of the latest news and updates.
Mbappe doubles secure qualification for France
France 2-1 Denmark
(Mbappe 61, 86), (Christensen 68)
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France defeated Denmark 2-1 in Group D to become the first side to advance to round 16.
The first of Mbappe’s two poacher-like goals came after 61 minutes when he converted a cross from Theo Hernandez, who had also scored in France’s 4-1 victory over Australia on the opening night.
Despite falling behind, Denmark didn’t panic, and seven minutes later, Andreas Christensen scored from a corner taken by Christian Eriksen.
Both teams pressed for a winner late on, but Mbappe provided the game-winning moment by once again displaying his predatory skills when he headed in an Antoine Griezmann cross with four minutes left.
Denmark has a lot to do after this game as they would need to win their final group game against Australia to qualify.
Interesting fact
Mbappé became only the second player in French history to score in three consecutive World Cup games, following Just Fontaine, who did so in six consecutive appearances in 1958.
Australia increases chances of qualification with a 1-0 victory
Australia 1-0 Tunisia
(Duke 23)
Mitchell Duke’s spectacular first-half header gave Australia a 1-0 victory over Tunisia to kickstart their World Cup campaign. The Socceroos knew a defeat would put an end to their World Cup with one game remaining after losing their opening match to France on Tuesday.
Mitchell Duke benefited from their promising start after 23 minutes by deftly turning Craig Goodwin’s cross into the far corner to give them a 1-0 lead. Australia’s Souttar made a crucial sliding block to halt Mohamed Drager just before Tunisia’s skipper Msakni nearly missed with a volley.
Tunisia changed their approach in the second half and occasionally pressed Australia nonstop. Aaron Mooy was forced to make yet another significant block as Tunisia pressed hard for an equalizer.
Australia survived to earn their first FIFA World Cup victory since 2010. They now play against Denmark knowing that even a draw is good enough to see them through to the next round!
Énner Valencia Scores his third goal in World Cup
Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
C Gakpo (6), E Valencia (49)
Ecuador draw 1-1 with the Netherlands, leaving Group A wide open as Enner Valencia managed to score his third goal of this year’s world cup. The outcome means that neither team has yet advanced to the round 16, but it does eliminate Qatar, who lost 3-1 to Senegal earlier that day .
The Netherlands took the lead after five minutes and four seconds thanks to a goal from PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, who now scored the fastest goal so far.
The Dutch, however, were unable to extend their lead, with Ecuador’s Pervis Estupinan’s goal overruled on the stroke of half-time.
After 49 minutes, Ecuador got the equaliser they deserved as Noppert could only parry Estupinan’s shot into Valencia, who had to poke the ball into an empty net.
Ecuador now face Senegal and Netherlands to take on hosts Qatar. Have you already place a bet on Wintop?
