*MOSCOW – Lionel Messi is under pressure to deliver when Argentina faceCroatia on Thursday after his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo streakedclear at the top of the World Cup goalscoring charts.*
The Barcelona forward had a first game to forget, failing to convert apenalty as the two-time world champions drew 1-1 with Iceland in theirGroup D opener.
In stark contrast, Ronaldo, who last month won his fifth Champions Leaguewinner’s medal, now has four goals in Russia and looks a shoo-in to win hissixth world player of the year award.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Denmark stayed on course for the last 16 afterdrawing 1-1 with Australia in the early game of the day.
Christian Eriksen’s half-volley was cancelled out by Mile Jedinak’sVAR-assisted penalty after Yussuf Poulsen’s handball, giving Denmark fourpoints after they beat Peru in their opener.
Australia coach Bert van Marwijk said the “last piece of the puzzle” —goals — was missing for his side who had several chances to win the game,leaving their survival hanging by a thread.
“We had chances to win and we deserved to win, so I’m disappointed,” theDutchman said.
“The last part of the puzzle is that we must make the difference by scoringone goal more than the opponent.”
France, the 1998 World Cup winners, will ensure progress from Australia’sGroup C with a win against Peru later Thursday.
*– Closing ranks –*Messi’s teammates have rallied around their superstar captain after hisdisappointing performance against Iceland.
He is bearing the weight of expectations as Argentina seek a first WorldCup trophy since 1986 and is desperate to crown his glittering career witha major international tournament success.
A defeat against the Luka Modric-led Croatians in Nizhny Novgorod could seeArgentina, unthinkably, flirting with a first exit at the group stage since2002.
“We are all with him, he knows that he can count on the support of all ofus more than ever,” said Argentina forward Paulo Dybala of Messi.
“We are here to help him every moment, and of course we will be at hisside.”
Croatia secured three points in a 2-0 win against Nigeria in their openinggame but enter the match under a cloud.
AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic was sent home from Russia for reportedlyrefusing to come on as a substitute, though coach Zlatko Dalic said the ACMilan man had a back injury.
France, who edged past Australia 2-1 courtesy of an Antoine Griezmannpenalty and an own goal in their Group C opener, vowed to ramp up theintensity against Peru in Yekaterinburg.
“We took stock of what was done well or not so well and all agree that wewill have to increase our physical intensity and improve our attitude ingeneral,” said vice-captain and central defender Raphael Varane.
*– Russia celebrate –*Russia are celebrating after Wednesday’s results confirmed they havequalified for the knockout round for the first time since the Soviet eraalong with Uruguay, condemning Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and Saudi Arabia to anearly exit.
Morocco will also be leaving Russia after the first round following theirdefeat by European champions Portugal, who are level with Spain on fourpoints at the top of Group B.
Former England captain David Beckham has tipped England to play Argentinain the World Cup final after a positive start against Tunisia.
“I think obviously my choice would be England to win the competition, butthat’s me being biased and passionate about my country,” he said.
And former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he believes the World Cupshould return to England when Europe next gets its turn to host thetournament.
Blatter has arrived in Moscow to attend matches at the invitation ofRussian President Vladimir Putin despite being banned from the game foralleged corruption during his 17 years at the head of world football. –APP/AFP