World Cup Gamethread: Argentina vs Croatia

Denmark vs Australia — Group C

Denmark beat Peru in its opener on a lukewarm performance. The Danes now need to put the Socceroos away to help ensure they advance out of the with likely group winner France, but Australia showed they are no pushovers, playing a gritty game against France before falling 2-1 on an own goal. Yussuf Poulsen (RB Leipzig) and Christian Eriksen (Tottenham), however, should be up for the challenge as they hope to extend Denmark’s ten-game undefeated streak.

Location: Samara Arena, Samara, Russia

Time: 3:00 pm local time, 8:00 am EST

TV/Streaming: Telemundo Deportes En Vivo or find your country

France vs Peru — Group C

France seemed to many to underperform the sky-high potential of the talent stocked in their starting lineup. Samuel Umtiti conceded a penalty to Australia minutes after Antoine Griezmann scored the opening goal, and France won thanks only to a late own-goal. The big names on the roster—Dembélé, Mbappé, Pogba—need to step up their game and play to their potential against a weak Peru that lost to Denmark 1-0. On paper, this should be an easy three points for France, but this World Cup has shown that you win nothing merely by showing up.

Location: Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg, Russia

Time: 6:00 pm local time, 11:00 am EST

TV/Streaming: Telemundo Deportes En Vivo or find your country

Argentina vs Croatia — Group D

The match of the day by a mile: Croatia have arguably shown the greatest synchronization and teamwork of all the teams at the World Cup so far, dispatching Nigera 2-0 while looking capable of far more. Argentina meanwhile could easily find themselves out of the World Cup if they cannot improve their standing. After parting with lowly but brave Iceland with a 1-1 tie, Lionel Messi & co. could fall to third place in the group if they suffer another loss or draw and Iceland defeats Nigeria. But Argentina have their work cut out for them. Messi willed them through qualifying, but it’s a team sport and Argentina have yet to play like a good team.

Location: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Novgorod, Russia

Time: 9:00 pm local time, 2:00 pm EST

TV/Streaming: Telemundo Deportes En Vivo or find your country

Tips for commenting:

1. If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself. We’re mostly very friendly. Also, we’re from all parts of the world, so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.
2. Refresh the page regularly to keep up with the discussion. One refresh every 55-60 seconds is ideal but if that’s too much then just try for one every five minutes and after every goal.
3. The goal celebrations are for everyone to participate in. Even if you’re lagging behind the others, keep replying to the most recent call of the player’s name. Even if you missed the first call, just start from the second, and so on.
4. While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities.

Check out our beginner’s thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!

Looking for an unending well of Bayern Munich content? Ready for some sweet, sweet World Cup action? Sign up for an SB Nation account and join the conversation on Bavarian Football Works. Whether it’s full match coverage and analysis, breaking news or something completely different, we have it all.