It was fun while it lasted but the 2018 World Cup finally caved and served up its first goalless draw in Russia.
France and Denmark were happy to play out a drab 0-0 at the Luzhniki Stadium, a result that was met by boos ringing around the venue at the final whistle.
It took just 22 minutes for the first Mexican wave to initiate a semblance of activity around the stadium that had to wait 39 minutes for the first shot on target – there would only be a further three, rather tame ones, for the rest of the encounter.
The result saw both sides advance to the Round of 16 with Peru beating Australia in the other Group C fixture.
Here’s what we learned from the encounter.
NO TAKERS
With France already qualified for the knockout stages, Didier Deschamps rung the changes for his side’s final group game, making six in total. Captain Hugo Lloris made way for Steve Mandanda while Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi – both on yellow cards – were dropped so as to remove the danger of suspension for the Round of 16.
Thomas Lemar and Steven Nzonzi came into the fray with Kylian Mbappe starting on the bench. Presnel Kimpembe replaced Samuel Umtiti in central defence while Djibril Sidibe came in for Benjamin Pavard at right-back.
With Les Bleus failing to impress in the opening couple of games, this fixture was still significant for many of the fringe players who were afforded an opportunity. Like those ahead of them in the pecking order though, they flattered to deceive.
Mandanda came off his line to smother Christian Eriksen on one occasion but had little to do beyond that. Lemar did try to affect play and looked like one of the more lively attacking players but his final ball was lacking. Meanwhile, Sidibe and Kimpembe weren’t able to stand out either.
Heading into the knockout stages, at least a selection dilemma will not be one of Deschamps’ primary concerns.
Djibril Sidibe was afforded a start.
DOUR DESCHAMPS DISPLAY
It seems criminal that perhaps the most blessed side in terms of attacking talent at the World Cup has produced its first 0-0. Apart from the scoreline the sheer conviction to steer clear of anything approximating to an attack was astounding.
The fact that Olivier Giroud played the entire 90 minutes and ended up with fewer touches than any other starter on both sides, speaks volumes of France failure to penetrate the opposition’s box. Even Mandanda in goal had 32 touches to Giroud’s 24.
To Lemar and Griezmann’s credit, both did try to take on defenders and look to conjure openings but when either of them attempted to do that, they weren’t afforded support around them. The lack of forward runners and movement in general was perplexing. They only got behind the Danish defence once when Dembele broke down the right in the first half but wasn’t able to find a team-mate with his cross.
‘Stay back’: Didier Deschamps.
DANES DISAPPOINT
Given France’s strength in attack and their higher profile as one of the tournament’s serious contenders, the bulk of the criticism for this underwhelming display will naturally be directed towards them but Denmark have no excuse for their part in it as well.
Age Hareide’s side only needed a draw to confirm their progress and played for it. However, with Peru leading for much of their clash with Australia, they were aware that even a defeat would’ve seen them through. Despite that, they refused to attack, mustering just one shot on target in the entire game, a chance that also featured their only key pass.
Given the lack of adventure they exhibited in the preceding two games as well, this was an opportunity to break free of the shackles and test a subdued French side. As it stands, there’s little for them to take encouragement from heading into the knockout stages where they will face an impressive Croatia side.
Who Kjaers about goals?
