World Cup: Daily update from day 2 in Qatar
Denmark hit the woodwork in the second half as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Tunisia in their Group D World Cup opener that smouldered and sparked, but never quite caught fire at the Education City Stadium.
Against a backdrop of raucous noise provided by the thousands of Tunisian fans in the stands, Issam Jebali had a goal ruled out for offside in the 23rd minute but it was Denmark who provided most of the attacking football in the first half.
The Danes upped the tempo in the second, with Christian Eriksen – playing his first World Cup match since recovering from a cardiac arrest suffered at Euro 2020 – firing a rasping left-foot shot that was saved by goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen in the 69th minute, and Andreas Cornelius hitting the post with a close-range header from the resulting corner.
Tunisia defended resolutely and threatened on the counter as the Danes struggled to break them down and, in the end, their fans were delighted with a point that sets them up for their next game against Australia, while Denmark face France.
Relive all the action with our live blog below:
France 2-1 Australia
A lovely give-and-go between T Hernandez and Mbappe sees the former storm into the Australia box and cut it back for the latter…
But Mbappe misses it, only for Griezmann to slide a low shot towards goal, where he’s denied by a terrific goal-line clearance!
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:30
France 2-1 Australia
63 mins: France have a corner on their left now, and it’s whipped in for Konate, who climbs but can only head the ball over the Australia crossbar.
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:26
France 2-1 Australia
61 mins: Chance for France!
Mbappe receives the ball just outside the Australia box with his back to goal. He lays it off to Giroud, who returns the favour by slipping a ball through the defensive line, as Mbappe spins to get on the end of it…
He does, but a crucial late challenge from Rowles denies the PSG forward a clean shot!
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:24
France 2-1 Australia
59 mins: It’s all France right now. They’re staying patient on the ball, while Australia are looking to stay compact and disciplined with their shape.
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:22
France 2-1 Australia
56 mins: Duke, who just picked up a booking, is replaced by Jason Cummings up front for Australia.
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:19
France 2-1 Australia
55 mins: A note that Giroud’s goal saw him move to within one goal of Thierry Henry’s France record of 51.
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:18
France 2-1 Australia
54 mins: A wasted free kick from Mbappe, who curls one over everybody in the Australia box from the left wing, with the ball going out for a goal kick.
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:16
France 2-1 Australia
50 mins: WHAT AN EFFORT!!
Hernandez clips a cross into the Australia box from the left, and Giroud tries a bicycle kick!
It bounces down into the turf and kicks up towards goal… but goes wide!
Great effort from the striker.
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:13
France 2-1 Australia
47 mins: Australia win a corner on their right, but Griezmann heads it away at the near post.
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:10
Alex Pattle22 November 2022 20:08
