FIFA World Cup 2018: What to watch out for on day 8

FIFA World Cup 2018: What to watch out for on day 8

Sky Tshabalala brings you everything you need to know about day eight's matches at the FIFA World Cup which is underway in Russia. 

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Denmark vs Australia – Kick-Off at 2:00pm

The Socceroos need a win to keep their playoff chances alive while Denmark can go top of Group C with victory.

Australia have only made it out of the group stages on one occasion at the World Cup in Germany back in 2006. 

Denmark began their World Cup campaign with a victory against a Peru side making their first appearance in the competition since 1982. 

The tournament's youngest player, 19-year-old Daniel Arzani, was introduced in Saturday's defeat for Australia and could start against Denmark.

France vs Peru – Kick-Off at 5:00pm

Both teams are expected to name unchanged starting XI from their opening games.

France have been boosted by the news that striker Antoine Griezmann has been declared fit after picking up a knock in the opening match.

Peru are competing in their first World Cup finals since 1982 and more than 40,000 Peruvians have travelled to Russia to cheer them on.

A win for Le Bleus should be good enough to see them advance to the last 16 while defeat for South Americans will almost guarantee them a flight back home. 

Argentina vs Croatia – Kick-Off at 8:00pm

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is reportedly considering abandoning the 4-2-3-1 formation used against Iceland in favour of a 3-4-3 system.

The Croats are without striker Nikola Kalinic who has been sent home after refusing to come on as a substitute against Nigeria, citing a back problem.

A win for the Europeans will guarantee them a place in the last 16.

It's simply a must-win match for Argentina.

Argentina defender Gabriel Mercado: "This is a vital game. We need to win to go ahead of them.

"We know that Croatia has those two players in the centre (Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic) who have good control of the ball. They try to take a lead role too and they have other very good players."

Read: Faking your football knowledge during the World Cup

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