World Cup: Day 3

Early start today - one eye on my work, one eye on the Argentina game. And straight away there's a VAR penalty for holding, exactly the same as the one not given for Maguire yesterday.

The VAR gives you many things, but not consistency.

Wow, the Skunks are leading Argentina.

Well!!

Great second goal to be fair.

Probably the best thing about this particular World Cup – games being beamed in not just at the wrong time of day, but also at the "wrong" time of year, and now we have a sensational group game going on for those who are bunking off work.

Makes a nice change from the misery of watching Everton at the moment.

The noise the Saudi fans are creating is fantastic. Brilliant atmosphere.

The team spirit, commitment and aggression has been a joy to watch. USA in the first half yesterday, Wales in the second, Saudis today getting stuck in and fighting for it. The tackle just before when Messi? was through on goal was sublime.

I was just thinking if there is any need for this Saudi Arabian goalkeeper to keep on falling to the floor every time he catches the ball, until I realised who's down the other end. Probably the biggest time waster of them all!

Love the way the Saudis are still playing that high line in defence!

Although there are about 8 players in that line.

Eight minutes added on time, means there has been a total of 78 minutes added on time in games played so far. Almost a complete game!

Just caught the end of the Saudi Arabia game. They were brilliant. Good on them. Like you say, Tony, so good to see the passion of these players

That was superb.

Great win, deserved, hope Lampard was watching... might learn something! Right, need to sleep.

Saudi Arabia "stun" Argentina 2-1.

Any other World Cup I'd say well done, in this current climate somehow I smell a sinister rat somewhere.

Argentina looked poor, second half in particular. Saudi Arabia deserved the win and wanted it way more, along with two good goals, one was a cracker.

Rob, they might just be trying to get the most use out of the stadiums as possible.

Jim,

I don't know how they're one of the favourites, Messi, 35, was poor, Di Maria and Otamendi still in the first 11, I couldn't understand how MacAllister – who has been terrific for Brighton – didn't get a chance from the bench.

Great intensity and aggression from Saudi Arabia from start to finish.

I hope that player is okay. It looked nasty and a lot of the players looked concerned, some actually distressed.

Second goal was a beauty. No-one is stopping that.

I always try to defend keepers and even though the first was a nice, classic finish into the corner, I thought the keeper, for some reason left an air gap by leaving the ground before going to ground. If he had just gone to ground quickly, he might have got that. Maybe I over-analysed it and am being harsh. It was just a thought at the time.

Not taking anything away from the Saudis. Total commitment and desire that Argentina didn't seem to bring onto the pitch with them considering their talent and ability.

Guess who backed the Argies to win it?

Sigh... but early days yet!

The second Saudi goal was a beauty, Danny, but I actually thought the first goal was even better, mate!

Wow, the referee didn't comply with the VAR. Never seen that happen but seems like the correct call.

Yes ref got that right, but again consistency?

Michael

There isn't any. That ref was an old-fashioned sensible type but he's in a minority.

Pretty amazing atmosphere at this Mexico - Poland game.

Still 0-0 after Lewandowski's penalty was saved.

So 9 goals combined from 6 games and 8 goals in the other game alone. England the great entertainers.

Early days yet, but from what I've seen so far, England have been the best team in the tournament…. So far.

Love the old British colonial era Advance Australia Fair – although Waltzing Matilda is a better sing a long.

Cheers Andrew.

I've noticed a lot in this World Cup the referees having a word with defenders and attackers prior to a corner kick, telling them, I presume, to stop any pushing and shoving. Why not just keep quiet, and let the corner kick come in, and if there's any pushing, shoving or shirt pulling then either award the defending team a free kick or the attacking team a penalty. It's already happened in this France v Australia game. Let's see the referees be brave enough to award a penalty from any pushing or pulling etc.

Tim Cahill!!!

Second shock result of the day on the cards, as Australia take the lead.

Wow!

Great direct move, great finish!

“Whispering” Jonathan Pearce on commentary…

Quick turnaround by France. Rabiot and Giroud make it 2-1. Going to be a long 60 minutes for Australia now.

Would take Giroud all day long. Doubt his wife has changed her mind though.

Do wives ever change their minds about where they want to live?

Yeah Mike, mine said she wanted to live with me,…then she changed her mind!

Without Pogba and Kante, France are way more offensive basically playing five attackers. The defense looks suspect though.

Harry Kane to have a scan on Wednesday on the ankle he injured on Monday against Iran. I remember Tony Abrahams saying there was no need for Kane to come out for the second half as the game was already won. Winning games, and ultimately the World Cup is far more important than personal glory for Kane, who was hoping to win the golden boot for the second time. Mind you, if England can score six goals, without Kane getting on the scoresheet, maybe he wont be missed after all.

I watched the news coverage on Kane this morning. In slow motion, that looks a nasty twist. Should have taken him off.

Great start from the Australians last night. Sort of reminded me of the USA against Wales. Started bright and energetic but tired and faded. Even quicker but they were up against the World Champions and arguably Europe's best bet to win the competition.

France look strong.

Quick one on Giroud. I seem to recall some scepticism when we were allegedly linked with him a few seasons back. I have gladly welcomed him.

He would be a massive loss to England, imo Rob, and that's why I couldn't understand him coming out for the second half the other night.

Don't get me wrong, there are times that I think Kane comes to deep, and slows England down, but I think he's an exceptional footballer, and is very, very important to the way England play.

Having Wilson, in the squad, might just give England another important dimension, (he can run in behind) but without Kane, I don't think England, will be so effective, and that's why I couldn't understand the decision to keep him on the pitch, once the game was already won on Monday.