Messi Scores Hat-Trick as France, Norway Advance in Openers
The opening round of the North America World Cup on the 16th (17th Japan time) was held in New York and other venues, with defending champions Argentina and runners-up France both starting with wins. Norway and Austria, each making their first appearance in seven editions, also won their opening matches.
Group I France-Senegal
France took control after halftime. In the 66th minute, Mbappe broke through on a through pass to score the opener, and in the 82nd minute Barcola added a second from a sharp counterattack. Senegal cut the deficit to one in stoppage time in the second half through Mbaye's quickstrike goal, but Mbappe immediately struck again with a mid-range shot to put the game out of reach.
Group I Iraq-Norway
Norway made the most of its chances. Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute by meeting a cross, and after being pegged back in the 39th minute, Norway regained the lead by intercepting a back pass to the opposing goalkeeper. In the second half, Estigord added another from a corner, and near the end Haaland's cutback forced an own goal.
Group J Argentina-Algeria
Argentina cruised to victory behind a hat-trick from Messi. He opened the scoring with a mid-range shot in the 17th minute, then converted a loose ball in the 60th minute and scored again with a controlled shot from straight on in the 76th. Messi moved to 16 career World Cup goals, tying Klose's all-time record for Germany. Algeria failed to put a shot on target, dealing a painful loss in its bid to reach the last 16 for the first time in three tournaments.
Group J Austria-Jordan
Austria controlled the match from start to finish. Schmidt scored with a mid-range shot after a flowing passing move in the 20th minute, but Jordan equalised in the 50th. Austria still went back in front in the 76th minute when a corner led to an own goal, and Arnautovic converted a penalty in stoppage time. Debutants Jordan fought back on the counterattack but could not hold firm defensively.
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