World Cup Round-up: Exits For Balogun And Ryan

Brighton & Hove Albion duo Maty Ryan and Leon Balogun saw their respective FIFA World Cup journeys end on Tuesday.

Ryan and Australia fell to a 2-0 defeat against Peru in Sochi, as a first-half strike from Andre Carrillo and a Paolo Guerrero goal after the break put an end to the Socceroos’ campaign.

Elsewhere in Group C, Denmark drew 0-0 against France in a result which meant that both teams advanced to the next stage of the tournament at the expense of Bert van Marwijk’s men.

Meanwhile, Nigeria and Balogun exited the competition after a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in St Petersburg.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a wonderful strike, before Chelsea’s Victor Moses levelled the scores from the penalty spot, which put the Super Eagles on course for a place in the last 16. But Marcos Rojo’s brilliant close-range effort secured the second qualification spot in Group D.

In the other group game, Croatia beat Iceland by the same scoreline to make it three wins from three games in Group D.

Jose Izquierdo is now the sole Albion representative at the tournament, as Colombia prepare to take on Senegal in Group H on Thursday afternoon.

A win for Jose Pekerman’s side would secure a place in the knockout stages of the tournament and set up a clash with either Belgium or Gareth Southgate’s England in the last 16 of the competition.

A point could also be enough to secure a qualification berth, should Poland beat Japan in the other group game.