THEARCHV

World Cup · Day 12

France and Argentina hold firm.

Norway edge a five-goal tie; Algeria fight back.

Group I and J took the floor and the favourites held firm. France brushed Iraq aside three nil, ruthless once they found the opener. Argentina did it the hard way, a single goal enough to see off a stubborn Austria. The day belonged to the underdogs in the other two ties. Norway and Senegal traded blows in a five-goal game, Norway winning it three two. And Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan two one, a result that keeps their group alive into the final round. No giants fell, but two of them were made to sweat. The picture at the top is taking shape.