THURSDAY’S GAMES

ARGENTINA VS. CROATIA 2 p.m.

Lionel Messi is going to have a hard time keeping up with Cristiano Ronaldo at this year’s World Cup. The Argentina great had a penalty kick saved during his team’s tournament-opening 1-1 draw with Iceland. At 31, this could be Messi’s last World Cup, and Thursday’s match against Croatia is crucial as the longtime Barcelona forward tries to deliver his first major title for Argentina. Messi’s biggest rival, Ronaldo, seems less burdened during what could also be his final World Cup run. Croatia leads Group D after its 2-0 win over Nigeria, and another victory would put Argentina in a precarious position. Veteran midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic shined in the opener, with Modric scoring one goal and setting up another. Croatia hasn’t advanced past the group stage since 1998, and this could be the last chance for Modric, Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, all of whom are over 30.

DENMARK VS. AUSTRALIA 8 a.m.

Australia, the decided underdog in a group that features three teams in the top 11 of the FIFA rankings, gets another tough matchup after dropping its opener to France. A loss to Denmark — which is unbeaten in its last 16 international matches — would make it very difficult for the Socceroos to advance. Denmark will move on without starting midfielder William Kvist, who fractured two ribs and was sent home for treatment. He is not expected to play again in the tournament no matter how far Denmark advances.

FRANCE VS. PERU 11 a.m.

Tens of thousands of Peru fans have followed their team to the most remote city in this World Cup — Yekaterinburg, which is roughly 1,056 miles east of Moscow, a 25-hour drive that includes a pass over the Ural Mountains.The question for France and coach Didier Deschamps heading into the tournament was whether his young, talented team could play together effectively. France’s uneven opener didn’t provide a clear answer, and Deschamps could change his lineup or tactics, although he hasn’t specified how.