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World Cup News :: Group C Preview : France, Denmark, Peru, Australia

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Posted on 2018-06-06 by Lamps

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World Cup 2018 : Group C Preview :

FRANCE

France are the favourites to win Group C priced at 1.44. The Euro 2016 runners up have a very talented young squad but the fear is that their lack of experience at major tournaments could hurt them down the stretch in the knock out stages.

Didier Deschamps topped their qualifying group ahead of Sweden and the Netherlands finishing with a 7-2-1 record, scoring 18 goals and conceding 6. The loss came in Sweden and they dropped points against lowly Belarus and Luxembourg however it would be a shock if they didn’t win the group. Only Brazil and Germany are as short as France to qualify for the knockouts and they are the side to beat.

Griezmann is the key for this team but I expect big things from Mbappe. Against Peru and Australia the goals should be easy to come and it would be a surprise if Denmark were to beat them. Varane and Umtiti are a strong pairing at the back and with Lloris in goal it’s going to take some performance from someone to stop Les Bleus winning the group.

DENMARK

The Danes look the only threat to France to win this group and can be backed at 6.50 to do so. This big physical side are likely to play a direct style but can also rely on the excellent playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Tottenham man created 41 chances during the qualifiers more than anyone else and also netted an impressive 11 times (tied 3rd).

Age Hareide’s side qualified via the playoffs after finishing 5 points behind Poland. However, Denmark saw off Ireland following a famous win in Dublin, inspired by an excellent Eriksen performance with the number 10 scoring a hattrick in the second leg.

Denmark have goals in them scoring 20 times in qualifying and then 5 against Ireland. With their game against France scheduled for matchday 3. The Danes will be hoping to do the damage early on in the group guaranteeing a place in the last 16 ahead of the group decider.

PERU

Not many will know much about Peru but those that do will be fully aware of the Paolo Guerrero story which has dominated the headlines in recent weeks. The captain and record goal scorer has been cleared to play in Russia following a doping ban. If anyone believes in fairy tales and fancies the veteran to inspire Peru to a shock Group C win they can be backed at 13.00

Ricardo Gareca’s side qualified for their first World Cup finals in 36 years via the playoffs defeating New Zealand. This is a confident team having not lost a game since November 2016 currently unbeaten in 14 at the time of writing. Many won’t take them seriously but any team that finishes above Chile in CONMEBOL qualifying deserves respect.

This is not a recognisable team with most of squad based in South America. Their biggest names are strikers Farfan and Guerrero, however the latter will enter the tournament lacking match practice following his ban. Both are into their 30’s and this is likely to be their farewell tournament for the national side.

They have done remarkable to get here but it’s hard to see them challenging the top 2. Peru must cause a shock against Denmark in their opening game to give them a chance one would feel.

AUSTRALIA

The Socceroos are the outsiders to win the group at 23.00 and it’s highly likely that they finish 4th in Group C. Australia are looking to build on their decent showing in 2014 World Cup despite losing all 3 games. However, this looks a poorer side now to then but with Peru and Denmark not the most feared sides they will feel they could cause a big shock and finish in the top 2.

Bert van Marwijk’s side finished 3rd behind Japan and Saudi Arabia in a poor qualifying campaign. Australia eventually made it to Russia via the playoffs seeing off both Syria and Honduras. The team is expected to set up defensively against France and Denmark looking to counter with the likes of Leckie, Mooy and Kruse. However, if they fall behind it's hard to see them chasing the game without being exposed defensively.

The 38 year old Cahill is still relied upon and whilst he’s likely to start on the bench it sums up the lack of depth in the squad from 4 years ago. Opening their campaign against France could put them on the back foot early on and this is not a team that will be comfortable looking to attack teams with the quality of Denmark in game 2. It’s very likely that the Soceroos will be eliminated even before they face Peru in match day 3.

THE BETTING VERDICT

I can’t look past the 2 favourites here. France have a very strong side and have match winners all over the park. Les Bleus open their account against Australia and it’s likely that they get off to a flyer in Group C. With their confidence up it’s unlikely that they then fail to see off Peru ahead of a potential group decider with Denmark.

The Danes look a stronger side than Peru on paper who I feel will struggle playing outside of South America. With Eriksen in their team they can beat anyone on their day but apart from him there is no world class player in their team which could be the difference between them and France.

Peru look a strong bet to see off Australia for 3rd place. Despite potential struggles against France and Denmark they may have too much for the Socceroos. Australia needed extra time to see off Syria and we could see them finish the group on 0 points just like in 2014.

THE BET

France to win the group with Denmark in second looks a decent play in Group C and I will be on the forecast at a generous 2.50 with Bet365

Good Luck

 

Sourced From : Gooners Guide To World Cup Betting

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