Group C Preview

France are first up in group C. The hosts and losing finalists of Euro 2016 will be up for righting those wrongs in Russia. Two years ago, they fell at the final hurdle to a determined and well-drilled Portuguese side. Despite the defeat, they showed that their exciting and young squad is good enough to battle with the best in Europe. This summer, they’ll show that they can take on the world. A glance at this squad will tell you that they are a side lined with talent. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, and Blaise Matuidi will undoubtedly create endless chances whilst simultaneously running the midfield and showing they are capable of scoring one or two themselves. There was a scare just days before the tournament began when Kylian Mbappe picked up an injury in training. It would be a blow for him to miss the tournament; however, it can be argued that they’ll probably have enough depth. Possible candidates to replace the PSG forward include Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir, so scoring goals won’t be an issue.

If France head into each of these matches with all guns blazing, then it is hard to see them dropping any points, but their opposition should still relish the chance to test themselves against one of the best sides in the world.

The Danish are always a tidy, efficient outfit, and this summer will be no different. They have many recognised names, none more so than Kasper Schmiechel and Christian Eriksen. They are part of the solid spine which should see Denmark safely through to the last 16 at least, their contest with France on 26th June may even result in being a chance for the Danish to pip their opposition to top spot. Eriksen will be looking to control how things go in the middle of the park and their success depends on how often they can get the ball to him. They failed to qualify for Brazil four years ago but they could almost fit into the dark horse category in Russia but at the same time, they are good enough to do well and not surprise anyone. I’m looking forward to watching the Danish and I’m sure I wont be the only one.

The Socceroo’s are always great to watch at World Cups. They were in the group of death in South Africa and despite losing all three group games, they did put up a good fight and by no means disgraced themselves. Coming up against Spain, the Netherlands and Chile will always be a tough ask and it was their second group game against the Dutch which will be remembered for Tim Cahill's outstanding volley to bring Australia level. He is a hero down under and as this will be his final world cup, he’ll want to go out in the best way possible. This time round, their group opposition looks a bit nicer on paper and a place in the last 16 can’t be ruled out. However, their best chance of maximum points will come against South American outfit Peru as France and Denmark will be too strong, unfortunately. If they can pick up a point against either of their European opposition, then it will qualify as a successful tournament for the Socceroo’s.

The fourth and perhaps the least known side in group C will have had a monumental trip from South America. It’s been a good while since Peru last featured on the world stage. 1982 in Spain saw them draw two and lose one of their three group games. They will be hard pressed to top their best World Cup finish. A quarter final finish in Mexico in 1970 won’t be on the agenda in Russia. They will be favourites to finish bottom of their group; however, like all smaller nations, they will be going hell for leather in Russia. Their match up with Australia should be an interesting tussle;vit will undoubtedly decide which side will finish bottom. It may have been over three decades since they last appeared at a World Cup, but in more recent times, they have a decent record at other tournaments. In 2015 they came third in the Copa America, and a year later they reached the quarter finals just a year later. Both good runs came under the management of Ricardo Gareca, a man who will be leading Peru into Russia and if he returns to South America with a point or two, it will be seen as a positive tournament, given the difficulty of their group.