Moving on from simple glance would be enough to claim World Cup Group C should be a highly interesting one.
As one of the tournament favourites, France are expected to put in a strong show in the first stage of the competition whereas it is likely to go down between Denmark and Peru when it comes to the runners-up place.
Australia
ICYMI: Our 26-man squad for the pre-tournament training camp in Turkey and friendly match against Czech Republic.
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos)
The Socceroos are heading to Russia for their fifth ever World Cup appearance.
Australia suffered a disappointing faith at the 2014 World Cup and will be hoping to make amends for a frustrating group stage elimination which came as a direct consequence to defeats at the hands of the Netherlands, Chile and Spain.
The Australian national team will definitely be out to replicate – and even surpass – their biggest achievement to date at the World Cup stage in 2006. The Socceroos reached the Last 16 stage but were then eliminated by the eventual winners Italy after a 95th-minute penalty.
They will have every chance to hope for a positive result this time around, knowing their team is composed of a string of notable players most of which are plying their trade in Europe.
Team News
Former Everton man Tim Cahill remains the one to watch despite his age. The Australian star scored 11 goals during the qualifiers to singlehandedly push Socceroos towards qualification. Aaron Mooy, Matthew Ryan and Mile Jedinak will be expected to use their international experience to lead their team forward.
Denmark
Her er de 35 spillere, som Åge Hareide netop har udtaget til VM-bruttotruppen.
— Dansk Boldspil-Union (@DBUfodbold)
The 1992 European Champions are returning to the world stage for the first time since 2010. Denmark will fancy their chances in Russia – in the group stage at least – knowing their last World Cup appearance was finished in this phase of the competition.
Denmark have yet to go past the World Cup quarterfinals but if they manage to overcome strong challenges against the likes of France and Peru, then anything is possible. The Danes will be eager to prove their worth after being forces to work hard for their Russian visa. They qualified for the World Cup after beating The Republic of Ireland in the play-offs.
Team News
Tottenham ace Christian Eriksen is Denmark’s key player and definitely the one who is expected to lead his team forward. He scored 8 goals in 10 qualifying games and will be the one to watch.
Nicklas Bentdnet could possible be given his final chance to shine. Former Arsenal striker to this date remains one of the most ridiculed players but 30 goals to his name make him Denmark’s current top scorer.
France
Notre équipe pour la Coupe du Monde
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance)
Didier Deschamps is blessed with one of the most talented squads in the world. The French national team includes some of the hottest prospects in world football and will definitely head over to Russia as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Les Bleus will not lack any motivation following the Euro 2016 home-soil disappointment and will march forward in a strong pace. Didier Deschamps made a step away from the European Championship by including only nine players that took part in the last major competition.
His 23-man list included several surprises and only six players who took part in the 2014 World Cup.
Team News
Dimitri Payet is the most notable omission but Marseille star suffered an injury in the Europa League final and Deschamps did not want any risks. Another high-profile absentee is Manchester United winger Anthony Martial.
On the other side, former Newcastle United flop Florian Thauvin made the cut following his impressive season. Leading the line in attack are Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann who could be on his way out of Atletico Madrid straight after the World Cup appearance.
A la fecha, esta es la lista provisional de jugadores de Perú para Rusia 2018 y sobre la cual el Profesor Gareca hablará hoy en conferencia.
— Selección Peruana (@SeleccionPeru)
It’s been a while since Peru last appeared at the World Cup and going to Russia is already a prize for the South American nation. The Peruvians last appeared at the World Cup in 1982 and will be considered major underdogs to achieve a notable result this year.
Peru beat New Zealand in the play-offs to secure their World Cup ticket and will be going to Russia in high spirits knowing their success in the qualification kept a side such as Chile at home and without a pop at international glory.
Peru boast a team packed with talents competing in the MLS, whereas a couple of players also possess a wealth of international experience.
Team News
Yoshimar Yotun travels to Russia as the most capped player in the team, having made over 70 appearances for Peru to this date. The experienced Jefferson Farfan is another commanding force in the team. Former Schalke winger and current Lokomotiv Moscow star got his name on the score sheet in Peru’s 2-0 win over New Zealand which sealed their World Cup ticket.
Peru striker and captain Paolo Guerrero is set to miss the 2018 World Cup in Russia due to a drug ban after testing positive for a cocaine metabolite in October 2017.
Betting Odds
are the two favourites to finish the Group stage of the competition as a rock-bottom side of group C. It’s going to be a tough battle, although Peru’s spirit can’t be disregarded that easily.
France can be found at a 7/1 price to lift the coveted trophy in Russia, whereas Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann is given to finish the tournament as top scorer.
