Group Overview
Tincho (@MP_persources): France is certainly the main attraction of the group considering the amount of World class players Didier Deschamps has called up but the remainder of the group is as competitive and within reach as you would expect in a World Cup. Peru shocked South America by narrowly qualifying to the intercontinental playoff by riding an unstoppable momentum that saw them leave Copa America champions Chile at home. Denmark’s noteable star players are more than capable of making an impact in the summer. Lastly, Australia will look to prove that they deserve to be amongst the best in the World for a fourth straight World Cup. Overall, it seems like it’s France’s group to lose but both Peru and Denmark appear to be trickier than once expected.
Cam (@CamB_PerSources): This group come together by the draw, but all of these teams have something in common. They are able to performance in high intense situation. France, Australia, Peru, and Denmark all had to win their final games to reach Russia 2018. France had to win on final matchday of European Qualification to secure a spot while Denmark had to beat Ireland, Australia had beat Honduras, and Peru had to beat New Zealand to advance. All these teams are lead by can make their case to advance but France are the favorites. France performed in the last major tournament but have a very different team from Brazil. Many players will make world cup debut as they should advance. Denmark, Peru and Australia will battle for a spot but have the talent to take first in the group but will have trouble handling the talent of the French. Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen and Denmark are dark horses in the tournament. The Danes have talent from front to back and will have a great chance to advance to the round of 16 and quarterfinals. Peru will cause issues but will be remiss after top scorer Paolo Guerrero was handed a suspension for doping violations.
Australia have experience but lack the depth and quality could pose issues for teams but not enough to threaten. France and Denmark should advance in my opinion.
Player To Watch:
Tincho: Christian Eriksen
The Tottenham man is playing some of the best football of his career and comes into the World Cup ready to make a name for himself on the big stage. Breathtaking creative player who’s also deadly in set pieces. Eriksen is an unpredictable talent for the Danish side who seem to have brought in the right players at the right time in their careers. Players like Eriksen can help solve a game with just one play. That X factor that I do not think Australia or Peru have.
Cam: Christian Eriksen
The midfield maestro had an excellent season at Tottenham scoring 10 and assisting 10 during the Premier Season. Eriksen single handedly brought Denmark to Russia after his hat-trick in a 5-1 knockout victory against Ireland. Eriksen had brought out the best of his national team teammates including Thomas Delaney, Daniel Wass, and Pione Sisto. Delaney and Wass anchor the midfield while Eriksen goes forward. Sisto provides the width to create space for the front man of Andreas Cornelius and Nicolai Jorgensen. Denmark have the strength to beat nearly any team in their group or in tournament, it will come down to Eriksen and how well he performs.
Biggest Concern:
Tincho: Peru Without Paolo Guerrero
Losing your main focus in attack right before the World Cup can be heartbreaking for any team. Especially for a team like Peru that depended so much on their captain to bail them out during difficult moments. Guerrero had been Peru’s savior for many years prior to the World Cup with Cristiano-like moments during some crucial moments. The fact that Peru will not have enough time to find a tactical replacement for Guerrero concerns me. However, I still believe that Peru are one of the best coached teams in the tournament and they are more than just “Guerrero and 10 other players”. As a collective unit, Gareca’s men are one of the most slept on teams coming into the tournament. A team with nothing to lose but so much to gain is a deadly combination. Don’t be surprised to see Raul Ruidiaz have a memorable tournament and help lead Peru out of the group.
Cam: France’s Expectations
Didier Deschamps has arguably the most talented team at the World Cup, making sure players are happy with playing time could be an issue. A star-studded squad means players will not get minutes and see less of the ball. This France can handle the turbulence and make some real noise in Russia. The French figure they can make at least semi-finals following up on last world cup exiting at the quarterfinal stage. This group of players was close to lifting the European Championship in their home country back in 2016. They will be looking for trophies at the next few major tournaments in the years to come starting now.
Predicted Winners:
Tincho: France
As much as I want to see both Peru and Denmark shock the World this summer, I just do not see how either one of them can dethrone France at the top of the group. I expect this french side to be a more mature and experienced side than the one we saw in 2016. To be quite honest, I do not see many flaws in this France side except a possible lack of a creative midfielder. Even then, I think Pogba and Griezmann can step into that role and facilitate for others. Like in other groups, I think that experience alone can help a team go from second place in the group to winning the group. Too much firepower in France’s lineup to finish anything other than first. Second place however, is up for grabs…..
