FIFA World Cup 2018: Group C Preview

After talking about the first two groups, it’s time to look at Group C of FIFA World Cup 2018. It comprises of Australia, Denmark, France and Peru.

Let’s take a look at contenders.

Australia:

The Oceania side is making their back to back appearances in the World Cup albeit their team management is facing heavy criticism from their country. Their decision to take veteran attacking player Tim Cahill in their squad has fetched them a lot of backlash from the media and fans alike.

After a successful 2015 AFC Asia Cup that the country hosted and won, their path to the World Cup was a bit difficult. They were the 31^st team to qualify after a close two-legged tie against Syria.Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk, who guided the Netherlands to the final of 2010 World Cup, took over the reigns of the Socceroos and has retained the spine of the team. Mile Jedinak, Aaron Mooy and Robert Kruse still have been given pivotal goals.

However, their probability to emulate their best ever finish in the round of 16 seems unlikely.

Key Players: Tim Cahill, Mikel Jedinak

Verdict: Group Stage

Denmark:

Denmark have been a topsy-turvy side on the international scene. Bolstering with talent around the pitch, their inability to put it together as a whole has always went amiss.

The team has made its comeback to an international competition after failing to qualify for the World Cup 2014 and UEFA Euro Cup 2016 as they were victorious against Republic of Ireland in qualification play-offs.

Norwegian coach Age Hareide has steadied the ship and has restored faith in players in their ability.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspurs attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen forms the central point of the team. Nicklas Bendtner has always been effective whenever he is deployed up-top. Captain Simon Kjaer is gaining a reputation in the footballing world as one of the best defenders.

Key Players: Christian Eriksen, Nicklas Bendtner, Viktor Fischer

Verdict: Round of 16

France:

1998 FIFA World Cup champions France are once again one of the favourites in this tournament.

The team has seen a recent resurgence in their ethos and have been gifted with breathtaking talent all around the pitch.

From Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann to Tottenham Hotspurs’ Hugo Lloris, Real Madrid’s Rafael Varane and Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte, it is clear the country has produced players who represent the biggest clubs in the world.

After a disappointing loss against Portugal in the final of the UEFA Euro 2016, coach Didier Deschamps will be looking to avenge that loss.The team is capable of winning the World Cup if their team follows their gameplan and can be unplayable on their day.

In fact, This is one of the most important tournaments for the European side as their current crop of players is arguably the best in history and they would be remiss if they didn’t mount a significant charge to the title.

Key Players: Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante, Antoine Griezmann

Verdict: Finals

Peru:

The South American nation is making its return to the footballing bonanza after a 36-year hiatus. The eleventh-ranked side in the world has earned their way back and can be a real force to be reckoned with.

Led by a veteran duo of Alberto Rodriguez and Jefferson Farfan, the team has banked on resolute will.

Argentinean Ricardo Gareca was appointed the coach of the nation in 2015 and has given his all to reinstate former glory.

The team has a tough task cut out for them as they will be taking on three teams who are well adept in cup-games.

Key Players: Jefferson Farfan, Edinson Flores, Christian Ramos

Verdict: Group Stage