World Cup 2018: Group C Preview
In a squad littered with young stars, perhaps none of them shine as bright as Antoine Griezmann, the always-reliable striker.
France
FIFA Rank: #7
Qualified as: Winners of UEFA Group A
The Skinny
France has had one of the most bizarre World Cup track records in recent history. In 1998, they won their first-ever World title on their home soil. Four years later, they crashed out in group play. In 2006, they returned to the Final where they lost in penalty kicks. In 2010, they were once again eliminated in the group stages. Needless to say, Les Bleus will be looking to buck the trend this time by building on their quarterfinal run 4 years ago. They certainly have the talent to do so; their starting XI is chock full of mouthwatering talent, with stars from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1. The only barrier may be their youth-- do they have the mental fortitude to do what they couldn't do in the Euros two years ago, and take the final step to the top of the mountain?
The Best XI
This was one of the tougher starting lineups to formulate; there were some good, good names I had to hypothetically leave on the bench. Ultimately, it only makes sense to me that France would have at least 3 in attack. Atlético Madrid's Griezmann has been France's best player for at least 2 years now, and Olivier Giroud, laugh all you want, has been one of their most consistent. Behind them, PSG's Kylien Mbappe is one of the most electrifying young talents in the World. In midfield, N'Golo Kante has staked his claim as one of the most important central midfielders of all; and while Paul Pogba's Man United form has dipped, he remains a vital cog to this France team. If there is a discernible weakness in the Starting XI, it might be the outside backs. But, young as they may be, Lucas Hernández and Benjamin Mendy have proven valuable for Atlético and Manchester City; why not France?
Australia
FIFA Rank: #40
Qualified as: 3rd Place in AFC Group B and winner of playoffs vs. Syria and Honduras
The Skinny
Ever since exploding on to the scene in 2006, the Socceroos have been a consistent presence in the World Cup. Though they failed to match the knockout stage (and nearly quarterfinal) run of that 2006 team in the last two editions, they've always been good for competitive results and scintillating goals. This time around, those two things are probably the best Australia can hope for, as their talent has taken a significant dip even since their 2015 Asian Cup triumph.
The Best XI
By no logic should Tim Cahill be starting in a World Cup. Not only is he 38 years old, he hasn't even played for any club in over a year; that's almost unheard of for an outfield player. But why would we doubt him? Probably Australia's best player ever, Cahill was 34 years old and not playing very well for New York Red Bulls at the time of the last tournament, and that didn't stop him from being Australia's best option in attack then! The good news is, between Hertha Berlin's Matthew Leckie and Huddersfield Town star Aaron Mooy, there are some good supporting options for him in attack. Captain and Aston Villa icon Mile Jedinak will anchor the midfield well. Where Australia's XI gets nervy is at the back; the most-capped defender on their squad is 25-year old center back Trent Sainsbury, who plays in the Swiss League.
Peru
FIFA Rank: #11
Qualified as: 5th place in CONMEBOL and winners of playoff vs. New Zealand
The Skinny
La Blanquirroja is one of the feel-good stories of their Cup, making their first tournament appearance since 1982, a qualifying feat that shut down the country in celebration. Peru has in recent years showed their competitive level in domestic tournaments, advancing to the semifinals of the last 3 Cópa Americas, but until last year, was not able to qualify for the big one. Qualification in South America is no joke, but that doesn't mean their FIFA Ranking isn't more than a little inflated. With many of their best players being over the age of 33, the Peru squad may struggle to keep up with the level of their European counterparts in this group.
The Best XI
Speaking of aged stars...welcome back to Paolo Guerrero! The 34-year old striker has been Peru's most significant player in decades, and it would have been a shame if he missed their World Cup for a questionable drug test ruling. As for who will supplement him in attack: fellow strikers Jefferson Farfán (also a Peruvian fútbol icon) and Watford's André Carrillo will help, as will São Paulo's Christian Cueva. In the back line, 34-year old vet Alberto Rodríguez will be joined by familiar faces Luis Advíncula and Christian Ramos, who have 67 Caps apiece.
Denmark
FIFA Rank: #12
Qualified as: 2nd Place in UEFA Group E and winners of playoff vs. Ireland
The Skinny
Denmark went to back-to-back quarterfinals in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, but it's been rough sailing since; De Rød-Hvide only qualified for the 2010 World Cup up to now, and that appearance went poorly, falling in the Group Stages. This time around, they'll feel as if they have a better chance at emulating the better Dane squads, thanks to their plethora of European league talent. Indeed, other than a shock loss to Montenegro, their qualification was fairly smooth sailing; even though Poland's group victory sent them to the playoff, they pelted Irish hearts with an easy 5-1 win.
The Best XI
Denmark's lineup is all about Christian Eriksen. The Tottenham Hotspur dynamo is arguably the most important player for his club, and already has become the most important player on the Danish side. Don't tell that to "Lord Bendtner", the former Arsenal great; the effusive striker gets the start here, as do Eredivisie regulars Jørgenson and Schöne. Veterans William Kvist and Michael Krohn-Delhi control proceedings in the middle of the park, while Leicester star keeper Kasper Schmeicel commands a defense that includes Chelsea youngster Andreas Christensen and Sevilla captain Simon Kjær.
Group Prediction
As stated above, I expect Peru's age will be more of a drawback than a benefit against 3 speedy opponents. And though I would be surprised to see anyone but France top this group, don't be surprised in the least to see Denmark give them a run for it.