World Cup Preview Group C

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The 2018 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner. After a great display at the 2014 rendition, the USMNT  will be looking to prove they are among the best in the world. With some fresh faces in this year’s tournament, as well as a few heavy favorites, here is the complete breakdown of the field of 32.

Group C - France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

France

Odds to win: 11-2

Finish in 2014 WC: Lost to Germany in Quarterfinals

Most Important Player: Paul Pogba was, at one point, the most expensive footballer on the planet. His fee of 89.3 million pounds completed his move back to boyhood club Manchester United in 2016. The central midfielder is touted as one of the best attacking players in the Premier League, as well as the highest paid. Pogba can change any game with a single pass, and will look to lead his team (and ridiculously scary front line of Mpabbe, Lemar, Griezmann, and co.)

Why they have a chance to win: As hosts of EURO 2016, France advanced to the final, only to fall to champions Portugal.  They lineup boasts some of the top players in world football. Not only that, of the 14 players that were fielded in that final, 12 of them were 30 years old or younger, and 4 of them were under the age of 23! This young team now has some real ballers on their roster, and these players have the experience to not shy away from the big stage. France is a real favorite for this summer, and I expect them to flex their muscles for the group stage.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: France had a very strong roster going into the 2010, before controversy struck. There was dissension in the locker room between the players and manager Raymond Domenech, leading to a boycott before their third group stage game. The team failed to advance beyond the first stage, and new manager Laurent Blanc requested the federation to suspend all 23 players. Point it, France have a great chance to make a deep run in the World Cup, and something that would prevent that would be a dramatic locker room blowout. With so many superstars on the squad, it is always a possibility.  

Australia

Odds to win: 250-1

Finish in 2014 WC: 4th in Group B

Most Important Player: Timmy Cahill, the everlasting Aussie striker, has proven that he just does not age. He is a perennial goalscorer, and his country is always relying on him to deliver. I would imagine that Tim (assuming he makes the World Cup roster)
UPDATE: Cahill hasn't played soccer since December sooo...I would still take him on the team, bring the leadership and the passion to Russia! If Australia don't take him, I would default to one of the greatest beards to grace the game. 
CAPTAIN MILE (me-lay) JEDINAK!!!

Why they have a chance to win: Well, Australia aren't exactly world-beaters, but they can put up a fight. Put into the "group of death" for the 2014 World Cup with Spain, the Netherlands, and Chile, they stood very little chance and finished with 0 points. I could see Australia beating or tying Peru and Denmark, giving them a route to the knockout round! While the A-League is also not the best quality, most of the international players are abroad, and are able to bring their experience back to their country. This could also play a factor. Only 3 players listed on their roster are playing their club ball in Australia. I would file the Aussies under "Dark horse potential". 

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: There is a very good chance they don't pick up a point for the second World Cup in a row. I mean, they needed to go through a play-off with Syria to actually qualify for this summer. If they also do not bring Timmy Cahill to Russia...I am predicting 3 losses for the Aussies.

Peru

Odds to win: 200-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Last qualified in 1982

Most Important Player: After talisman forward Paolo Guerrero was found to have cocaine in his system, there is now only one player on the roster with more than 10 international goals. I think Jefferson Farfan, the 33 year old winger, will have to lead his team's front line and create most of the opportunities for Peru. He is a journeyman, and has played for clubs in 5 different countries in the last 17 years. Now playing in Russia for Lokomotiv Moscow, this summer should fit right in for Farfan.

Why they have a chance to win: Oh boy. Peru is currently ranked 11th in the world and I don't know what to think. A team that hasn't qualified for the World Cup in over 30 years, a lot is riding in this summer to be a success. WIll Peru see success as advancing to the knockout round? Or will they have the expectation of making it to at least the quarterfinals? For me, they are ranked too high to just crash out of the group stage, and they may pull off a surprise upset against France or impress the world against Denmark.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Peru has been in the international shadow for over 30 years, tied Chile with points in the qualifiers and only had the edge on goal differential, and on top of all of that still had a play-off against New Zealand. They had to go through hell to get to Russia, and I just do not think they are good enough to stick around. If you showed me Peru's resume (tying Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela; beating Uruguay) I would not peg this team at #11 in the world!

Denmark

Odds to win: 80-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Last qualified in 2010

Most Important Player: If you had asked me one year ago, I would have said attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen (blows my mind he is only 25). The Tottenham Hotspur player was pivotal to club and country in 2017, but the team has has taken a bit of a dip as of late. Although Spurs have started to turn things back around, I think the more important player for Denmark will be Andreas Christensen, the Chelsea Center back. I think his arrival to the Chelsea backline has been a godsend for Antonio Conte and his imposing 6'2" frame will sure up the Danish defense.

Why they have a chance to win: Finishing second behind a very strong Poland team in UEFA qualifying, Denmark did well to pounce on Ireland in the second leg to advance to the World Cup. They have a host of forwards and midfielders that can score, and I think as long as their defense and starting goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel are able to keep things organized, they have a chance. Since Denmark hasn't qualified for the World Cup since 2010, this is the first one for many if not all of their big players.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Denmark DID have to go through the play-off process in UEFA qualifying, but smacked Ireland around 5-1 over two legs. The current world #12 is placed into a tough group with France (#9), Peru (#11), and Australia (#36). Every team has a chance to move on* and I could see Denmark surprisingly fall to Peru, although that wouldn't technically be an upset.

*Except Australia 

Group C:

4TR Sports Predicts

1. France

2. Denmark

3. Peru

4. Australia


As always, let me know how wrong I definitely am, or what your group prediction is.

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