The Socceroos are among the competitors in Group C at the World Cup THE Socceroos face an uphill battle to progress from a talent-stacked Group C at the World Cup as they face France, Denmark and Peru, all ranked among the top 12 on the planet. The Aussies shape as rank outsiders to progress, with France clear favourites to top the group, setting the scene for a possible second-place duel between the Danes and the Peruvians. Bert van Marwijk’s Socceroos, however, are building well for the tournament after an intensive training Turkish training camp with the pragmatic Dutchman, and will be hoping to cause an upset or two. Peru return tothe finals after 36 years in the World Cup wilderness, and are riding a wave of national support into the tournament. With captain and premier goal scorer Paolo Guerrero cleared to compete after a tumultuous battle against a drug ban, Ricardo Gareca’s side arrive in Russia on the back of a 14-match unbeaten streak. GROUP A PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS GROUP B PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS In their way stands a talented Danish outfit, geared to get the most out of Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen. Eriksen returns for his second World Cup, eight years after bursting onto the scene as an 18-year-old in 2010 (he was the youngest player to take part in that tournament). The French are among the favourites to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy, but first they’ll need to negotiate this tricky group. Boasting world class talent headlined by the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe, their well-documented depth is expected to yield huge success in Russia. HERE’S YOUR PREVIEW TO GROUP C... FIXTURES: Saturday 16 June: France v Australia @ 8pm Sunday 17 June: Peru v Denmark @ 2am Thursday 21 June: Denmark v Australia @10pm Friday 22 June: France v Peru @ 2am Wednesday 27 June: Australia v Peru @ 12am, France v Demark @ 12am TEAMS: Australia, France, Peru, Denmark Mile Jedinak of Australia trains during the Australian Socceroos Training Session Source: Getty Images AUSTRALIA FIFA Ranking: 40 World Cup appearances: 4 Best World Cup result: Round of 16 in 2006 Odds: $4.50 to progress from group, $301 to win the World Cup Best XI: Ryan (gk), Risdon, Sainsbury, Jurman, Behich, Jedinak (capt), Mooy, Kruse, Rogic, Leckie, Juric SELECTOR: SEE OUR EXPERTS’ BEST ROOS XIS, AND PICK YOUR OWN The Coach: Bert van Marwijk will lead the Aussies in Russia, after taking over from Ange Postecoglou, who stepped down after securing qualification to the tournament. It’s a one-off scenario for the Dutchman, with Graham Arnold to take the reins post-tournament. The Star: Aaron Mooy has made a global name for himself in the Premier League this season with Huddersfield, and now he’ll look to make a similar impact in Australia’s midfield at the World Cup. Why they will progress: The Aussies are famed for their grit at the world’s biggest tournament, and will rely on heart and tactical awareness to earn progression. Why they won’t: Their relative lack of world class quality across the park is well documented, and their personnel might not be up to the task of facing the quality of three sides in the world’s top 12. Socceroo Daniel Arzani (L) will be the youngest player at the World Cup, while Tim Cahill (R) is attempting to become the fourth in history to score at four World Cups Source: Getty Images FRANCE FIFA Ranking: 7 World Cup appearances: 14 Best World Cup result: Winners in 1998 Odds: $1.04 to progress from group, $7 to win the World Cup Best XI: Lloris (gk, capt), Mendy, Varane, Umtiti, Sidibe, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe The Coach: Didier Deschamps led France to the quarter finals in 2014 and to the final of Euro 2016 and now he’ll attempt to steer a new golden generation to the greatest prize in world football. France's head coach Didier Deschamps (C) drives his team's training session Source: AFP The Star: There are so many in a side possessing such depth, but attacking duo Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann shape as the dazzling goal-scoring weapons that will lead the assault. Why they will progress: Their depth and quality is frightening, and the wealth of riches at Deschamps’ disposal could see them demolish the competition in Group C. Why they won’t: Football is a funny game, and especially at a World Cup anything can happen. They’re heavily backed to go deep in this tournament, and the pressure could get to them. France's foward Antoine Griezmann (C) celebrates with France's defender Lucas Hernandez (L) and France's foward Kylian Mbappe (R) Source: AFP PERU FIFA Ranking: 11 World Cup appearances: 4 Best World Cup result: Quarter finalists in 1970 Odds: $2.80 to progress from group, $201 to win the World Cup Best XI: Gallese (gk), Advincula, Rodriguez, Ramos, Trauco, Tapia, Yotun, Farfan, Cueva, Flores, Guerrero (capt) The Coach: Argentine international Ricardo Gareca will coach the Peruvians at their first World Cup in 36 years, his first as a manager. The Star: Captain and striker Paolo Guerrero has been cleared of a drug ban and is set to lead the line. The 34-year-old is a quality goal poacher and has two Copa America golden boots to his name. Peru's Paolo Guerrero, and Pedro Aquino, from left, react after Guerrero scored Source: AP Why they will progress: The entire nation is riding their World Cup dream, with the South American nation ready to show the world that they’re back. On a magnificent run of form in the lead up to the tournament, unbeaten in 14 matches. Why they won’t: This group is a tricky proposition, and the likes of France and Denmark are expected to have too much quality for the Peruvians. DENMARK FIFA Ranking: 12 World Cup appearances: 4 Best World Cup result: Quarter finalists in 1998 Odds: $1.53 to progress from group, $81 to win the World Cup Best XI: Schmeichel (gk), Dalsgaard, Kjaer (capt), Bjelland, Larsen, Schone, Eriksen, Delaney, Poulsen, Jorgenson Sisto The Coach: Norwegian boss Age Hareide will lead them in Russia in his first World Cup appearance as a manager. Denmark's Norwegian head coach Age Hareide takes part in a press conference Source: AFP The Star: The undoubted star of this Danish side is Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen. He’s made quite a name for himself in the Premier League, and will be keen to show what he can do on the world stage. Why they will progress: Eriksen is a remarkable talent and Hareide is gearing his side to get the best out of the midfielder, combined with some good displays from up-and-coming stars – he could lead the Danes deep into the tournament. Why they won’t: It’s a ridiculously hard group to predict, and each match will be crucial. A lack of big game experience could cost them – just three members of their squad have previously played at a World Cup. PREDICTION: FRANCE AND DENMARK TO PROGRESS<doc-sep>A look at the teams in Group C of the 2018 World Cup in Russia: AUSTRALIA FIFA world ranking: 40 Last World Cup: 2014 Advertisement Best World Cup finish: Round of 16, 2006 How qualified: Beat Honduras in interconfederation playoff Key players: GK Mat Ryan, MF Mile Jedinak, MF Aaron Mooy It’s a fact: Interim coach Bert van Marwijk took the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 2010 and guided Saudi Arabia through a successful qualifying campaign in 2017 before resigning in a contract dispute and accepting the Australia job. The skinny: The World Cup remains an enigma for Australia, which seems to have little trouble qualifying but accomplishes little once it gets there. Russia will mark the fourth consecutive tournament visit for the Socceroos, who have managed only two victories in 13 games once there. The program is in transition, a fact underscored by the presence of Van Marwijk, who took over in January but will step down after Russia to be replaced by Graham Arnold. Full coverage: 2018 World Cup » DENMARK FIFA world ranking: 12 Advertisement Last World Cup: 2010 Best World Cup finish: Quarterfinals, 1998 How qualified: Beat Ireland in European playoff Key players: GK Kasper Schmeichel, D Simon Kjaer, MF Christian Eriksen Advertisement It’s a fact: Denmark has scored 27 goals in four World Cup appearances, all from inside the penalty area. The skinny: Denmark stands a good chance of getting out of group play for the first time since 2002, but it will need a big tournament from Tottenham playmaker Eriksen. It will also need to find a workable pairing at center back, where coach Age Hareide’s team remains unsettled. Momentum is clearly on Denmark’s side: It has climbed in the rankings from No. 46 less than two years ago. FRANCE FIFA world ranking: 7 Advertisement Last World Cup: 2014 Best World Cup finish: Champion, 1998 How qualified: Won European qualifying group. Key players: GK Hugo Lloris, MF Paul Pogba, F Antoine Griezmann Advertisement It’s a fact: France has won just three of its last 12 group-stage matches at the World Cup. The skinny: Arguably the strongest French team since the 2006 squad, which lost the World Cup final on penalty kicks, coach Didier Deschamps’ team is loaded with attacking options. In the midfield he has Manchester United’s Pogba and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, and up front is Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud and Atletico Madrid’s Griezmann. Tottenham’s Lloris anchors the defense. Two years ago, that group led France to its first Euro final in 16 years. PERU FIFA world ranking: 11 Advertisement Last World Cup: 1982 Best World Cup finish: Quarterfinals, 1970 How qualified: Beat New Zealand in interconfederation playoff Key players: F Paolo Guerrero, MF Yoshimar Yotun, MF Renato Tapia Advertisement It’s a fact: Peru’s 36-year break between World Cup appearances is the longest of any team in the tournament. The skinny: With the exception of World Cup debutantes Iceland and Panama, there is no team with as little experience on soccer’s biggest stage as Peru. Not only was no one on the roster alive the last time Peru played in the tournament, but even coach Ricardo Gareca has never been to a World Cup. And that figures to work against a team that is extremely close. But there is a way through to the second round. Peru’s success is a product of its consistency on defense which, over time, has given its attackers the confidence to push forward and if the South Americans can beat Australia and at least tie Denmark, they have a chance of advancing. SCHEDULE June 16: France vs. Australia, Kazan; Peru vs. Denmark, Saransk Advertisement June 21: Denmark vs. Australia, Samara; France vs. Peru, Ekaterinburg June 26: Denmark vs. France, Moscow; Australia vs. Peru, Sochi kevin.baxter@latimes.com | Twitter: @kbaxter11<doc-sep>More Chelsea Stories {{#articles}} {{item.title}} The best players from the 2018 World Cup Group C, which features Australia, Denmark, France and Peru. The 2018 World Cup is almost upon us as the finest players on the planet will compete for the biggest prize in international football. Group C in Russia is made up of Australia, Denmark, France and Peru, so here are the seven best players from the pool to watch out for. Christian Eriksen, Denmark The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is undoubtedly the standout star for the Danes, fresh on the back of scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists for Spurs in the Premier League this season and helping get his country to the tournament with eight strikes in qualification – including a hat-trick against the Republic of Ireland in the playoffs. Nabil Fekir, France What a year it has been for the attacker, scoring 23 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions for Lyon and Liverpool showing an interest in Fekir – as reported by ESPN – as a result. Thomas Tuchel's 7 Best Signings of All Time Antoine Griezmann, France Considered among the best in the world having come third in the Ballon d’Or behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in 2016, Griezmann has had another fine campaign for Atletico Madrid with 29 goals to his name and as the Express reports, a switch to Barcelona is seemingly in the pipeline. N’Golo Kante, France Bags of stamina, an unprecedented work rate and consistently fine performances for Chelsea during a difficult 12 months for the club, Kante is one of the best central midfielders around. Kylian Mbappe, France Following a breakthrough season with Monaco in 2016/17 when he helped the Principality club to the Ligue 1 title against the odds, Mbappe then made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain; initially on loan but that will become permanent this summer for a colossal £165.7m (BBC). The forward only turned 19 in December. Paul Pogba, France Manchester United fans may question the inconsistent performances of their club record signing, but on his day there are few better midfielders in the game than Pogba. Samuel Umtiti, France Finally a defender on the list and one who has risen to great prominence this term for his fine displays for Barca during their La Liga triumph, sparking interest from the Red Devils in Umtiti – according to the Express. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGkCWdzvpHM In other news, Report: Liverpool are making last-ditch bid to sign Abdul Fatawu Issahaku<doc-sep>
The wait for FIFA World Cup 2018 is nearly over. Hosts Russia will take on Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the quadrennial event on June 14 as 32 teams fight for the title to be called world's best. The teams have been divided into eight groups of four each and Group C looms as one of the most intriguing and challenging places to be with Australia, Denmark, France, and Peru fighting it out for a chance to reach the knockout rounds. Group C teams: Australia, Denmark, France, Peru Now, let us get to know more about this collection of teams that boasts a lot of talent. Australia Australia, one of the most dominant sides of AFC, secured a berth in a fourth consecutive World Cup. Expectations are relatively low as on paper, they appear to be the weakest team of this group. There is no doubt that it will be difficult for Australia to finish in the top two of Group C, however, it is not impossible. The Socceroos' biggest strength is going to be the balance of their side and that is enough to ensure that the team from Down Under will not end up being a pushover from their tricky group opponents in France, Denmark and Peru. Captain: Mile Jedinak Head coach: Bert van Marwijk FIFA ranking: 40 World Cup appearances: 4 Best finish: Round of 16 in 2006 Players to watch: Tim Cahill, Mile Jedinak, Aaron Mooy Fixtures 16 June: vs. France at Kazan Arena, Kazan 21 June: vs. Denmark at Samara Arena, Samara 26 June: vs. Peru at Fisht Stadium, Sochi Denmark Denmark, who have not played a major tournament since the 2012 European Championships, have been unbeaten in 11 games since October 2016. Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen, who scored a superb hat-trick against Ireland, will be De Rod-Hvide's dangerman, while winger Pione Sisto's tricks will be vital for his team in Russia. Denmark are likely to battle it out with Peru for second place but it is hard to see them going beyond the last 16. Captain: Simon Kjaer Head coach: Age Hareide FIFA ranking: 12 World Cup appearances: 4 Best finish: Quarter-finals in 1998 Players to watch: Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel, Pione Sisto Fixtures 16 June: vs. Peru at Mordovia Arena, Saransk 21 June: vs. Australia at Samara Arena, Samara 26 June: vs. France at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow France The 1998 champions France are one of the favourites to lift the cup in Russia. Didier Deschamps, who captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, has turned Les Bleus into a force to reckon with but has yet to deliver a trophy. France are one of the strongest squads on paper and the enviable array of proven star players will have to step up to help add silverware to the growing hype. Captain: Hugo Lloris Head coach: Didier Deschamps FIFA ranking: 7 World Cup appearances: 14 Best finish: Champions in 1998 Players to watch: Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba Fixtures 16 June: vs. Australia at Kazan Arena, Kazan 21 June: vs. Peru at Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg 26 June: vs. Denmark at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow Peru Riding on a 12-match winning streak since November 2016, Peru will feature in a World Cup after a 36-year absence. La Blanquirroja's preparations for Russia were dealt a blow when Paolo Guerrero, who has scored the most goals in Peru's history, was suspended for six months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) due to a positive doping test. However, in a remarkable turnaround, Guerrero was granted a stay of execution by the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland. The skipper's ban will remain in place but crucially be delayed until after the tournament's conclusion in July. Although this team's weakest point is their lack of World Cup experience, this close-knit group has defensive consistency and are very effective in front of goal. Captain: Paolo Guerrero Head coach: Ricardo Gareca FIFA ranking: 11 World Cup appearances: 4 Promoted Best finish: Quarter-finals in 1970 and 1978 Players to watch: Jefferson Farfan, Edison Flores, Paolo Guerrero