Expect loaded French to make toast of their group, while Peru has high hopes in first World Cup since 1982
AUSTRALIA ODDS: 135/1 2014 RESULT: Group stage FORMATION: 4-2-3-1 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Aaron
Mooy (right) is a solid, all-around midfielder who pitches in on both offense and defense. Though he will play higher up the field, he likely will drop back to help Mile Jedinak on the defensive portion at midfield. Goalkeeper
Mathew Ryan played a big part in Brighton & Hove Albion staying up in the Premier League.
OUTLOOK: Australia had massive hurdles in a weak qualification system. Even still, the Socceroo’s still made it messy and had to go into a two-game playoff. And when Tim
Cahill, now 38, is still hanging onto a roster spot, you know your country lacks talent.
DENMARK ODDS: 100/1 2014 RESULT: Did not qualify FORMATION: 4-2-3-1 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Christian Eriksen flashes moments of brilliance, which can sway a result. The Tottenham midfielder is a constant threat, whether orchestrating or finishing the play. He scored 11 goals in 12 World Cup qualifiers. Celta de Vigo winger Pione Sisto, 23, is a young player to watch after he tore up La Liga this season. OUTLOOK: The strength of Denmark’s squad will be in its midfield. Thomas Delaney and William Kvist are seasoned and provide a solid spine along with Eriksen for the Great Danes’ direct approach. Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen is another hybrid option in the midfield. There’s enough here to get Denmark out of group play, but not much further.
FRANCE ODDS: 11/2 2014 RESULT: Quarterfinals FORMATION: 4-3-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: France’s attack is pretty remarkable. It’s a flashy, fast united headlined by goal-scoring machines such as Antoine Griezmann, the Euro 2016 Golden Boot winner, and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud playing centrally. Add in young star Kylian Mbappe and tempo-dictating winger Thomas Lemar, there’s too much quality for France not to score.
OUTLOOK: On paper, France should win every game. There’s too much talent across the board at every position (see: Ousmane Dembele on the bench). However, finding the right lineup has been a problem for Les Bleus. With this uber-talented group, they have failed to truly believe and produce together. If they can start believing, France can easily make it to the final eight.
PERU ODDS: 150/1 2014 RESULT: Did not qualify FORMATION: 4-2-3-1 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Playmaker Christian Cueva (below) is versatile with a high work rate. He will have freedom in Peru’s midfield and has a knack for scoring (four goals in qualifying). Forward Jefferson Farfan is older (33), but his experience could provide magic. OUTLOOK: Peru’s first break was qualifying for the first time in 36 years. Their second came when a Swiss court ruled captain Paolo Guerrero could play in the World Cup after his 14-month cocaine ban was frozen. That’s a massive boost to the Peruvians and gives them a lethal option up top.