Peru and Denmark are ready to take on each other in their Group C encounter as both teams will look to get off their World Cup campaign off to a winning start.
Both Peru and Denmark will be eager to mark their return into the World Cup off to a winning start, as both teams will be looking for progression from the group stages. France are considered the favourites to win this group, and if that is the case then there’s still a place left for the other three teams to grabs it; Peru and Denmark have a chance here.
Peru qualified after beating New Zealand in the OFC-CONMEBOL after finishing behind teams in the South American group who automatically trained. It all came down to the last day of exciting football when a melee of results decided fates of many teams. In the end, Peru enters a World Cup tournament for the first time since 1982.
Denmark on the other hand, are also making a comeback appearance in the World Cup, after a two-tournament hiatus, last appearing back in 2006. Like Peru, Denmark too had to win their play-off match after finishing second in their group. The Danish are here at the expense of the Republic of Ireland, who they beat over two-legs.
Team News & Tactics
Peru
Ricardo Gareca knows his squad might not be able to match the quality and flair of many other teams at the World Cup, but is willing to give his best, tactically, and through the players he possesses. Paulo Gurrero’s successful appeal against his extended drugs ban, meaning Peru’s talismanic striker is now available to play in Russia.
Gareca knows Gurrero’s importance to the side, but against the notion that Peru will be heavily reliant on him, the nation has shown grin being unbeaten in their last 15-games. Guerrero will, however, be central to Gareca’s plan and will likely start up-front and lead his side against Denmark.
Gareca has other options in his team and will rely on talents that ply their trade with European clubs. Watford’s Andre Carillo and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Jefferson Farfan will be central to Gareca’s plan as the coach will be hoping their experience and talent would come in handy during the tournament.
There is a likelihood that Gareca would stick to his top side for the opening game, meaning the likes of Carillo would start from the bench. He would deploy a standard four-man defence with two central midfielders protecting the back and contributing the attack. However, if he decides to go all-out on offence, then Carillo surely will have a place from the start.
Potential Starting-XI (4-2-3-1) – Gallese; Corzo, Rodriguez, Ramos, Trauco; Tapia, Yotun; Farfan, Cueva, Flores; Guerrero
Denmark
Age Hareide will be hoping to take the total focus that will be on his star man Christian Eriksen off and focus on the rest of the team. Denmark come into the World Cup after missing the last two editions and are here to make a mark. Hareide sure is aware of the number of talented players across the pitch for Denmark and will use them likewise starting with Peru.
Denmark have a solid defensive pair in Andreas Christensen and Simon Kjaer, both of whom provide a lethal combination of experience and talent. They have been one of the reasons why Denmark too, like Peru, have been unbeaten in 15 games and could yet continue this run against Peru.
Hareide will also deploy Thomas Delaney in the middle of the park, as he is the player expected to provide with the steel and protection for his defence. Additionally, Hereide has options like Yussuf Poulsen and Kasper Dolberg, who are the rising stars of Danish football and could contribute with handy contributions during the tournament.
Denmark will, however, rely heavily on Christian Eriksen who will bear the burden to do the creative duties for his side and would also be expected to score. His performance will matter if Denmark are to progress beyond the group stage and confirm their status as this World Cup’s dark horses.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Larsen, Kjaer, Bjelland, Knudsen; Delaney, Kvist; Poulsen, Eriksen, Sisto; Nicolai Jorgensen
Key Stats
- Peru and Denmark will be playing against each other for the very first time.
- This is Peru’s fifth ever World Cup and their first since 1982, while Denmark will also be playing in their fifth tournament.
- Peru are winless in their last six World Cup games.
- Denmark have reached the knockout stags in three of their four previous tournament appearances.
- Remarkably, Denmark have scored 27-goals in World Cup finals, and all have come from inside the box.
Player to Watch
Christian Eriksen
The most recognisable player on the pitch when Peru and Denmark take the field will undoubtedly be the Tottenham creative midfielder. Christian Eriksen has come a long way in cementing his status as his nation’s best current player. He has the experience of playing at the top level, and his performances, especially in knocking Ireland out during the playoff showed his class and calibre.
Christian Eriksen will be central to whatever Denmark do in the final third, as it is his vision and creativity that will determine the goals and attack for the Danish. Against Peru, he indeed will be the focus of the fans as well as the opposition defenders. He will undoubtedly be the player who will take Denmark into the next round if they are destined to reach there.
Prediction
Peru 1 – 3 Denmark
The outcome of this battle is clear, and Denmark outclasses Peru in most of the departments on the pitch. With some good attackers in their ranks and the likes of Christian Eriksen in the attack, with Simon Kjaer and Andreas Christensen marshalling their defence, Denmark would emerge as the clear winners here.
The point is, Denmark have pulled through to the next rounds of the competition more often and have the first-hand experience of the modern game at the World Cup which Peru lacks, having played their last tournament 36 years ago.
