France vs Peru
This game could well and truly decide the fate of both nations.
After beating Australia in their opener, France are just three points away from ensuring a top-two finish in Group C. Peru, on the other hand, narrowly lost to Denmark and are now fighting for their lives after qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2018 for the first time in 36 years.
Sure enough, Peru don’t want to end it here. No nation does. However, the big question for them is: do they have the depth and quality to pull off an upset against a top-seven nation overflowing with talent?
Let’s take a closer look!
Talking Points
France were made to work hard in their opening match against Australia, winning by the skin of their teeth on a heavily-deflected Paul Pogba volley—it ended as an own goal as the ball bounced off full-back Aziz Behich before it fell inches over the line.
The Frenchmen have shown they can win a game even if they are not at their best, but it’s doubtful if it will work the second time around especially against a team as motivated as Peru.
Before the tournament kicked off, much of the FIFA World Cup 2018 news about France featured the front three of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. However, the offensive trifecta failed to find their rhythm and was never really impactful in the game with the Socceroos.
Sure, Griezmann scored a contentious penalty to give Les Bleus the lead, but he was far from the old Antoine that scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in the La Liga last season.
The 19-year-old Mbappe was deadly and had the spark that everybody expected, though he was unable to breach the Australian defence.
Dembele, meanwhile, failed to make his presence felt and forced coach Didier Deschamps to replace him in the 70th minute along with Griezmann.
If France want to win, they need their three-headed monster to find its stride. And certainly, they will hope that Peru’s open style of play will benefit the trio.
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Nevertheless, it would be foolish for them to underestimate Peru. They may not have the biggest names and best talents in the competition, but it should be remembered the Peruvians are ranked 11th in the world, just four behind the Frenchmen.
Ricardo Gareca’s men also made life difficult for the Danes in their last game. While they were punished for their lack of clinical finishing, it can’t be denied they showed enough to prove they have what it takes to challenge any team up front.
France have conceded at least one goal in six of their last seven outings, and Peru will take note of Les Bleus’ vulnerabilities at the back to score their first goal this World Cup 2018.
As seen in the Denmark game, La Blanquirroja have the likes of Christian Cueva, Andre Carrillo, Jefferson Farfan, Edison Flores and Paolo Guerrero who can threaten the goal.
History
France and Peru have only met once and surprisingly, it was the South Americans who came out on top with a 1-0 friendly win. Unfortunately, that was 36 years ago, a time when the nation’s current skipper Guerrero wasn’t even born yet!
Peru, of course, will see some positives from that. It’s good to know history is on their side against a team considered a powerhouse in today’s world football.
For France, they will not read too much into it. Not in the World Cup where they have a solid record against CONMEBOL opponents.
The last time the Frenchmen lost a World Cup game against a South American side was in 1978, bowing down to eventual champions Argentina in the group stages. Les Bleus are unbeaten since then, winning three and drawing the other four—three of which are goalless draws.
What are the odds?
SBOBET’s FIFA World Cup 2018 predictions have France easily topping Group C, and our odds suggest they can get the job done against Peru.
France—at 1X2 @ 1.51—are expected to dominate, while Peru are considered heavy underdogs at odds of 6.20.
Furthermore, SBOBET Asian Handicap sports betting point to a one-sided affair. Deschamps’ men are given a -0.75 handicap at 1.67 while Peru are at 2.35 for that head start, implying that a one- or two-goal win is a likely result for the French side.
With that said, it’s interesting to note that a France win on Correct Score 1-0 pays at 6.00 while 2-0 is at odds of 6.60.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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