FIFA World Cup 2018 Preview - Group C

Group C for this years' World Cup offers up a great contrast in opposition, with European powers France highlighting the four-some, the field is wide open for an advancement to the Round of 16.

Australia, Denmark and Peru all present their own set of dangers, overlooking any of these nations would be a huge mistake, the French will have their hands full with the level of competition assembled within this group.

Before World Cup action begins, I'll break down each of the Groups looking for value, betting angles and offering predictions for advancement. Group C features perennial powers France, and a highly competitive array of nations, who can easily stake their claim to the second advancement spot in the table.

Group C - Preview

Australia

Australia left it late during qualifiers, becoming the 31st team to advance to Russia through a playoff win over Honduras.

The Asian representatives have come accustomed to making their presence known on the grandest stage, making the field for the 4th straight time over the last 12 years.

Bert van Marwijk has been on a whirlwind ride over the past 12 months, after qualifying Saudi Arabia for the World Cup, the Dutchman was abruptly released from his duties.

van Marwijk then reemerged with a unlikely opportunity, after Ange Postecoglou suddenly resigned after beating Honduras in the playoff format, the Holland coach was presented with the chance to continue his path to Russia.

The Socceroos have inherited an experienced manager at the highest level, having served as a the Netherlands coach during their magical run to the finals in 2010.

The new Aussie head man has had a short time to incorporate his tactical approach with the National Team, after switching from a 3-1-5-1 to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, van Marwijk has requested a high press, while employing his wingers to play a large role in the attack.

The Australian manager is also a fan of a dedicated number 9 within his alignment, with the ageless Tim Cahill still a part of the 23 man roster, the All-Time leading scorer in the nation's history, could once again see his name called to provide magic for his adoring country.

The Socceroos have very few members who play abroad, mostly made up of members who perfect their craft in the top leagues in Australia, the overall experience playing Internationally could become a factor, but with a manager who is used to success on the National Team level, being competitive should not be an issue for this team from down under.

Peru

Peru have become a popular pick to advance out of the Group. The South American side also made their way to final 32 through a Playoff run, eliminating New Zealand in convincing fashion, now the Incas head to Russia after 36 year absence.

The Peruvians are lead by Ricardo Gareca, the Argentine has been in charge of the National Team since 2015, putting a plan into motion for the qualification to Russia 2018.

After a successful career in South America, "El Tigre" has proved his tactics will hold up against the best in the world.

Gareca has incorporated a 4-4-2 formation, which requires a heavy ball possession scheme. With a wide assortment of passes to fulfill their ultimate success on the pitch, the Incas offer a true threat to many of the larger nations in this tournament.

Jefferson Farfán and Paolo Guerrero are the true danger men within the Peru attack. The combo have provided goals at the most timely of moments. Now with the world's spotlight on these often unseen talents, many will be surprised at how productive the pairing can be in a tournament format.

Christian Cueva may be they one who steals the show. The young Attacking Midfielder has shown great promise while in Brazil's - Serie A, now with the opportunity to shine in front of the world, many of the largest clubs in Europe will see his full array of talents on display.

The Peruvians are being dubbed the Colombians of 2014, having qualified in what was considered the most competitive Country in the world, the South Americans are battle tested, and would not shock anyone by advancing to the Round of 16.

Denmark

Denmark make their way to Russia for the first time since 2010. After an 8 year absence from the World Cup, the Danes are experiencing a golden generation of talent throughout their squad. This team has the ability to make a long run in this Summer's tournament.

Åge Hareide has become just another manager in a list of first time participants, the Norwegian head man took over the reigns in 2016, laying out an outline to reach Russia in 2018. 

The Danes play within a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, with their attack centered around Tottenham play-maker Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen has been recognized as one of the top Attacking Midfielders in the English Premier League. With a skillful array of passes, the Dane is also accomplished from Set Pieces and Direct Free Kicks and his all around game translate regardless of what team he is apart of. Expect a brilliant performance from this key Spurs man.

Thomas Delaney has also shined during the time he has represented his Country, the Werder Bremen man fits perfectly into Denmark's style of play, his presence within the Midfield is undeniable, while also playing a huge role in the box within Aerial dual situations.

The Danish Dynamite are a true threat to the upper establishment, mostly flying under the radar with the likes of Peru and France involved in the group, These Danes play an elegant brand of football, which fits each members specific skill-sets, I will not be surprised to see this team go deeper than many will be predicting.

France

France arrive back in Russia after a forgettable 2014 showing in Brazil, as the French imploded at a comical level.

Now with a new look squad, Les Bleus feel they are just as talented and well equipped to lift the ultimate hardware in Kiev.

Didier Deschamps is set to lead another group to the world's tournament after crashing out of this massive event in his first experience as manager. The French footballing legend believes he has learned from his previous mistakes and is poised to lead his homeland to their first major trophy since 1998.

The French are a free-flowing attacking side, aligned within a 4-3-3 formation, the amount of talent positioned at the top of their line is undeniable.

Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, and Anthony Martial are all key figures for Les Bleus going forward, each play in the top leagues in Europe, and on the biggest clubs in the world.

Their overall experience at playing against the best competition in Europe will serve them well. The success of the team depends on this quartet having large impacts while on the pitch and this will be a huge moment in each participants International career. We are set to see how they perform with such a huge responsibility on their shoulders.

Midfielders Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet, N'Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot and Thomas Lemar will handle much of the creative responsibilities. Assigned with task of unlocking opposing defenses, these high profile play-makers are more than capable of guiding their side to victory.

France are a large favorite to advance out of the Group, while getting +600/ 7 / 6/1 odds to Capture their second World Cup trophy in the last 20 years.

Many feel that Les Bleus may be four years away from ultimately winning it all, With a group of extremely talented individuals, they have still not proven to be a complete team at this point in their journey, Even so, they still own enough overall quality to advance out of the Group.

Group C - Prediction

This Group should be great to follow, with so much parity among the participating nations. We would not be surprised with whoever progresses to the next round.

France will certainly have the largest target on their backs, but if the French were not to progress that would be a huge shock. However, at the price offered to advance, there is no real value. Taking France to win it all would be the best offer on the table.

The real value comes from the remaining teams in the Group. Peru and Denmark stand the best chance to represent Group C on the next level, as both have been battle tested through the last 4 years of qualifications. Now they are prepared to match up with any team in the format, believing they have what it takes to shock the field.

Australia pull up the rear in my opinion, even with a experienced National Team manager at the helm. The lack of time to truly implement his style of play should ultimately show up over the long run. Expect the Socceroos to play valiantly, but a lack of overall talent and cohesion should be their downfall.

Best Of Luck To All