Thursday World Cup Preview and Odds – France vs. Peru

June 21, 2018 16:00pm – Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg.

After a disappointing opener which they still managed to win, France will look to up their game when they take on Group C minnows Peru on Tuesday afternoon.

France had to rely on VAR and a deflected goal to edge past Australia last week. It was a poor display by their standards and they will need to improve to avoid embarrassment against Peru. Tactically, Didier Deschamps men looked short on ideas and failed to operate efficiently as a team despite a wealth of talent on the field.

However, they have three points on the board and are now just a win away from progressing to the knockout phase. An improved performance against Peru could help to build confidence as they go deeper into the tournament.

This match may have a different dynamic as their opponents need to win. So rather than the deep defensive lines we saw from Australia, the South Americans are likely to take a more attacking approach. This could play into the hands on Les Bleus who would prefer a more open game.

Deschamps may turn to Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibé to enhance their attacking options. Both full-backs have spent time out injured but are now close to full fitness.

Peru were unlucky not to have taken something from the game against Denmark last week. In their first World cup match since 1982, the Peruvians created plenty of chance but failed to find the net. A missed penalty from Christian Cueva compounded their misery.

But they can take positives from that game and they should have Captain Paolo Guerrero back to lead the line. They will also have an impressive army of fans along to cheer them on.

France probable XI:

 Lloris, Sidibe, Varane, Umtiti, Mendy, Matuidi, Kante, Tolisso, Pogba, Griezmann, Mbappe.

Peru probable XI:

Gallese, Advincula, Rodriguez, Ramos, Trauco, Yotun, Tapia, Carrillo, Cueva, Farfan, Guerrero.

Prediction

The only previous encounter between these two came in a friendly match in Paris back 1982 which Peru won by a single goal. However, the South Americans have not beaten a European team in a competitive situation since 1978.

It should be an open game and both teams can be expected to mark the score sheet with France’s superiority ultimately carrying them through.

You can back the France to win and Both Teams to Score at 3/1 with Betfair

 

 

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