Australia has its work cut out for it if it is going to make the knockout rounds. The Socceroos are sitting on just one point heading into their last match of Group C, and they need a win and some help in order to edge out Denmark for the group’s final spot. They will be looking to run it up on Peru, who are pretty unfortunate to have zero points in their two matches. The Incas were eliminated from World Cup contention after losing to France on Thursday, but they will be looking to go out on a high note with a result.
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World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Peru +105
Australia +281
Draw +244
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
Peru might be the unluckiest team at the World Cup. To not pick up a result against either Denmark or France despite their performance was incredibly unlucky. They won the possession battle in both of those games and were objectively the better team in their loss to Denmark. However, results are results and Peru will be heading home after their match against Australia.
The Incas had a myriad of chances in the first half against Denmark, but they were unable to cash in on them. Christian Cueva had one of the worst penalty misses you will ever see, and they pressed too hard in the second half to try to get a winner. They were left short-handed at the back on a counter, and Denmark cashed in for a 1-0 victory. France was able to secure a 1-0 victory against Peru too, although that one was much more deserved. That leaves Peru without a point, or a goal, heading into this match.
Australia has played surprisingly well. Not much was expected of the Socceroos in this group, and to have even a chance to advance is something. The Aussies have actually looked lively on the attack, even though both of their goals have been the result of penalties.
France was able to scratch out a 2-1 win in the opener, but Australia acquitted itself well in the loss. The Aussies largely held France’s offense in check, only allowing a handful of decent opportunities. It was much of the same in a deserved 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday. The Danes had some good chances to score, but so did the Aussies, and over bettors were a bit unlucky.
Player to Watch
Both of Australia’s goals have come from Mile Jedinak slotting home penalty kicks. Jedinak may not inspire a ton of confidence with the way he takes penalties, but he is 2-2 at the World Cup and that speaks for itself.
Incredibly, Jedinak has scored Australia’s last five goals. Four of those were the result of penalty kicks, with the other being on a free kick, so it seems obvious that Australia’s best chance to score is off of a set piece or in a dead ball situation. However, not being able to score in the run of play is pretty alarming at this level, and it’s part of the reason why Australia is an underdog here.
Matchup to Watch
With nothing to lose, I think Peru manager Ricardo Gareca will ask his players to push forward often in this match. Peru’s offense has looked very dangerous at times, and they will want to continually press an Australia defense that has looked vulnerable at times over the last year.
If Christian Cueva can shake off some of his earlier performances, he could have a man of the match type of performance. His speed and ability to dribble into space should lead to him setting up teammates throughout the match. Cueva is incredibly talented, and this will be his last chance to prove himself.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I love the over in this match. In fact, it’s one of my favorite bets thus far at the World Cup. Australia knows it needs a big win, and Peru has no reason to play reserved in its last match. This is going to be a very exciting game.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Peru 3, Australia 2
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