Peru received some great news earlier this week. The team’s captain and talisman, Paolo Guerrero, was given permission to play at the World Cup in spite of a doping ban. Guerrero was set to miss the event after a 12-month suspension following a positive cocaine test back in October, but the captains of the other three teams in Group C wrote letters to FIFA requesting that he be allowed to participate in the World Cup. FIFA decided to temporarily lift his suspension in order to play at the World Cup, and he will feature when Peru takes on Denmark in their first match on Saturday.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Mordovia Arena in Saransk at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Denmark +140
Peru +216
Draw +215
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
The Incas are at their first World Cup in 40 years after edging out Chile for the last South American spot. Since qualifying, Peru has proved that they are a threat to make some noise at the World Cup. The country was able to beat Croatia 2-0 and Iceland 3-1 back in March, and they just notched multiple goal victories against both Scotland and Saudi Arabia. Peru will face Sweden in its last qualifier on Saturday.Denmark is known for its defense, and we have seen that in spades since the Danes qualified for the World Cup. They were able to control the game and eventually got a goal in a 1-0 win against Panama in their first friendly this year. Their last two friendlies have not seen any scoring at all though. Denmark drew to nil with Chile in late March and followed that up with a scoreless draw against Sweden last week. In that match, there were just three shots on goal as neither team created much offense. Denmark will face Mexico in their final World Cup tilt on Saturday.
Player to Watch
Without Nicklas Bendtner in the final squad, the offense will be running through midfielder Christian Eriksen. Eriksen is the only player on the roster with more than 10 goals, and he is coming off of a great performance during qualifying. He scored the third-most goals in European qualifying, finding the back of the net 11 times in Denmark’s 12 matches. That only trailed Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo.Eriksen is coming off of a solid year with Tottenham. He was sometimes overlooked with some of the other stars on the roster, but he was essential to the team’s success with his play as an attacking midfielder. Denmark doesn’t have many offensive options, and they will be looking at their No. 10 to create.
Matchup to Watch
It will be strength on strength when Peru is pressing with the ball. Guerrero is the team’s leader and has proven to still have the scoring touch although he is 34. Jefferson Farfan is coming off of a good season with Lokomotiv Moscow, and he will be the team’s other scoring option. In the midfield, Christian Cueva will lead the way. European fans are unfamiliar with his work, but the diminutive midfielder has made a name for himself as a creator with Sao Paulo.Denmark will be a tough nut to crack. The Danes have a very good goalkeeper in Leicester City star Kasper Schmeichel and Simon Kjaer is a good leader in the center of the defense. Andreas Christensen is very talented as well despite being 22.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The under looks to be a good bet in this game. Denmark won’t allow Peru many good chances, while the team will be unable to create many of their own. I think Peru will be able to pick up the win though. The Incas are very underrated in terms of passing and possession and will use those traits to their advantage.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Peru 1, Denmark 0
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