FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: France vs Peru Preview
Group C competition continues Thursday in Ekaterinburg Arena, Yekaterinburg at 11 am ET. It’s only the second time France and Peru have played each other and the first in international competition. The South Americans defeated their European opponents in an international friendly almost 4 decades ago. The French will be working for a different outcome this time after just scraping past Australia in their opening match.
Background
Didier Deschamp’s team will know a victory versus Peru would guarantee qualification to the knockout rounds. Star striker Antoine Griezmann has been cleared to play after a minor knock. However, Olivier Giroud may still make an appearance. Talented midfielder Paul Pogba scored the winning goal for ‘Les Bleus’ versus Australia, and will look to put in a second good performance. “To me, Paul is a natural leader. He is a leader of the game and also a leader outside’, said midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who is also expected to start.
Peru are desperate for a victory and face a do-or-die situation after losing to Denmark via Yussuf Poulsen’s composed goal. Head coach Ricardo Gareca is aware of his side’s inferiority to France but stressed that they will not be bullied by the Europeans. “I don’t know if we will be on the same level anywhere honestly,” he admitted. “We will not let France push us around.” adding later. Peruvian captain and star player Paolo Guerrero came on as a sub in the South American’s first game but may start against France.
Predicted Lineups
France: Hugo Lloris, Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez; Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante, Blaise Matuidi; Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe
Peru: Pedro Gallese, Luis Advincula, Christian Ramos, Alberto Rodriguez, Miguel Trauco, Pedro Aquino, Yoshimar Yotun, Andre Carrillo, Edison Flores, Jefferson Farfan, Paolo Guerrero
Prediction
Even in a World Cup full of surprises like this, it’s difficult to predict anything but French victory. France will be eager to wrap up group stage affairs and have not lost to a South American team since 1978. Furthermore, Peru specifically have not won against European competition since the same year. ‘La Blanquirroja’ assaulted Denmark’s defense in Match-day 1 but could not produce a goal. The French back line, aided by the amazing N’Golo Kanté will be a tougher task yet. Expect France to flex their attacking muscle and progress to the knockout rounds.
France 3 – 1 Peru
