Returning Peru and Denmark face-off in Group C clash

The Scandinavians are being considered as favourites to come out victorious against the South Americans.

There will be plenty of emotion when Peru and Denmark hear their national anthems – the South Americans have not qualified for a FIFA World Cup™ since Spain 1982, while Denmark missed out on Brazil 2014. Having these two countries back on the world stage is, therefore, an event in itself.

Both teams know that three points will help them enormously in their quest to make it out of the group stage, particularly since France are the red-hot favourites in Group C.

Peru came with a late run during the qualifiers with a six-match unbeaten streak at the end, and Los Incas have plenty of quality up front in the shape of Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan and Edison Flores.

Denmark will be banking on the consistency of its team from front to back. They scored 22 goals in their qualifying campaign, conceding nine across ten matches. Star man Christian Eriksen notched 11 of those 22 goals and will be the main playmaker in the team. At the other end of the pitch, Kasper Schmeichel will be following in his father’s footsteps between the sticks.

Team reporter analysis

Gilda Arrua (Peru)

The big day has finally come around for Peru and a new generation are set to write their names in the history of the World Cup after an absence of 36 years. Ricardo Gareca’s men want to do more than just make up the numbers though. They are currently unbeaten in 15 matches and having Paolo Guerrero back from injury against Denmark could well be the deciding factor.

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Svend Frandsen (Denmark)