Group C
France Australia, Peru and Denmark
France
France enter into this tournament among the favorite to lift the trophy with their stuggering squad although it remains to be seen how they will function as a unit.
Led by their 1998 world cup captain winner Didier Deschamps who has been in charge of the side since 2012.
he led them to the finals of Euro 2016 at home soil and will want to make a statement at the global stage.
Consistency is the biggest undoing as their have struggled throughout the qualifiers but they poses a big threat in Russia.
Deschamps as always preferred the 4-4-2 formation but can also use the 4-3-3 formation depending on who is starting at the front.
France biggest strength is their attacking front with the with the ever slick Antoine Griezman Oliver Giroud and the emerging talent of Mbappe , Lemar and O. Dembele.
The 4-4-2 formation comes in play when Oliver Giroud starts as is hold up play complements well with Grieziman franked by Mbappe and Lemar.
The midfield then picks itself with Kante pairing with Pogba but this formation doesn't bring the best of Pogba going forward and means Matuidi drops to the bench.
The biggest concern will be the full backs with Sidibe and Mendy the obvious starters but their playing time this season has been limited due to injuries.
Varane should pattern Umititi at the heart of defense with loris who doubles up as captain will be their custodian.
The 4-3-3 formation sees Giroud dropping to the bench with Matuidi coming into play and this the best formation that brings the best of Pogba.
Le Bleus boost one of the best in depth side in Russia and with great Physique and flair but playing as a cohesive unit will the biggest concern but if Deschamps can find a solution to this expect France to go all the way.
Australia
Australia had to see off Syria in the play off to book a ticket to the finals however the coach in charge Ange Postecoglou decided to resign and incoming was Bert Van Marwijk.
The Dutchman might have had inadequate time to prepare this side but has enough experience to get the best out of the team.
The socceroos have struggled to find the right balance and the new coach has been changing formation trying to look for the right rhythm as witnessed in is recent friendlies.
Huddlesfield midfielder Aaron Mooy is is the most influential player the Australian squad with is great ability in front goal and influencing the play at the park of the midfield.
Experienced captain Mile Jednak should pattern Mooy depending onthe formation the coach prefers to use and should should calmness and leadership in the midfield.
Talented Tom Rogic who plies his trade at Celtic has failed to transform his club form to national level but should start the the play making role .
Juric is a fitness concern in Russia but should he be fit he will lead the attack but Kruse is on standby should anything happen.
Wonder kid Daniel Arzani will use this world cup to showcase his potential , Arzani is very comfortable with the ball on his feet with great dribbling skillsand can take on defenders with ease .
The backline should be a worry with no leader in the team but they will be well covered between the post as Brighton keeper Mathew Ryan whose positional and agility ability makes him a standout.
The Socceroos are in anvery tough group that is beyond their quality but should at least trouble Peru for the 3rd spot.
Peru
It has been a long wait for Peru to make it to the big stage after 35 years of absentia the South America side made it elimanting New Zealand in a play off.
The Ricardo led side are currently ranked 11th and received a timely boost of their captain Paolo Guerrero being cleared to play.
The skipper has not played since November after an alleged scandal for doping it remains to be seen if he will be fit enough to inspire his side but his presence should be enough.
Veteran Jefferson Farfan should bring his vast experience into play compounded by the fact that he plays in Russia and should have a good tournement.
Ricardo Gareca who has been in charge of this side since 2015 prefers the 4-2-3-1 formation but can revert to a 4-4-2 when in need of goals.
In the post should be the Veracruz keeper Pedro Gallese guarded by Advincula captain and veteran Rodriguez , Ramos and Trauco.
In the midfield Feyenoord starlet Renato Tapia touted for his leadership and authority despite hi tender age should pattern Yotun who posses great energy and technique.
The number the role while occupied by Christian Cuevas an attack minded player with the magic touch and can influence the play with a single pass.
Guerrero an idol back in the country and alltime scorer will be tasked with the responsibilty to find the back of the net aided by the veteran Farfan who should be taken to biggest stage of for one more last time.
Most of the players in the squad in the are aging up and this will be their last chance to write history and can trouble the likes of Denmark and Australia.
Denmark
Denmark knocked out Ireland in the play off to book their place in Russia and are currently 12 in the FIFA ranking.
Led by Age Hareide who left Malmo FF to take over from the legend Morten Olsen and is undefeated during his tenure.
Christian Eriksen is one the best around in the attacking third and the Norwegian tactician has been able to build a team around him and it paid dividend with the Tottenham midfielder scoring 15 goals since he took over.
The Danish team has grown from strength to strength with the likes of Andreas Christensen and Pione Sisto blossoming at right moment.
Hareide uses the 4-3-3 formation with Leicester custodian guarding the post in front of him are the experienced Kjaer and Christensen but will receive a strong competition from Brenford’s Bjelland.
Eriksen will pull the strings in the middle assisted by Schone and Delaney.
Poulsen who had a stellar season with Leipzig and the trickery Sisto from Celta will provide support from the wing and Jorgensen will complete the line up up top.
Denmark have a realistic chance of advancing to the next stage but should be wary of Peru a dark horse in the group and they will be thier opponent for the opening match.
Recommended outcome
France will be the outright winners of the group if the can give out a proffesion performance .
Denmark are tipped to get the 2nd postion but will receive stiff compettioin from Peru and Australia.
Peru will pose a great threat in this group and their 1st encounter with Denmark will decide their destiny.
Australia on the other hand may find this group way beyond their reach and woul have o settle for the bottom spot.
Our final verdict
France
Denmark/Peru
Australia