2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: France vs. Peru Odds

The French came into the tournament as one of the top four teams to watch, but looked disorganized in a 2-1 victory over lowly Australia. Peru saw an opportunity to gain an upper hand in Group C slip away as it dropped a 1-0 decision to Denmark; it’ll need a draw at minimum to have any shot at reaching the Round of 16.

World Cup 2018: France vs. Peru Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup Betting Line: France -215

Date: Thursday, June 21, 11 a.m. ET

Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg, Russia

One game shouldn’t sour people on France’s chances of reaching the World Cup final – but it has almost certainly had an impact on the odds for its second game of the tournament. Bettors looking to take advantage can point to the fact that the French suffered similar letdowns during qualifying but still rolled to top spot with six wins, three draws and just one defeat. Getting one of the tournament favourites at this price in group play is a potential steal.

That said, it might be a mistake to sleep on Peru, which controlled the play against Denmark and finished with a 6-3 edge in shots on goal but suffered a key defensive lapse that led to Youssef Poulson’s 59th-minute game winner. The Peruvians are a talented bunch, and if they can generate a similar offensive surge against France, bettors would be wise to consider taking both teams to score at -101.

France

The French will almost certainly need more from an impressive offensive core led by Antoine Griezmann, who scored on a penalty to give his side the lead against Australia. Griezmann leads the way to score at anytime at +114, one of five French players boasting +170 odds or better. Paul Pogba is a strong underdog play at +286; he scored an 80th-minute goal that stood as the winner vs. the Socceroos, but it was later changed to an Australia own goal.

Peru

The task here for Peru is a simple one: earn a point, or head home early. And to that end, Peru should be able to keep things close thanks to a stout defence and solid counterattacking led by Paolo Guerrero, Raul Ruidiaz and Jefferson Farfan. Ruidiaz is the best bet to score at +268, followed by Guerrero at +287 and Farfan at +324; Christian Cueva (+474) is a strong dark horse play as he looks to atone for a brutal penalty miss vs. Denmark.

France vs. Peru Prediction

France 2, Peru 1

The French look an awful lot like a team that needs a few games to hit their stride – and while they have plenty enough talent to make this one a one-sided affair, Peru likely won’t let that happen.