2018 World Cup Odds and Prediction: Group C Betting Preview
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Andrew Rogers
France, Peru, Denmark and Australia are all top-40 clubs, but it’s the French who have the inside track on a Group C victory – and should challenge for the title. The most intriguing storyline of the group pits the dangerous Danes against a Peru side that received some very good news recently.
Group C Betting Odds
France: -350 to win group, -1,800 to advance
Denmark: +450 to win group, -165 to advance
Peru: +900 to win group, +180 to advance
Australia: +1,800 to win group, +350 to advance
You won’t make a lot of scratch doing it, but the smart wager here is on France winning the group. The French look dangerous in all facets and are eager to rebound from a somewhat disappointing quarterfinal result four years ago in Brazil. Led by teenage phenom Kylian Mbappe and all-world goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, France should waltz into the Round of 16.
The same cannot be said for either Denmark or Peru, separated by two spots in the world rankings and both worthy of inclusion in the elimination round. The Danes offer better odds of advancing thanks in large part to the exploits of sensational midfielder Christian Eriksen – but Peru might be a stronger play in light of the reinstatement of national hero Paolo Guerrero.
Meanwhile, Australia has to wonder what it did to deserve a berth in such a ruthless group. The Socceroos can play a fast-paced game and have plenty of talent up front, but will struggle mightily to contain three truly dangerous teams. The Aussies might very well end up being the most exciting team to watch from Group C, but that isn’t likely going to translate into points.
Group C Team Previews
France
It has been two decades since Didier Deschamps’ side has held the coveted World Cup trophy – but this iteration might have the best chance of ending the drought as any since that 1998 win. Questions linger about the fitness and capability of the back end, but with a veteran presence in Hugo Lloris tending goal and so much skill up front, it’s conceivable that France could lead the entire tournament in scoring – a prop that pays a healthy +600 entering the tournament. Sports Interaction’s full France betting preview is here.
Denmark
Odds to win World Cup: +8000
The Danes also fared best in 1998, reaching the quarterfinals; a potential return trip hinges entirely on two factors: The health and effectiveness of Christian Eriksen, and how Denmark fares in its group match with a revitalized Peruvian squad. If – and it’s an enormous if – the Danes can gather some momentum entering the elimination round, they’re capable of equaling their best-ever result, which pays off at +550. For a closer look at Denmark’s team preview, click here.
Peru
Odds to win World Cup: +20,000
The odds are incredibly long for Peru to win its first World Cup championship, but this side would be happy just to reach the Round of 16 despite coming in ranked 11th in the world. The triumphant return of national legend Paolo Guerrero from a drug ban will give this team a major shot in the arm – not just from an emotional standpoint, but on offence, as well. If they can get past the Danes, a Round of 16 stage of elimination bet at +300 looks really tempting. Here’s a deeper look at Peru’s team betting odds.
Australia
Odds to win World Cup: +30,000
Congratulations, Australia! You made it back to the World Cup. Here’s your next assignment: Earning enough points to top not one, but two of the top-12 teams in the world. And if you’re fortunate enough to do that, you’ll probably facing a date with Lionel Messi and Argentina in the Round of 16. Bettors shouldn’t get cute here – Australia at -450 to be eliminated in the group stage isn’t a bank-breaker, but it’s the most likely outcome by far in this group. Check out our Australia World Cup betting preview here.
Group C Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe, France
Top Prop: Over/Under 2.5 goals scored (-135/+105)
Antoine Griezmann is the offensive heart and soul of a France team that should reach the final four without much of a sweat – but if Les Bleus hope to end that two-decade title drought, they’ll need Mbappe to prove why he’s one of the most talented teens on the planet. Look for the Paris-Saint Germain star to challenge early and often, making the over play a strong one.
Christian Eriksen, Denmark
Top Prop: Top goal-scorer for Denmark (+200)
It’s surprising this prop isn’t even more of a slam dunk given how Eriksen performed in World Cup qualifying, converting a whopping eight goals – second-most in the competition. This could be a short competition for the Danes if Eriksen isn’t at his best, but a parlay of Eriksen Over 1.5 goals (+145) and Denmark advancing from the group is a great way to invest here.
Jefferson Farfan, Peru
Top Prop: Over/Under 0.5 goals scored (-140/+110)
Farfan isn’t as natural a goal scorer as other players on his side, but he should find himself in position to convert this rather easy prop based on his dribbling skill alone. His ability to evade defenders, combined with what should be a great deal of opponent focus on Guerrero, should free Farfan up to convert at least once in the group stage.
Tomi Juric, Australia
Top Prop: Top goal-scorer for Australia (+350)
With Tim Cahill a relic by World Cup standards, the Australian offence run predominantly through Juric, who had five goals in Asian Football Confederation qualifying and is the most dangerous player on this roster. While it’s entirely possible that the Aussies only score one or two goals in the tournament, Juric is far and away the best option to convert.
Group C Best Bets and Predictions
For World Cup betting, there should be little drama at either end of this group, with the French built to go deep into the tournament and Australia simply overmatched by three elite teams. The real intrigue takes place June 16 at Mordovia Arena, where the Danes and Peruvians do battle for second place. Look for Peru to rally around the return of Guerrero; that, combined with slightly more firepower, should be enough for Ricardo Gareca’s squad to advance.
Projected finish order: France, Peru, Denmark, Australia