Peru vs Denmark 2018 World Cup Group C Betting Preview

Denmark and Peru meet for the first time ever on the soccer pitch on Saturday in Group C play at the 2018 World Cup. Peru made it into the World Cup in a two-leg playoff win over New Zealand, and Denmark eliminated Ireland in a playoff that featured a hat trick from Christian Eriksen. Given that France is the favorite in this group and that the fourth team is Australia, the winner of this game will likely make it to the knockout round as the second-place team. Peru has not been in a World Cup since 1982, giving them the largest drought in appearances for any team in Russia this year. Their last win in World Cup play was in 1978 against Iran. Denmark has made it to the knockout round in three of their last four World Cups. Which team will prevail on Saturday? Read our World Cup betting preview before locking in your wager.

Peru vs Denmark 2018 World Cup Group C Betting Preview

When: Saturday, June 16, 2018, 12:00pm ET Where: Mordovia Arena, Saransk, Russia TV: FS1 Radio: None Live Stream: Live Soccer TV 2018 World Cup Odds: Denmark +146 / Draw +227 / Peru +227 / O/U 2

Why should you bet on Peru?

Peru is undefeated since a November 2016 setback against Brazil, giving them an impressive streak in friendlies. They have shut out six of their last seven opponents, including a 0-0 draw against fellow World Cup contender Sweden, in which Peru permitted just one shot on goal. In their last 14 matches, the Peruvians have not permitted more than a single goal. They have terrific team chemistry and only feature communication breakdowns rarely. That defensive tenacity makes them a perilous opponent for anyone, even Brazil. With that said, Peru has not been on the game’s biggest stage in 36 years, and their coach, Ricardo Gareca, is making his first World Cup appearance as well. They have two decent attackers in Jefferson Farfan and Paolo Guerrero, but without any experience at the World Cup level, it’s hard to say how they will react in pressure situations. So intangibles argue against Peru — although there is something to be said for a team that feels like it has nothing to lose as well.

Why should you bet on Denmark?

Denmark has also posted some terrific defensive performances lately. They have delivered four consecutive shutouts, including a 2-0 win in a friendly against Mexico, another team that has a shot at making it to the knockout round. Like Peru, Denmark has terrific communication and is willing to play physically on defense. They have the height on the back end to get to balls in the air first and make it difficult for opponents to maneuver into scoring position on set pieces. Up front, Christian Eriksen is one of the better playmakers in the world, as he showed in that playoff win against Ireland. Pione Sisto is just 23 years old but has a chance to make a name for himself on the world stage. If you like Denmark, then you see their style wearing down the Peruvian side. Denmark has not made it out of group play since 2002, so this is also a team that is going to be scant on experience on a stage of this side. The win against Mexico was a big step, as it showed some defensive prowess against a side that put up a lot of scoring in CONCACAF qualification.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Both Denmark and Peru are excited to be here, and both have a chance to come through with three points and get a chance on finishing second in the group. Both teams need the three points, because Australia, with four consecutive World Cup qualifications, has the experience to keep things close. Based on prior results, I see Denmark getting the extra chance and finding the back of the net, but I also see a match in which both teams use their defense to keep things slow. I predict a final score of Denmark 1, Peru 0.