World Cup Group C analysis: Who's likely to advance to the next round?

Topics: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark, FIFA World Cup

France, Denmark, Australia, Peru all make up Group C. LiveSoccerTV.com takes a look at who is likely to progress to the round of 16, and who's certain to have an early trip back home.

After failing to win EURO 2016 on home soil, France will be hoping to put that disappointment behind them as they chase the next big trophy - the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, there are 31 other teams looking to do the same, including reigning World Cup holders Germany. Can Les Bleus end their 20 year wait for the coveted title? Their quest will start with navigating through a potentially tricky quartet, which also includes Denmark, Australia, and Peru, who make a return to the world's biggest stage after a nearly 40-year absence.

Who's who in this group?

France

Star man: Antonie Griezmann. He's been linked repeatedly with a move away from Atletico Madrid, and Los Rojiblancos could end their long wait for European glory later this month as they take on Olympique Marseille in the Europa League final in Lyon. Griezmann was part of the squad back in 2016 that had to endure disappointment as they lost to a highly unfavored Portugal side, who beat them 1-0 in the EURO final even without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Griezmann has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer. Will he justify this growing interest with a big showing for Les Bleus at this year's World Cup?

The coach: Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge of France since 2012. He famously captained Les Bleus as they won the World Cup in 1998. He'll be looking to follow in the foosteps of of Franz Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as a captain (1974) and as a coach (1990) as well as Brazil's Mario Zagallo, who did the same in 1958 and 1962 (as a player) and 1970 and 1994 (as a coach and assistant manager).

Prior World Cup appearances: 14 (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1966, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)

Best finish: Champions (1998)

Denmark

Star man: Christian Eriksen has been in inspired form for Tottenham all season which has certainly translated into some great performances for his national side. He notably scored a hat-trick to fire Denmark into the group stages of this summer's World Cup, and scored 11 goals in total - which was only behind Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo's haul of 15 in terms of European qualifying goals.

Will Eriksen be able to replicate his great form for Spurs at this summer's WC with Denmark? They'll be heavily counting on him...

The coach: Åge Hareide was previously in charge of the Norwegian national team and has won league titles in all three Scandinavian countries - making him the only coach to have achieved this. Hareide, who was also capped 50 times for his native Norway, has been in charge of the Danish national team since 2016.

Prior World Cup appearances: 4 (1986, 1998, 2002, 2010)

Best finish: Quarter-finals (1998)

Australia

Star man: Aaron Mooy. He may not be a familiar household name, but the 27-year-old plies his trade for Huddersfield Town and played a vital role in helping them gain promotion to the Premier League last term. He holds the record for the most assists in an A-League season (21) and with Tim Cahill rapidly growing closer to retirement, he will be hoping to pick up some of the scoring responsibilities and help the Socceroos have some kind of impact this summer.

The coach: Bert van Marwijk - who is the father-in-law of retired Dutch international Mark van Bommel - has been in charge of the Australian national team since January 2018. van Marjwik himself is a former Dutch international midfielder who once managed Borussia Dortmund and the Oranje during the 2000's at varied points and prior to taking over the Socceroos, was in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team.

Best finish: Round of 16 (2006)

Prior World Cup appearances: 4 (1974, 2006, 2010, 2014)

Peru

Star man: Jefferson Farfán currently plays his club football for Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow, so will be quite familiar with playing on Russian turf this summer. The experienced attacker was vital in helping Peru secure their first World Cup appearance in nearly four decades by scoring one of the team's two goals against New Zealand.

The coach: Ricardo Gareca, who's done wonders since taking over. Los Incas secured third at the 2015 Copa America, reached the quarter-finals at the Copa America Centenario, and secured a spot at their first ever World Cup since 1982. What miracles will he work at this summer's tournament?

Prior World Cup appearances: 4 (1930, 1970, 1978, 1982)

Best finish: Quarterfinals (1970)

Who's got their ticket punched to the round of 16

At first glance, France are the definite favorites to top this group. Les Bleus simply have too strong a squad not to get through as group winners. As for second spot, that's where it could get really interesting. Denmark do have a solid team, but let's not forget they had to go through a play-off to get here. Australia will want to have a say, as will Peru. Remember, in 2014, no one gave Costa Rica a chance in a group that contained England, Uruguay, and Italy, and it was the Azzurri who were sent packing early, as were the Three Lions.

Suffice it to say, Group C looks really interesting, and there could be plenty of surprises in store, especially in the battle for second place. Even France will obviously not want to come in too overconfident, either!