Group C, on the face of it, looks like one that will see European sides take control.
France are one of the tournament favourites, while Denmark possess enough quality to reach the round of 16 at least. However, Peru and Australia – the southern hemisphere contingent of the section – should not be discounted.
That is a snippet of one of the five bold predictions for Group C I will run through. Is this group where the World Cup’s chief surprises lie?
France will face top spot competition
Many are unwavering in their approach in predicting France as resounding group winners.
While they have one of the best squads, at a glance at least, recent tournaments indicate it won’t be easy for the French.
Their 2016 European Championships on home soil ended on the sourest of notes, and a disastrous 2010 World Cup was followed up by more disappointment in 2014, where they lost in the quarter finals to eventual champions Germany.
The turmoil of eight years ago left a black mark on rich French football heritage. That mark is still yet to fade, and in terms of the World Cup, 1998 remains the only sliver of joy. Their latest tournaments indicate that a euphoric repeat of twenty years ago is a long way off.
2014 was an improvement, however with a side that looks every bit world class they need to produce something to remember in this competition.
Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Paul Pogba are still yet to hit their peaks. Those starlets, alongside the ever-reliable N’Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann, have to take this group by storm and secure qualification swiftly.
The pressure from not only their own fans, but global footballing critics, is heightening and this is the time France need to deliver. Surely the semi-finals have to be a minimum.
Denmark can challenge top spot if they get it right. Admittedly finishing at the summit will prove a Herculean task for either Peru or Australia, but a French capitulation could leave the door ajar.