Australia
The socceroos are becoming quite a fixture at the World Cup, indeed after decades of no qualifying this is their fourth World Cup in a row. Australia had one of the more exciting qualification campaigns losing out on automatic qualification on goal difference, going into a two legged playoff with Syria and after two 1-1 matches going through in extra time thanks to a 109 minute goal from Tim Cahill.
Yes you read that right Tim Cahill, he's still going however despite the 38 year old being included in the initial 32 man squad Australia have quite a decent team. With Brad Jones at Feyenoord and Mathew Ryan at Brighton they have a better goal keeper situation that some of the traditional bigger nations. Up front and in defence they will struggle however they do have a decent midfield including a core of Championship players as well as Aaron Mooy of Huddersfield and Tom Rogic who whilst being a tad injury prone has been one of Celtics players to watch for the last few seasons.
Denmark
Oooh I do have a soft spot for the Danes, a rag tag group of viking footballing warriors who are often good value for a shock and only went and won Euro 92. Things however are not rosy for the Danish Dynamite, before this tournament they've found it tricky progressing through the qualifying competition.
The squad is again made up of a rag tag bunch with some potential up-and-comers as well as journeymen and Nicklas Bendtner. They do however have a good keeper in Kasper the friendly Schmeichel and a good record of punching above their weight.
France
On first look an absolute beast of a squad, an absolute beast my friends - you could make a first 11 to be in contention from the players they left out! However dig a little deeper and things are not what they appear, a number of this squad haven't had the best of seasons; Pogba has been virtually invisible at times this season, Lloris has been very ill disciplined and Giroud has continued to look like a player 30 years out of his time. Also a lot of this squad has been in and out of their club sides with a few of the bigger name frequently appearing on the bench.
Against that Griezmann continues to be in the form of his life, Kante is still one of the best midfielders in world football and Tolisso has had a fantastic season. The slightly lesser known players like Fekir and Lemar could have bigger than expected roles and I look forward to seeing it. In France we have something of a vulnerable favourite, this is a good group for them and they have screwed up the group stage in the past.
Of note is Paul Pogba, two years ago he was arguably the best player in the world, he underperformed in the Euros and hasn't struck the Premiership alight to the extent that he should have. He needs a big tournament.
Peru
Ah the Incas, or as most people refer to them the marmalade sandwiches. At interesting qualifying campaign saw them finish 5th in the South American group and go into a playoff with New Zealand which saw Paddington beat Frodo 2-0 on aggregate. Most of the players are based in South America those that aren't are journeymen. Sadly theres nothing to see here and they could be fighting with Australia for the last place in this group.
Summing Up
This could be a dull group, France stand head and shoulders above the rest. I'd like to see the Danes squeak through and put some pressure on France but wouldn't like to predict anything.
Tips: France to win the group, Peru not to qualify and me to be doing my hair when one of these games is going on.
One to watch: Paul Pogba, I want him to set the world alight and stop making me look bad.
Dark horse to watch: Kasper Dolberg.
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