FIFA World Cup 2018: Most Important Players in Group C

Portugal v France - Final: UEFA Euro 2016
UEFA Euro 2016 Finalists France will be looking to get their hands on the trophy this time

Although Group C in the FIFA World Cup 2018 might look pretty straightforward it may not be as easy as it seems. European sides France and Denmark are clearly expected to progress, but Peru, ranked 11th, are one place higher in the rankings than the Danes, while the Australians will be no pushovers as well. This might be a very interesting Group to follow in Russia.

Match to Watch: Denmark v France (26th June, 3 PM GMT).


#1 France - Antoine Griezmann

France v Republic of Ireland - Round of 16: UEFA Euro 2016

Antoine Griezmann will be Didier Deschamps's go-to guy for goals in Russia. Griezmann finished as the top scorer at Euro 2016. Along with Giroud, Griezmann will form a very strong and reliable forward line for France, in Russia.

The Atletico Madrid forward is an energetic and hard-working player who can offer versatility as he can run at defenders, and behind them, as well as play as the second striker to the target man, Giroud. His dribbling ability, along with his pace, is a great mixture that sets him apart in this young and talented French squad.

France will be looking forward to brush aside the memory of losing the Final in Euro 2016, and Griezmann might just be the man to help them do that in Russia.

Notable Mention: Kylian Mbappé

#2 Australia - Mile Jedinak

Australia v Colombia - International Friendly
Australia v Colombia - International Friendly

Australia will be making its fourth consecutive appearance at the World Cup, but they left it late, qualifying after an intercontinental knock-out game against Honduras. Mile Jedinak scored a hat-trick against Honduras, to ensure that Australia booked their ticket to Russia.

Jedinak is a strong and imposing midfielder, who can control the pace of the game by patrolling the midfield and controlling the pace of the game.

Add to it his presence in the air and his set-piece taking ability, and it's easy to understand why he is Australia's most important player in Russia. Jedinak, along with Mooy, will be a part of a very strong midfield for Australia, which might help tip any game in the Socceroos' favor.

Notable Mention: Aaron Mooy

#3 Peru - Paolo Guerrero

Haiti v Peru: Group B - Copa America Centenario
Paolo Guerrero's ban was reduced to six months, making him eligible for the World Cup

La Blanquirroja is competing in the World Cup for the first time since 1982 and it's captain almost missed the trip to Russia due to a cocaine ban.

Thankfully for the Peruvians, the ban was appealed and reduced from a year to six months.

Guerrero is a leader on the pitch, and his strength in the air and set-piece taking ability will be vital for his country.

The Peru captain is all-time leading goalscorer for Peru and will undoubtedly be the focal point of every Peruvian attack. Expect him to combine well with Farfán to make the most of their adventure in Russia.

Notable Mention: Jefferson Farfán

#4 Denmark - Christian Eriksen

Denmark v Bulgaria - International Friendly
Denmark v Bulgaria - International Friendly

Denmark left it late, qualifying for Russia by securing the last European Qualification spot, thanks in no small part to Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen scored a stunning hat-trick against the Republic Of Ireland to ensure that the Danes participated in a World Cup for the fifth time. The confident Dane is a maestro in the middle of the park and can devastate oppositions with his strikes as well his superb vision and passing ability.

He finished the qualifying campaign with 11 goals to his name, second only to Lewandowski. Expect Eriksen to create and score goals for Age Hareide’s squad in Russia.

Notable Mention: Nicolai Jørgensen

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram
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