World Cup 2018: A comprehensive look at Group C

Peru

A first World Cup in 36 years!

This will be Peru's 5th appearance in the WC finals, and their first in 36 years. Peru had an impressive outing in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, finishing in 5th place behind Argentina and Colombia, and ahead of Chile.

Like Australia, Peru had to go through the playoffs before securing their qualification and a 2-0 aggregate against New Zealand was enough for them to book their planes to Russia as the last team.

Coach: Ricardo Gareca

The former Argentine player was appointed in 2015 as the head coach of the Peru national team. Nicknamed El Tigre, Gareca spent most of his managing career in South America before being handed the position.

It is safe to say that he is already a hero among the Peruvians. There are some things you can't do without becoming a cult hero, and qualifying a nation to their first WC in 36 years is one of them.

Peru's national team has always been technically talked about, but an indisciplined defense has let them down. Gareca had his job cut out - and that is what he has done. Peru are now more organized in defense, while their electric pace is their biggest strength.

Peru's squad for the World Cup

Along with pace, their physicality is what Peru's biggest advantage is. Despite being on the shorter side (Average height of 178 cms), Peru's players will not be afraid to win 50/50s and when you throw in their speed, Peru is a complete nightmare to play against.

In Pedro Gallese, Peru have a solid goalkeeper who will give everything for the national team when asked. Peru most famously held Argentina to a goalless draw at Buenos Aires, and he reportedly even played the playoff games against New Zealand with an injured finger.

A back 4 of Advincula, Ramos, Rodriguez and Trauco is as menacing as it sounds. They have a very intimidating physical presence and will be extremely tough to break down, both mentally and physically.

Their midfield has several players who epitomize the South American branch of football - tricky and creative. They aren't afraid to go for the glorious and it almost always looks like they are having fun on the pitch, while still retaining their basic shape.

Flores, Cueva and Carillo as a trio are tasked with all the dirty work, and their creativity on the ball is second to none in the group as far as the midfield is concerned. They play as part of an attacking midfield of 3, ahead of 2 DMs - most likely Yotun and Tapia, if the Peru faithful are to be believed.

Their finishing is a little concerning, but with captain Guerrero allowed back into the squad after an appeal from the team, even that is not much of an issue. Guerrero is their main motivating force on the pitch, and is Peru's all-time goal scorer.

If things go well, and most signs point to yes, Peru is this edition's dark horse. They are capable of going on a long run making a few upsets on the way, including maybe even finishing top of the table if the French can bottle it again.

Cueva is one of Peru's most promising midfielders, and has the quality to upset bigger teams

Player to watch out for: Christian Cueva

The midfielder scored 5 goals for Peru during the qualifiers, but his game is much more than just goals. Cueva is the engine of their midfield, and he is halfway between Kante and Pogba - he goes for the audacious and is also everywhere. He has pace, he can dribble and he also requires new lungs after every game. What more do you need?