On the third day of the 2018 FIFA World Cup June 16th, 2018, we will see four games in total including the match from Group C between Peru and Denmark at Mordovia Arena in Saransk. Both teams gun for the knock-out phase in Russia, so this clash is momentous as the potential winner will be one step from the second round. Denmark is a slight +120 favorite to grab a win, according to BetDSI Sportsbook, while the wages on Peru to earn a draw or win are set at -150. Soccer fans can expect a great battle and exciting game, but let’s take a closer look what should the bettors look for here.
Peru vs. Denmark
3-Way: 1: Peru +240; X: +220 Draw; 2: Denmark +120 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +0.5: Peru -145; Denmark +120
Total +2: Over -140; Under +120
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: -105/-125
PERU
The Incas hasn’t been at the FIFA World Cup since 1982, but after a solid performance in the qualifiers, they’ve earned a playoff spot for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, beating New Zealand 2-0 on aggregate to reach the final tournament. Their fans are certainly pleased, although everyone in Peru is hoping for the second round, particularly after some strong displays in recent friendly games. Peru dominated over Scotland 2-0 and Saudi Arabia 3-0, showing some exceptional passing game, while the talismanic striker Paolo Guerrero scored a couple of goals.
Guerrero has been banned for the World Cup due to use of illegal substances, but a few days ago, FIFA allowed him to play. His return will be a massive boost for this Peru team, as the 34-year old Guerrero is a captain and a true leader, while he’s an all-time top scorer with 34 goals in 87 caps, so his presence on the field is invaluable for Incas. The winger Jefferson Farfan is another veteran whose skills are lethal in the final third, while the talented Christian Cueva will be a key man in the midfield. Peru likes to play a short-passing game, always trying to control the ball, while defensive line could be an issue due to a lack of experience.
DENMARK
After a turbulent qualifying round where Danes have finished behind Poland in their group, they earned the World Cup spot through a playoff, beating the Republic of Ireland 5-1 on aggregate. The first leg in Denmark was finished in a nil-nil draw, but in the second leg in Dublin, the Danish Dynamite surprisingly exploded bagging five goals into the Green Army’s net. Christian Eriksen scored a tremendous hat-trick, showing all his talent and portending he could be a real star of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The 26-year old playmaker is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment, as his vision and finishing abilities are a deadly combination.
Denmark has conceded just nine goals in twelve qualifying games, while in the previous three friendly matches, Danes have managed to keep their net intact, playing a couple of goalless draws against Sweden and Chile, and beating Panama 1-0 after missing plenty of scoring chances. The manager Age Hareide prefers counter-attacks, playing in a 4-5-1 system where Eriksen is a key member at the middle of the park, while the skillful winger Pione Sisto is a great danger in the final third. Attacking set pieces situations are another opportunity for Hareide’s boys, as they are strong in aerial duels, while Eriksen is a marvelous set-pieces taker.
Peru vs. Denmark – Match and Odds Breakdown
This is a quite tricky game to predict the final outcome, maybe one of the toughest in the Matchday 1 of the 2018 World Cup, although plenty of wages look pretty attractive. This also means that bookmakers are also wavering, as the stake is huge on this one and the opening goal could make a great impact on game’s flow. As long as it stays draw, both sides will be happy for sure, so betting on the totals looks like a difficult job, as one goal could easily lead to another one, whilst the odds on the Over/Under 2.5 Goals are set at +130/-155.
I think the bettors can expect to see a cautious approach from both Denmark and Peru, as one mistake could be fatal, while there are two rounds more to be played in the group stage. With a potential stalemate, both sides will keep their chances for the Round of 16, so there’s no reason to take big risks and push forward in numbers. Hereof, I’m backing a draw at the end, as the odds are quite tempting at +220, but the bettors can also try with Under 2 Goals, as the wages are at +120.
The Pick: Draw (+220)
