On Tuesday - a decisive time for the battles in Groups C and D. Only two teams - France and Croatia - can celebrate places in the next stage, while for the rest there are many unknowns, lrt.lt writes.
Alive Australian hopes
When Peru's national team finishes the last Group C match without any implications, Australia, in case of a victory and provided that Denmark loses to France, can still dream of the next stage of the championship.
South Americans had high hopes for their first appearance after a 36-year break, which were dashed by two 1-0 losses to both Denmark and France.
Thus, Ricardo Gareca's coached Peruvian football players are moving forward and have a desire to gift their large gathering of fans in Russia with their first goal in this championship.
Meanwhile, after an intense battle, the Australians lost to the French team and played a 1-1 draw with Denmark. It is exactly this match that allows the Socceroos to maintain some hopes of progressing to the next stage.
In the match taking place in Sochi, it seems that an injury suffered by striker Andrew Nabbout will not help Bert Van Marwijk's team.
Predicted line-ups:
Australia: Mathew Ryan, Aziz Behich, Mark Milligan, Trent Sainsbury, Josh Risdon, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Mile Jedinak, Robbie Kruse, Tomi Juric, Mathew Leckie
Peru: Pedro Gallese; Luis Advincula, Christian Ramos, Anderson Santamaria, Miguel Trauco; Renato Tapia, Yoshimar Yotun; Andre Carrillo, Christian Cueva, Edison Flores; Paolo Guerrero
Calm French
In the duel taking place at the Luzhniki Stadium, the French football players can feel calm, as they have already secured a place in the next stage. However, in case of a loss, Les Bleus would have to settle for the second place in Group C. But the Danes are at least thinking about a draw, which would open the way to the next stage.
Notable line-ups:
Denmark: Kasper Schmeichel; Henrik Dalsgaard, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Jens Stryger Larsen; Lasse Schone, Thomas Delaney, Christian Eriksen; Andreas Cornelius, Martin Braithwaite, Nicolai Jorgensen.
France: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez; Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante, Corentin Tolisso; Nabil Fekir, Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar.
Will the tournament newcomers make it to the next stage?
The Iceland national team started the championship with a great draw against the Argentina team, but the Vikings' horns were slightly broken in the match against Nigeria as they lost 2-0.
After such a cold shower, everything is still possible, as they only need a win against Croatia in Rostov. This would secure a place in the next stage and even practically first place in the group, which is achievable. Playing against Croatia in Rostov, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team showed their potential during the qualifiers for this World Cup.
Notable line-ups:
Islandia: Hannes Halldorsson; Birkir Saevarsson, Kari Arnason, Ragnar Sigurdson, Hordur Magnusson; Aron Gunnarsson, Emil Hallfredsson, Johann Gudmundsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Birkir Bjarnason; Alfred Finnbogason.
Croatia: Lovre Kalinic; Tin Jedvaj, Vedran Corluka, Domagoj Vida, Josip Pivaric; Milan Badelj, Mateo Kovacic, Filip Bradaric; Marko Pjaca, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic.
lrt.lt
