World Cup 2018: Peru vs Denmark predicted line-ups and preview – Why South Americans could be the dark horses of the tournament
Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen is the danger man for the Euro 1992 winners against Peru, who haven't lost a game since 2016
PERU play their first World Cup finals match for 36 years and it seems none of their supporters want to miss it.
An army of white shirts with red sashes has invaded Russia and specifically Saransk, where the Mordovia Stadium crowd today could well be 90 per cent La Blanquirroja.
Denmark view this clash as “all important” in their fight for second place behind France - at least according to their boss Age Hareide.
THE NATION EXPECTS: The Danish fans back home are expecting three points - perhaps underestimating how good Peru have been of late.
Ricardo Gareca’s men have not lost since 2016, conceding just five goals in their last TEN games.
KEY BATTLES/STAR MEN: Christian Eriksen has been branded Denmark’s “key player” by Gareca - though the Peru chief is confident his side can handle the playmaker.
The Danes’ dependence on Eriksen was laid bare in a recent friendly stalemate with Sweden which he missed due to the birth of his son.
The Tottenham star returned to show who's the daddy in the 2-0 victory over Mexico a few days’ later.
WEAK LINKS: Denmark’s left-hand side has two right-footers, both at full-back in Jens Stryger Larsen and on the wing in Pione Sisto providing something for Peru to exploit.
The South Americans' lack of height - with captain Paolo Guerrero the only outfield player more than 6ft in Gareca’s squad - will be targeted.
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LIKELY LINE-UPS AND TEAM TALK: Denmark will adopt direct tactics and could even turn to ex-Cardiff flop Andrea Cornelius as a substitute battering ram if the Peruvian resistance has not been broken.
Probable team: Schmeichel; Dalsgaard, Kjaer, Christensen, Stryger Larsen; Kvist, Delaney; Poulsen, Eriksen, Sisto; Jorgensen
Peru’s revival under Gareca has been based on hard work and youthful enthusiasm, with older, lazier players who like a party booted out.
Expect the dedication that got them to their first finals since ‘82 to be on show here.
Probable team: Gallese; Advincula, Ramos, Rodriguez, Trauco; Tapia, Yotun; Flores, Cueva, Carrillo; Farfan/Guerrero.
BEST BET: Boss Hareide may have written off his side’s chances of finishing top, but Denmark have not lost in a long, long time.
Sun Bets odds of 9/2 to finish top of Group C might be worth a cheeky punt, given France do not always live up to their billing.
PREM TSAR IN THE MAKING: Brighton had bids for midfielder Thomas Delaney turned down last summer, while Everton were also linked.
The bad news for any interested Prem parties is the 26-year-old has just signed for Borussia Dortmund for £17.5million - becoming Denmark’s most expensive ever player.
THE STAT THAT MATTERS: Eriksen hit 11 goals in qualifying and will provide the main goal threat here.
With Barcelona missing out on , an impressive World Cup campaign may only increase the chances of the Catalans switching their attention to the Spurs magician.