World Cup warm up: Peru and Denmark early contender for game of the round

What is clear already is that Peru will likely be the neutrals favourite at the 2018 World Cup. The South American outfit are gearing up for first taste of World Cup action since 1982 and their supporters have travelled in their masses to ensure it’s one to remember.

Peru aren’t in Russia to make up the numbers, either. Ricardo Gareca’s side are unbeaten in their last 15 matches and have beaten Uruguay and drawn with Argentina in that run. They are also one of only two sides that have beaten Brazil in the last two years.

The South American outfit are even boosted by the return of talismanic striker Paulo Guerrero, who had his 14-month ban for a positive test for cocaine metabolites at a World Cup qualifying game frozen by Switzerland’s supreme court.

Guerrero’s availability has infinitely boosted Peru’s chances of progressing out of Group C and only fuelled further optimism and excitement among Peru’s travelling fans. The 34-year-old is Peru’s leading scorer and even pipped the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to the crown as the top scorer in the 2015 Copa America.

Full team news and odds in our match preview

While Peru will have one eye on joining France through to the knockout stage of the World Cup, Denmark will have other ideas and want to spoil the South American party. Denmark may not be as well supported in Russia, but in Christian Eriksen they will believe they have a trump card that can get them out the group.

Denmark left themselves with a mountain to climb in qualification after losing their first two matches, but didn’t taste defeat thereafter. In 13 matches since the start of 2017, Age Hareide’s side are unbeaten, drawing with Germany and beating Poland 4-0, conceding only five times in that period.

Both sides will put their unbeaten runs on the line on Saturday and it could develop into a real barnstormer of a match. Russia kicked off the tournament with a stunning 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but this encounter could easily throw down a gauntlet as the game of the group stage. 

Writer Predictions:

Martin Laurence - Peru 2-1 Denmark

Ben McAleer - Peru 1-2 Denmark

Josh Wright - Peru 2-2 Denmark