2018 World Cup: Socceroos to face France, Peru, Denmark after draw in Moscow

THERE wasn’t much pot luck for the Socceroos, who have landed themselves in another tough World Cup group for Russia 2018 against two European sides and a rising South American team.

Carly Adno in Moscow

3 min read

December 2, 2017 - 6:13PM

News Corp Australia Network

Fabio Cannavaro draws Australia for Group C.

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THERE wasn’t much pot luck for the Socceroos, who have landed themselves in another tough World Cup group for Russia 2018.

Australia were drawn in Group C alongside France, Peru and Denmark.

Their first match will be against France at Kazan Arena on June 16.

Fortunately, Kazan is where the Socceroos will be based for the tournament.

But it will be a tough assignment for Australia. France boast a team of superstars and are on the rise while Denmark are full of quality themselves.

They will fancy themselves against Peru though, who qualified via a play off against New Zealand, but hardly offered much.

Didier Deschamps will need to do his homework on the Socceroos.

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Socceroos assistant coach Ante Milicic is confident Australia have every chance of making it out of their group.

“I’m satisfied with the draw,” he said,

“From a logistical point of view having that first game in Kazan (against France) is a massive plus for us - that’s where we’ve chosen our base. I think the players will be quite satisfied both in terms of the opponents and the logistical side of things. Preparation will be spot on and it gives us every single chance to get out of the group.

“They’re all difficult games, but we believe we’re a chance.

“There’s a lot for us to play for. We’re comfortable with the draw, we’ll believe in ourselves and continue with the way we approach games. Yes, we respect our opponents, but at the same time there’s a very strong belief and desire among the squad. I’m sure you’ll see a determined group of players take the field in June.”

Both France and Denmark seemed satisfied to be facing the Socceroos while Peru coach Ricardo Gareca was a little more cautious

Ante Milicic has every confidence in the Socceroos.

“I don’t know much about the Australian players or even the coach,” France coach Didier Deschamps said through a translator.

“Now we will analyse the weaknesses and strengths of that team and I will tell the players how they can beat them. Australia is a team that plays with physical skill and they have some tall players.”

Danish coach Aga Hareide admitted he will have to do his homework on the Socceroos.

Guide to Australia's opponents

France

Game: Australia v France, Kazan, June 16, 8pm

Coach: Didier Deschamps

Captain: Hugo Lloris

Stars: Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann

World ranking: 9

World Cup record: Champions as hosts in 1998. 15-time qualifiers.

Qualification: Topped their group ahead of Sweden, the Netherlands and Bulgaria with seven wins from 10 matches.

Record v Australia: Four meetings - Australia one win, France two wins, one draw.

Last meeting: France 6 Australia 0, Paris, October 2013

Denmark

Coach: Age Hareide

Captain: Simon Kjaer

Stars: Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel

World ranking: 12

World Cup record: First appearance since 2010. Four-time qualifiers. Reached the last eight in 1998.

Qualification: Finished second in their group behind Poland, defeating Ireland 5-1 in a play-off.

Record v Australia: Three meetings - Australia one win, Denmark two wins.

Last meeting: Denmark 2 Australia 0, Copenhagen, June 2012

Peru

Coach: Ricardo Gareca

Captain: Alberto Rodriguez

Stars: Jefferson Farfan, Paolo Guerrero

World ranking: 11

World Cup record: Back for the first time since 1982. Four-time qualifiers. Reached the last eight in 1970.

Qualification: Surprise fifth-placed finishers in South America ahead of Chile and others. Defeated New Zealand 2-0 in a play-off.

Last meeting: The two sides have never met

“We don’t know much about Peru and Australia; we have to study them to see what we’re up against, but we can fancy our chances against them anyway,” he said.

“Australia are always well organised and work very hard - Australians always do that.”

Gareca said he would levisit Peru’s recent game against New Zealand toi get a guide on the Socceroos.

“I’m pleased with the group,” Gareca said through a translator.

“It’s possible France and Peru are on a higher level, but everyone is going to be hard to beat. We’ve just played New Zealand and we think Australia will be similar to them.”

Ricardo Gareca has plenty of confidence in Peru.

The draw took place at 6pm local time on Friday evening, 2am (EDT) on Saturday.

It was a snowy evening in Moscow as officials, dignitaries and media made their way to the historic Kremlin State Palace.

Socceroos assistant coach Ante Milicic was there to represent Australia - the only country of the 32 participants without a head coach.

FFA boss David Gallop couldn’t make the long trip, with the AGM having taken place in Sydney on Thursday.

After football’s royalty walked the red carpet, including Diego Maradona, Pele, Gordon Banks and Cafu, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin made the opening address to get official proceedings under way.

There was some entertainment, but inside the Hall anticipation was building ahead of the draw.

England’s Gary Lineker was the draw host and he was assisted by Diego Maradona, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Carlos Puyol, Fabio Cannavaro, Gordon Banks and Diego Forlan.