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France wary of Peru as it seeks second Group C win
After struggling to beat Australia in its opening World Cup Group C game, France will not be relishing the challenge of facing Peru on Thursday as it has often struggled to make an impact against Latin American opposition.
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In its last 12 World Cup matches against Latin American teams, France has won four — including beating Brazil in the 1998 final — drawn four and lost four.
It defeated Australia 2-1 to go top of the group while Peru, in its first finals since 1982, lost 1-0 to Denmark.
But the results do not say how France stuttered and they do not show how Peru looked inspired even though it lacked efficiency.
“I don’t think France like to play against South American teams. With our style of play, our way to hold the ball, I think we can cause them trouble,” said fullback Miguel Trauco.
France center back Raphael Varane added: “We know that they’re an opponent who will put a lot of intensity on everything they do. “We will need to be aggressive and solid.”
To achieve that, coach Didier Deschamps could hand a starting spot to Blaise Matuidi, who can be an imposing presence in midfield.
Matuidi replaced Corentin Tolisso in the opening match, bringing steel to the midfield instantly.
“Blaise came on showing that he was a leader,” said midfielder Paul Pogba. “He reacted the way the coach wanted him to. For a usual starter who had been sat on the bench, maybe for his last World Cup, he showed he was an example to follow.”
Although it lacked pace and creativity against Australia, France was the only team among the title favorites to win its opening game. While defending champion Germany was unexpectedly beaten by Mexico, Spain, Brazil and Argentina were all held to draws.
Hence victory against Peru could send France into the knockout phase with one game to spare.
In contrast, Peru will have to take risks as it seeks its first win in Russia and that strategy could give France some space to hit it on the break, using the pace of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
Ousmane Dembele started against the Socceroos but he could sit on the bench with Olivier Giroud debuting at the front of the attacking line.
“It could be like against Colombia so we know what to expect,” said Giroud referring to its 3-2 defeat by the South Americans in a friendly international in March.
France will no doubt be hoping for a better result.
Peru, which beat France 1-0 in their only meeting in a friendly in 1982, will rely heavily on striker Paolo Guerrero, who was a substitute against Denmark.
The 34-year-old, whose doping ban was frozen just before the World Cup, is a likely starter against France after he impressed with his footwork when he came off the bench in Peru’s opening match.
FACTBOX
- France will qualify for the knockout phase if both they and Demark win their second Group C matches. The 1998 champion will also go through if it wins and Denmark draws with Australia
- Peru head coach Ricardo Gareca is one of five Argentine coaches at the World Cup. The others are Hector Cuper (Egypt), Jose Pekerman (Colombia), Jorge Sampaoli (Argentina), Juan Antonio Pizzi (Saudi Arabia)
- France has not lost to South American opposition at a World Cup since 1978, when Argentina beat it 2-1.
- Previous meetings: In their only previous meeting, Peru beat France 1-0 in Paris in a friendly international in 1982.
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