Lots of exciting action to take place in Group D
Group D of the World Cup features France, Australia, Denmark and Tunisia. France is currently placed in fourth place in FIFA Rankings. Denmark is currently placed in 10th. Australia is placed in 38th whilst Tunisia is placed in 30thposition. This group has two main favorites to progress to the knockout round and that if Denmark and France. However Australia and Tunisia will definitely not go down without a fight so France must watch out. Australia and Tunisia will get inspiration from the fact that they are underdogs and will do everything they can to advance to the knockout stages. The opening matches in this group will be Denmark vs Tunisia and France vs Australia. Also it will be France’s second consecutive time facing Australia in the group stage.
Tunisia featuring in their second straight WC
The North African outfit will be appearing in the World Cup for the second consecutive time. They also made other appearances in the World Cup in the World Cup in 1978, 1998, 2002 as well as 2006 meaning they have been to the World Cup six times. Tunisia made it to the World Cup by the skin of their teeth. The North Africans defeated Mali to secure their World Cup appearance thanks to an own goal from Sissako. Tunisia made it to the AFCON quarterfinals where they were knocked out by Burkina Faso. The North Africans did win the Kirin Soccer Cup after beating Chile 2-0 and Japan 3-0 in the final. This Tunisia side is not to be underestimated and is definitely capable of frustrating Denmark and France in this Group. Their biggest challenge will be facing France but Tunisia are up for a challenge.
Australia hoping to shock the big names and make it to the knockout stage
Australia will be appearing in the World Cup for the sixth time. The furthest the Aussies have ever made it is the Round of 16 and considering they have Denmark, France and Australia in their group they definitely have a mountain to climb. Australia was so holding France to a draw last World Cup but gave it up because of an own goal. The Aussies stunned Peru 5-4 on pen who were favorites for that match to make the World Cup yet again. They may not be tipped to advance from the group stage but they will try to at least get a point or two and not bow out in embarrassment. Australia may not have one of best squads but they do have some players with talent in Mooy and Rogic.
Another potential dark horse
The Danish stunned everyone as they made it to the Semi-finals of the Euros. They even nearly beat England and it took an extra time goal from Kane to break down the Scandinavians. Eriksen, Kjaer, Hojberg and Dolberg are just a few of Denmark’s players filled with talent. Denmark had a stunning run in their Qualifying group winning nine and only losing one. They scored 30 goals in 10 games and only conceded three. Not to forget they have a world-class goalkeeper in Peter Schmeichel. To add on to Denmark’s amazing form they beat France twice in a row including a victory in Paris where they scored in the 88th minute. Things are looking very promising for the Danish side and will give it all to make it as far as they can in the knockout rounds.
Injuries to potentially let France down
France must watch out as the last two World Cup winners were knocked out in the group stage. France may have gotten away by getting a manageable group but they still cannot take anything for granted. This France side has been rocked by injuries with Pogba and Kante out of the World Cup for sure. To rub salt in the wounds Varane, Fofana, Kamara, Hernandez and Martial all face a race against time to be fit for Qatar. France was knocked out by Switzerland on penalties with Mbappe missing the final penalty. Also out of six games France only won one game losing three and drawing two which is extremely below par for them. France’s form ahead of the World Cup is quite concerning and it takes them away from being the World Cup favorites.
