At the start of this tournament, very few people would have thought that this 10am Eastern Match on Tuesday the 26th in Fisht Stadium would be a chance for Australia to advance and a consolation game for Peru. Odds at skybook.ag had Australia finishing at the bottom of this group, and had Peru slated to compete for the second place spot with Denmark. Thanks to two Peru losses and a surprise tie by the Australians in their game against Denmark, the outlook for this group has changed significantly. Still favorites to win, Peru will try to save face by winning at least one game and Australia will play for the chance to advance. For more information on open lines and odds, visit our World Cup Betting site. This will be the first time these two nations have ever played each other in international competition.
Australia
Despite not having won a game yet, Australia has been one of the big surprises at the 2018 World Cup so far. Captain Mile Jedinak and Aaron Mooy have lead a gritty and competitive team that held France to one goal in their first game, and overwhelmed Denmark in their second, earning them a chance to advance to the knockout round with a win in this game and a win by France in their game against Denmark. If that were to happen, it would be only the second time in their history, the first being in 2006. To do so, they still have to beat a very capable Peru team, who has played two very strong matches so far without any results
Peru
One of the more heartbreaking tales of this World Cup has been the Peruvians. Despite having played a high-paced, exciting style of play that got them through qualifying and had them on the verge of victory in their first two games, the Peruvians still find themselves out of competition for a spot in the knockout rounds. That means that this game will be nothing more than consolation for a team and a country that was so hopeful and excited about being back at the World Cup for the first time since 1982. With only pride on the line, expect Peru not fold against the Australians in what will be their final chance to give a win to the legions of fans that traveled to see the team.
Match Overview
Australia was originally penned for the role of punching bag in this group. The underdog in all of the group stage matches, the Socceroos none the less surprised everyone and forced themselves into a spot where they can advance to the knockout stages with a win in this game and a loss by Denmark in their game against France. While Peru should have an easy time with this team, what Australia showed in the first two games is that they are not to be taken lightly. Peru will not likely make the mistake of underestimating Australia, especially having already played their two more difficult games of the group stage. Still the favorite to win, Peru should finally be able to get a goal or two off their chest so as to not come home empty-handed.
