France, Denmark, and Australia clash for the second straight time in the Group Stage. The current champ France looks to repeat with plenty of returns, including Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. Denmark could be a dark horse team for the World Cup title. It’s also good to see Christian Eriksen healthy and running after a scary moment back in the UEFA Euro Cup. Tunisia returns for their second straight appearance and will need a miracle to advance. Australia makes their fifth straight appearance and look to end their Round of 16 drought after three straight group exits.

FRANCE (4)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (16TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (CHAMPIONS IN 2018)

France comes in Qatar as the current champs. They bring along plenty of returners, including Kylian Mbappe. Also returning to the lineup after not being on the squad in 2018 oddly enough is Karim Benzema. He was a good attacker and a lethal scorer eight years ago. His addition makes the forwards look more dangerous than their last World Cup squad. Here’s a little fact that some seem to be unaware of: The last three World Cup champs didn’t advance to the Round of 16 (Italy, Spain, Germany). Also, after France appeared in their previous two finals, they didn’t advance to the Round of 16 in their next World Cup appearance. Can they break this curse???

DENMARK (10)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (6TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (ROUND OF 16 IN 2018)

The Danish Dynamites (also awesome name) break the curse of every eight-year World Cup appearances with their second straight appearance. They lost to Croatia in the last World Cup by penalty kicks and made it to the semi-finals in the UEFA Euro Cup last year. The Danes will be a serious contender for possibly the World Cup semi-finals and maybe more. Christian Eriksen’s return to the pitch after a shocking heart condition during the Euro Cup last year could be the inspiration needed to reach their destination.

TUNISIA (30)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (6TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (DIDN’T ADVANCE IN 2018)

Tunisia makes their second straight appearance, but their Round of 16 opportunity doesn’t look so optimistic. They were placed in groups that were competitively better and it’s looking similar for this one with France, Denmark, and Australia in the fray for two spots. But there is hope that they could spoil someone’s day in the group. Tunisia can score, but their defenders must come through and make some stops somewhere.

AUSTRALIA (38)

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES (6TH APPEARANCE)/LAST APPEARANCE (2018)

FARTHEST IN LAST APP. (DIDN’T ADVANCE IN 2018)

The Socceroos make their fifth straight World Cup appearance but haven’t seen the Round of 16 since 2006. This is a quality squad that includes Aaron Mooy, Maty Ryan, and Mathew Leckie, but they must find ways to score more than two goals in their last exit in 2018. Somehow, someway, they have an opportunity to advance but must come through with scoring and better defensive play.

MATCHUPS:

GROUP MATCH 6: DENMARK VS. TUNISIA (NOVEMBER 22ND)

GROUP MATCH 5: FRANCE VS. AUSTRALIA (NOVEMBER 22ND)

GROUP MATCH 21: TUNISIA VS. AUSTRALIA (NOVEMBER 26TH)

GROUP MATCH 23: FRANCE VS. DENMARK (NOVEMBER 26TH)

GROUP MATCH 37: AUSTRALIA VS. DENMARK (NOVEMBER 30TH)

GROUP MATCH 38: TUNISIA VS. FRANCE (NOVEMBER 30TH)

WHO SURVIVES THE GROUP:

DENMARK

This is a no-brainer. Denmark looks like the winner of the group and their squad is made quality to compete with just about anyone. Watch out for the Danes in the Round of 16 and more.

AUSTRALIA

Y’all are probably thinking why France is not there. I mentioned about their group exits after making it to their last two World Cup finals. It’s also a curse for teams that won the World Cup to not advance to the Round of 16. Unless France ends this trend, the Aussies find a way to the Round of 16.

RESULTS

DENMARK 7 POINTS

AUSTRALIA 5 POINTS

FRANCE 2 POINTS

TUNISIA 1 POINT