Tournament odds: 200/1
Betting Tips and Recommended bets with odds
While Peru have performed well enough in the last 18 months to prove they should not be written off despite being surprise qualifiers for the World Cup finals, they will still do very well to get any further than the group stage.
Paolo Guerrero’s return is a big boost – and, in fairness to in-form Jefferson Farfan, his absence was not felt as keenly as it might have been. Now Peru could line-up with Guerrero and Farfan together in the opening World Cup game against Denmark – but they will still start as underdogs.
Jefferson Farfan has stepped up, showing his experience in Guerrero’s recent absence, but whether one or both start against Denmark in Peru’s opening World Cup game, the South Americans do so as underdogs.
The draw has not been kind to them in terms of the order of the fixtures, and with both European teams expected to progress from Group C, Peru could be out after just two matches – they are 1/3 with Bet365 not to qualify from the group.
A good result against Denmark in the opening game could turn things in their favour, but they are 9/4 to reach the last-16 for a reason. Where Peru might lack big-game players, Denmark can turn to Christian Eriksen, while France will be confident of a win in the second fixture.
That leave a match against Australia which could ultimately decide who finishes bottom of the group. Australia are favourites for fourth place, but in Bert van Marwijk they have a manager with a proven record on the international stage and experienced players like Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill who will be desperate to put things right after three defeats in Brazil four years ago. Peru’s lack of tournament experience could hinder them, and the South Americans are 13/8 to finish bottom of Group C with Bet365. Furthermore, they needed a home win to get past New Zealand in the play-off for the World Cup, after only drawing away; Australia have proved repeatedly they are a level above the New Zealanders.
Recommended bet
Peru to finish bottom of Group C at 13/8 with Bet365