Australia haven’t been able to reach the knockout stages at the World Cup since 2006 in Germany, where they went down in controversial fashion to eventual champions Italy.

It’s always going to be an uphill battle for the Socceroos on the world’s biggest stage, but with Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy leading the team around in midfield - and the inclusion of the youngest player in Russia - talented teenage winger Daniel Arzani - Australia have some speed and talent they perhaps didn’t have at the last two competitions.

France are of course the huge favourites to qualify top of Group C, but they have been notorious slow starters over the years, but with such a star-studded squad, it’s hard to see them slipping up again and missing the knockout rounds.

Denmark and Peru will thus have to battle with Australia for the second and final knockout spot. Denmark are returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2014, while Peru are making their first appearance in the competition since 1982 after impressing in the stacked South American qualifying campaign.

Australia aren’t rated amongst the bookmakers to make it out the group, with France overwhelming favourites, followed by Denmark and Peru (and then the Socceroos)!

Winner: Frane $1.30, Denmark $4.33, Peru $9.50, Australia $18

To qualify: France $1.04, Denmark $1.53, Peru $2.80, Australia $4.50