France center back Raphael Varane added: “We know that they’re an opponent who will put a lot of intensity on everything they do. “We will need to be aggressive and solid.”

To achieve that, coach Didier Deschamps could hand a starting spot to Blaise Matuidi, who can be an imposing presence in midfield.

Matuidi replaced Corentin Tolisso in the opening match, bringing steel to the midfield instantly. “Blaise came on showing that he was a leader,” said midfielder Paul Pogba. “He reacted the way the coach wanted him to. For

a usual starter who had been sat on the bench, maybe for his last World Cup, he showed he was an example to follow.”

Although they lacked pace and creativity against Australia, France were the only team among the title favorites to win their opening game. While defending champions Germany were unexpectedly beaten by Mexico, Spain, Brazil and Argentina were all held to draws.

Hence, victory against Peru could send France into the knockout phase with one game to spare.

In contrast, Peru will have to take risks as they seek their first win in Russia and that strategy could give France some space to hit them on the break, using the pace of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.

Peru, who beat France 1-0 in their only meeting in a friendly in 1982, will rely heavily on striker Paolo Guerrero, who was a substitute against Denmark.

The 34-year-old, whose doping ban was frozen just before the World Cup, is a likely starter against France after he impressed with his footwork when he came off the bench in Peru’s opening match.

The South Americans will need the talents of their captain and record goalscorer tonight if they are to provide this year’s World Cup with yet another shock result.

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