France has one of the most talented rosters in the world, but they can be extremely frustrating at times. They’re one of the favorites to win it all at the World Cup in Russia, and on June 16th, they’ll open up the tournament against Australia.
What To Know About France
France won the World Cup in 1998 and fell out in the quarterfinals in 2014, and they are coming off a runner-up finish against Portugal at Euro 2016. They won their group to get to Russia, and they don’t have many weak spots on paper. Antoine Griezmann scored four goals in qualification, but France can call on 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, among other talented forwards. Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante power the midfield, while Samuel Umtiti has blossomed into one of the best central defenders in the world at 24 years old. Captain Hugo Lloris is solid enough between the sticks. However, France’s major problem is that they’re still a young team and they don’t always play to their vast potential. For example, they’ll lose a 2-0 lead in a friendly against Colombia to fall 3-2, and then dominate Russia for a 3-1 victory days later. You never know what you’re going to get with France and in a knockout tournament, that is dangerous.
What To Know About Australia
Australia has been to the last three World Cups, falling out in the group stage in the last two. They had to beat Honduras in a playoff after getting out of the AFC thanks to a hat trick from captain Mile Jedinak, while Tomi Juric had five goals in qualification. That could be the problem with Australia at this level, however, as they’re very dependent on Jedinak and a 38-year-old Tim Cahill to score goals. Juric and Mathew Leckie aren’t world-class strikers, and they’re probably not going to get many chances to score, especially against France. That means Australia has to tighten things up in the midfield and they could also lean on goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who is having a solid season in the English Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Outlook
France are heavy favorites in this match at 1.18, while Australia comes in at 15.00 and a draw is listed at 6.50. France has a pair of wins and a draw in four meetings with Australia, who claimed a 1-0 victory at the 2001 Confederations Cup, but were thumped 6-0 in a friendly in October 2013. Australia will likely sit back and try to hit France on the counterattack, but France should win this game easily enough if they play to their abilities and don’t get frustrated. Australia are a well-disciplined team who are going to make things difficult for France, who are better in every aspect of the game. If they can remain focused and get a goal in the first half, so they’re not going down to the final 20 minutes with a 0-0 scoreline, France should stroll to a win. That would definitely take away some of the nerves for France.
World cup Betting Pick: France
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