France is the top contenders for World Cup 2018 along with Brazil and Germany. France boasts an amazing squad depth with multiple world-class players at each position. France will be led by Hugo Loris, who will possibly be playing his last World Cup. France was runner-up in Euro 2016 as they lost 1-0 to Portugal in the final. From then they have increased their squad strength with youngsters like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele joining the ranks.
Australia, on the other hand, didn’t have very good qualifiers. They have to play the playoffs to confirm their tickets to Russia but with the new coach, they turned things around and they are coming into the world cup with two straight wins in two friendlies to their name. It looks like Tim Cahill won’t be starting in the world cup of the opener for Australia as he only featured for 10 minutes in two friendlies combined.
Andrew Nabbout started both games for Australia and Daniel Arzani came from the bench to win the game against Hungary.
Squad Form
France has the best squad at the disposal with the mix of youngsters and experienced players. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe broke the 150 million mark when they were transferred from their respective clubs to PSG and Barcelona. They will be itching to prove themselves at the biggest stage of football. Apart from that, they have in form players like Nabil Fekir, Antoine Griezmann, and N’Golo Kante.
Australia has Aaron Mooy to pull the strings in the midfield. Matthew Ryan also enjoyed a good season in the Premier League with Brighton. It is also going to be hard for Australian to keep up with the dynamic attacking unit of France.
France Predicted XI:
Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Mendy, Kante, Pogba, Matuidi, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud
Australia Predicted XI:
Ryan, Risdon, Sainsbury, Milligan, Behich, Luongo, Mooy, Kruse, Leckie, Rogic, Nabbout
Prediction
France has scored 17 goals in their last eight matches and it will be hard to contain them. If they managed to find the back of the net in first 15 mins, it can turn into a goal fest. France hasn’t conceded a goal in their World Cup opener since their defeat to Senegal in 2002 World Cup opener.
Group C is a tricky one with Peru, Australia, and Denmark fighting for the second spot as France will likely be the group toppers.
France is expected to win easily without conceding a goal.
Australia 0-3 France
Odds
France has seen at least 3 goals in their last 14 matches, so more than 2.5 match goals are very likely.
France to win 3-1 at 13/1.
Both teams to score at 3/1.
Antoine Griezmann to score anytime at 11/10.
Odds at Mr. Green and LeoVegas
France to win at 6/25.
Draw at 9/2.
Australia to win at massive odds of 19/2.
Over 2.5 match goals at 7/9
Under 2.5 match goals at 4/3.
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