France get their title defence underway at the Al Janoub Stadium against Australia. Despite being devastated by injuries, Didier Deschamp’s charges are still one of the tournament favourites, such is their depth. The Aussies could be in for a long old slog in Al Wakrah.
To Win Match
France 26/100| Draw 9/2 | Australia 9/1
I must be honest, given all the question marks which hang over this French squad, I’m surprised to see how they are still such strong favourites to win te World Cup. The reality here though is that anything, but a win would be a huge upset – and I’m intrigued to see how that forces France to play.
When you have the likes of Kylian Mbappe leading your line – it’s difficult to identify the sort of defence needed to keep the French at bay. In Mbappe, you have one of (if not the) best striker in the game, he will naturally gain the attention of the Australian defenders every time he moves, affording space to the rest of the French side.
What is the plan for Australia here? I mean it really is a bit of a free hit. Nobody expects you to come away with anything, and so I would assume that that sort of pressure taken off could allow for these players to express themselves.
I really hope Australia have a go; they have nothing to lose! If they sit back and invite the pressure of the defending champions, I think it could get ugly, but if they play with a degree of freedom and allow their midfield to propel their team forward… well, you just never know.
Prediction: France over 2.5 goals 9/10
I reckon we could see the first blowout of the World Cup here. France should breeze through this, and it could get ugly for the Aussies.
