France – Australia

Kazan will host the meeting between France and Australia in the first round of Group C, which also features Denmark and Peru.

France has one of the most talented rosters in this World Cup, and indeed the recent results confirm the fact that the French are one of the favorites of the tournament. France had a very difficult qualifying group with Netherlands, Sweden and Bulgaria but dominated it with ease winning 7 games out of 10 and losing just once. Deschamps’ side also looked good in the pre World Cup friendlies, showing particular strength up front.

Australia didn`t have an easy time at all qualifying for the World Cup. The Socceroos finished third in a group with Japan and Saudi Arabia, so they were sent to a playoff match against Syria, which they barely won in extra time. Next up was another playoff against Honduras, which the Australians won 3-1 aggregate. Nevertheless, Australia played well in their two pre – World Cup friendlies, beating Hungary 2-1 and the Czech Republic 4-0.

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Team news & lineups:

Umtiti, Mbappe and Sidibe are all questionable for France, but they are more likely to play than not – especially Mbappe, who deemed himself to be 100% fit. Australia is at full strength.

France: Lloris – Pavard, Umtiti, Varane, Hernandez – Tolisso, Kante, Pogba – Dembele, Mbappe, Griezmann

Australia: Ryan – Risdon, Milligan, Sainsbury, Behich – Leckie, Jedinak, Mooy, Luongo, Nabbout – Juric

Australia doesn`t have much quality in in ranks these days, and is pretty far away from the team which used to be a pest for the top sides in previous World Cups. They don`t have very good players which is evident if you consider that 38 year old free agent Tim Cahill is still one of their most important men (although he`s likely to be used as a substitute).

While the Australians did have good results in their pre – World Cup friendlies, there`s only so much emphasis you can put on friendlies. Their poor World Cup qualifying campaign is a much better indicative to their current level.

France has a ton of talent up front while Australia is really vulnerable defensively, where they have no leader and no player of real International quality. The Australians will try to cover themselves with their center midfield trio of Jedinak, Mooy and Luongo, all good players with defensive qualities – but that is unlikely to stop France, while also taking away most of Australia’s offensive capabilities.

There don`t seem to be any arguments for a potential upset here and France’s top offense should be able to find 2 or 3 goals, while Australia is unlikely to score. The French seem to have a perfect mix of quality, youth and experience, and play great fluent football up front, so my tip will be France to win and cover the -1,25 asian handicap.

Max stakes of 10 units seem to be warranted on this bet considering that we get half our stakes back if France only wins by one goal. Prediction: France – Australia 3-0.

Pick: France (-1,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.58 @ Sbobet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 5.80
Event date: 16 June