France have yet to win a major international competition, but the hosts of the 2019 World Cup were one of the favorites ahead of this tournament. They took care of business in the Group Stage by winning all three of their matches and looked strong in doing so, yet now they must overcome an absolutely brutal draw if they are to raise their first trophy. They will face Brazil in the Round of 16 this weekend, and the winner of that match will face either the United States or Spain in Paris on June 28.
Don't miss this Women’s World Cup match from the Stade Oceane in Le Havre, France at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
France -226
Brazil +680
Draw +360
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
The Selecao are incredibly unlucky to draw France at this stage of the competition. Brazil must feel hard done to play a group winner despite winning two games in one of the toughest groups. They started off their tournament without superstar Marta, but that was no worry against Jamaica. Cristiane notched a hat trick in place of Marta to lead Brazil to a 3-0 win over the Reggae Girlz.
A heartbreaker followed when Brazil lost to Australia 3-2. Marta became the first player ever to score at five different World Cups midway through the first half, and Cristiane added a second goal about 10 minutes later to put Brazil up 2-0. However, Australia scored the next three goals to put Brazil in a tough spot. Brazil were able to beat Italy 1-0 off a Marta penalty in the last match, but their goal differential was not as good as that of Italy and Australia, so they are stuck playing France.
This is not the draw France was hoping for after a dominant performance in Group A. The French knew they would probably face the Americans in the quarterfinals, but taking on Brazil before that match will be a tough task.
France waltzed over South Korea 4-0 in their World Cup debut, as the Koreans had no answer for anything they did on offense. Norway gave them more of a challenge in their next match, but the French had better opportunities throughout and converted them to win 2-1. In their last match, France completely controlled the match but needed a late penalty conversion from center back Wendie Renard to beat Nigeria 1-0.
Brazil Player to Watch
Marta is the greatest player in women’s soccer history. She has revolutionized the game over the past two decades, and she is already Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Marta has tallied 111 goals in 134 matches with the national team, but both of her goals in France have been from the spot. She will need to create some Marta magic in the run of play for Brazil to pull off this upset.
France Player to Watch
Amandine Henry is a premier playmaker. Henry is known for her incredible passes while distributing as part of the Olympique Lyon machine, and she has brought that over to the national team. She has been able to work well with her Lyon teammates, especially Eugenie Le Sommer, and that has made her all the more dangerous.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is a tougher test than France want, but I believe they will rise to the occasion. Even though the Americans are getting all the attention, I think France are the team to beat and they will show it on Sunday.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds: France 3, Brazil 1
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