France have lived up to the billing as pre-tournament favorites. They are sitting atop Group A after two wins in two matches, and a result against Nigeria on Monday would give them the group. However, there’s reason to believe that’s something France doesn’t want. While the Group A winner likely will have a relatively easy Round of 16 game, they will probably face the United States in the quarterfinals. By comparison, the runner-up will play the runner-up in Group C and probably the Group D winner in the quarterfinals. To be fair, it’s not very likely for France to punt this game, but you can’t say there is a zero percent chance of it happening either.
Don't miss this Women’s World Cup match from Roazhon Park in Rennes, France at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, June 17, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
France -909
Nigeria +2106
Draw +781
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
France cruised to a 4-0 win over South Korea in their first match of the Women’s World Cup. Star forward Eugenie Le Sommer kicked off the scoring, with Wendie Renard coming up from her role as center back to net two goals just before halftime. Amandine Henry knocked in a fourth close to fulltime to give the hosts reason to celebrate.
Their last match against Norway was not an easy one. The first half ended without a goal for either side, but Valerie Gauvin finally broke through for France just after the break. An own goal leveled the score before Le Sommer converted a penalty to give France a 2-1 win.
Nigeria were seen as the worst team in Group A, and the Super Falcons seemed likely to finish last after losing 3-0 to Norway in their first match. However, they rebounded with a surprising 2-0 win over South Korea on Wednesday to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds of the World Cup for just the second time in their history alive. The opening goal was an own goal, but Asisat Oshoala converted late to seal the victory.
Nigeria Player to Watch
Oshoala might go down as the best player in Nigeria’s history. She was named the best player at the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup after netting seven goals in six matches, and six of those goals came in the knockout rounds. Oshoala netted eight times in eight games for Barcelona after a mid-season transfer, and her nose for goal is incredible.
France Player to Watch
Getting to draw players from the best club team in the world is an enormous boost for France, and most of their top players all play for Champions League juggernaut Olympique Lyon. Le Sommer is one of those stars, and she has netted 76 times in 161 games for the national team in her career. She has scored in both games at this World Cup, and she has to like her chances of adding to that total.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
France are clearly the better team, and the benefit of playing at home can’t be understated. They have talent all across the field, and I believe they will look to bounce back with authority after a difficult time against Norway.
Nigeria are fun to watch, and they aren’t afraid to take some risks. I think that will lead to a relatively close game, but France will prevail in the end. That will give the French the group, and Nigeria will probably have to cross their fingers and hope for a wildcard bid.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds: France 2, Nigeria 1
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