France is a heavy favorite to win Group C and one of the favorites to hoist the World Cup when it’s all said and done. This team is loaded with talent across the pitch, and they are looking to win it all after losing the European Championship on their home turf in 2006. However, they are going to need to buck an unfortunate trend. Since winning the World Cup in 1998, they have alternated going out in the Group Stage with a deep run in the tournament. According to that pattern, they are set to crash out yet again in Russia. Anything other than a win in their opener against Australia will only add to those concerns.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Kazan Arena in Kazan at 6 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Australia +1441
France -454
Draw +505
Over/Under 2.5
Recent Form
Australia has been a mainstay at the World Cup since switching confederations. However, the Socceroos’ performance in the last few tournaments has left something to be desired. Australia has had diminishing returns over the last three World Cups, and many believe that this is the weakest team in Group C. They barely qualified over Syria last year and were hammered by Norway in a friendly back in March. Recently, they have looked better with a draw against Colombia and a 4-0 win over the Czech Republic though. Australia will play Hungary in their final tune-up on Saturday.
In their first friendly since qualifying for the World Cup, France was stunned by Colombia. The French blew a 2-0 lead in a 3-2 loss and were left wringing their hands afterwards. However, they have performed well in their two friendlies since that defeat. France was able to beat Russia 3-1 a few days later and followed that up with multiple goal victories over Ireland and Italy. They will play the United States in one last friendly before the World Cup this Saturday.
Matchup to Watch
It’s tough to see a way that Australia keeps France’s offense in check. The French have some of the most dynamic players in the world on their roster, and they have been able to team up well. Paul Pogba is a fantastic pivot man in the midfield, and he will often lead the attack. Kylian Mbappe is a threat up and down the flanks due to his speed and touch, while Antoine Griezmann is a classic finisher.
There isn’t that much talent in Australia’s back four. All of the starters play for second-tier clubs and do not have the experience taking on the best in the world. The Socceroos are going to have to pack it in at the back and look to play for the draw.
Player to Watch
It’s incredible that the best scoring threat for Australia is still Tim Cahill. Cahill is almost 40 and has been a journeyman for some time at the club level, but he is the best player in his nation’s history by a wide margin. Cahill has knocked in 50 goals for the Aussies, 32 more than any other player on the roster.
He is at his best on set pieces, so France will need to keep a close eye on him there. Otherwise, he simply does not have the pace to succeed at a high level anymore.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I don’t see a way that Australia keeps this one close. There is a massive talent gap between these two sides, and France is going to play most of the match in Australia’s half. If they break through quickly, this result could be ugly.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: France 3, Australia 0
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