France vs Australia
Study the odds carefully, wherever you are in the world, and there is one consistency.
France are one of the strong favourites to lift the FIFA 2018 because they have a squad that most other nations would envy.
However, as they prepare to take on the Socceroos in Kazan, one question still lingers: can coach Didier Deschamps nurture the best out of a young, vibrant and undoubtedly talented squad?
Talking Points
If he can, the player famously dubbed ‘water carrier’ by fellow countryman Eric Cantona, will make history.
For 20 years after winning the World Cup as a player, Deschamps would love to repeat the feat as head coach.
He has exciting players at his disposal, not least in attack where Antoine Griezmann—the focus of club speculation—Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe could form a potent trio.
The latter is only 19 which means he will soon become the first player born after the 1998 World Cup to represent France. Suddenly, I’m feeling old!
The former is Les Bleus’ talisman and has been banned from talking about his club future during the tournament, despite the rather humorous attempts of one journalist to get round this!
As well as having matchwinners in most areas, France have also lost just once in 12 matches—though they would rue the fact that they played out a draw with the USA last week.
Furthermore, Deschamps has now had six years at the helm of a national team so knows most of his players inside out.
Contrast that knowledge and expectation with that of his Aussie counterpart Bert van Marwijk who has managed just four friendlies.
He was parachuted into the role in November following the resignation of Ange Postecoglou—a move that shocked and saddened all fans of the southern hemisphere national side.
Fans of the English Premier League will see some familiar faces over the next few weeks.
In Huddersfield man Aaron Mooy, Australia have the fulcrum of their team and a midfielder of superb technique.
In former Everton favourite Tim Cahill, Australia have a player who has scored 45 percent of his country’s World Cup goals (five in 11 matches) and is now aiming to join the likes of Pele and Miroslav Klose as the only players to have scored in four World Cup tournaments.
Trent Sainsbury, who was so unfortunate to miss the 2014 World Cup through injury, Mark Milligan and Aston Villa man Mile Jedinak will have the unenviable task of trying to keep France out and ruffle a few feathers. Meanwhile, Celtic’s Tom Rogic, if selected from the start, may well be the main threat to Les Bleus’ rearguard.
The Aussie media have not hesitated in pinpointing the differences between the two countries on a financial scale and estimated worth.
Yet, the World Cup loves a good underdog, so don’t completely rule out the Aussies from producing one of the best FIFA 2018 highlights. After all, they recently thrashed the Czech Republic 4-0 to exceed expectations.
This may only be Australia’s fifth ever participation at a World Cup, but they have regularly made it over the last decade or so—this is the fourth time in a row they have qualified.
They have also lost justonce in their last nine international matches.
It’s all to play for!
History
The nations have only met four times before and all four clashes have been over the last 24 years.
Ironically, Australia secured their best results against France when the French were at the peak of their powers.
They defeated them 1-0 in June 2001 and then held them to a 1-1 draw five months later.On both occasions, France were the reigning World and European champions.
It was very different the last time they met. France triumphed 6-0 in 2013 with Olivier Giroud scoring twice. What chance a repeat in Group C and Giroud becoming the fourth-highest scorer for the French national team in the process?
What are the odds?
France are clearly big favourites in our FIFA 2018 odds. That is shown by the disparity in 1X2 odds with Les Bleus priced at 1.23 and Australia at 10.50.
Perhaps, a draw is realistic and Australia can capitalise on a slow French start. For that, you can get odds of 6.20.
SBOBET Asian Handicap sports betting also favours France -2.00 @ 2.33, with the Aussies +1.50 @ 2.25.
Goals galore will be an attractive bet for some with Total Goal 4-6 at an appealing 2.80.
And in one of the quirkier bets available, how about France to win the toss and be first to kick-off at 2.00?
My advice first though, is always take a look at the betting tips.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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