France begin their campaign in the 2018 World Cup with a match against Group C minnow Australia. The Socceroos, however, may be massive underdogs, but they’re certainly not lacking any confidence, especially with zero pressure on their shoulders. Will France do their job and blow by Australia? Or will the Australians pick up an earth-shaking victory?
It’s extremely inexcusable for France if they lost this match against a minnow in the form of Australia. This team is littered with elite talent from top to bottom. France’s attack is going to make enemy defenses shake in fear with names like Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid, Olivier Giroud of Chelsea, and Kylian Mbappe of PSG. The midfield boasts of the presence of the ultra-skilled Paul Pogba of Manchester United. Griezmann is a master with the ball and gifted finisher, one who is always a threat to dissect and puncture opposing defenses. Florian Thauvin, meanwhile, is a slick dribbler with a great field vision. France also have the luxury of having, arguably, the best goalie in the planet in Hugo Lloris from Tottenham Hotspur.
Betting on Australia (-110)
The Socceroos are long shots to advance into the group of 16, but it’s also possible that everyone is just sleeping on them. Australia even got the nod of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who said that the Socceroos will make it past the group stages. It’s a tall task for Australia let alone beating France, but there is at least some iota of reason to believe that they could pull off a huge upset. For one, France just got a drew with non-World Cup participant USA in a friendly match that ended in a 1-1 score. Maybe Australia can do the same? Captaining for Australia is midfielder Mile Jedinak of Aston Villa, who has 18 goals in 75 games wearing his country’s colors. Also on the team is Huddersfield midfielder Aaron Mooy, who scored four goals in the recent Premier League season, and is a terrific asset in breaking up opponent’s attacks.
