FIFA World Cup Australia vs. France, Tips and Previews, 22nd November

Australia has a baptism of fire in its tournament opener against the reigning World Cup champions. While France hasn’t had the greatest lead-up to the World Cup, with several vital players dropping out, they are still highly fancied to defend their crown, sitting on the third line of betting behind Brazil and Argentina.

The Socceroos are in their fifth consecutive World Cup, which counts for plenty as far as experience and self-belief go.

But this is a vastly different Australian outfit to what we saw in the glory days of 2006.

Graham Arnold is a steady hand in the manager’s position, and there is some talent across the board.

If they are to be any chance of causing an upset, they will need a strong display from midfielder Aaron Mooy, who has the composure to stand up against the world’s best.

Riley McGree is crucial to their hopes, too, supporting Mooy in a tough midfield battle.

There has been much conjecture over the Australian goalkeeper position, with Mathew Ryan the chosen one for now. How he holds up against a persistent French team will give an early indication as to how far his team will go. Defender Bailey Wright also shoulders a heavy responsibility clamping down on an array of French talent eager to stamp their authority.

The memory of a close-run match against France at the 2018 tournament will help Australia, which only lost that game due to an unfortunate own goal.

The Socceroos’ faint hopes were boosted by Karim Benzema’s late withdrawal from the French team due to a quadriceps injury. Benzema is one of the world’s elite, and his loss is compounded by other absences from the French team, such as Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.

But even without some of their usual stars, they still have the exquisite skills of Kylian Mbappe, who is widely considered the best footballer in the world.

Mbappe is in elite form and shouldn’t feel too much extra pressure without fellow forward Benzema alongside him. Expect an elevated role from Ousmane Dembele, who has had limited international exposure recently. At the same time, Antoine Griezmann will also play a more significant part than he may have expected.

Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni could be set for a big tournament and is one of France’s rising stars and has an even more rounded game following his recent move to Real Madrid. Watch for him to trouble the Socceroos early on.

While France may be weakened by injury, they will be more determined to win against Group E’s relative minnows, knowing Denmark will be nipping at their heels. Watch for them to get away to a flying start.