France vs Australia Preview

This is one of the most talented French teams in recent memories, and after they reached the finals of Euro 2016, they are expected to go all the way in this competition – their first task is facing group underdogs, Australia in Kazan.

This French team is blessed from defence with players like Presnel Kimpembe and Raphael Varane through midfield with the likes of Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi, to their attack led by Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.

These players have matured since their Euro 2016 heartbreak and their fans would be expecting them to repeat their France 1998 heroics.

The French have won 8 of their last 12 games, scoring 25 goals in the process.  They have struggled at times like their recent game against USA and failed to beat Luxembourg at home last September, but when they have a good day, they are unstoppable.

Australia should be bothered by the quality that France possesses on the attack especially as they have no defender playing in a top European league.

Their lack of quality in defence showed when Norway thumped them 4-1 back in March and they will be working hard to avoid such a result here.

The Australians have had a good build up to the World Cup. They thrashed Czech Republic 4-0 before beating Hungary however, France is a different class of opponent and this will be a very difficult game for the Aussies.

Possible starting lineups:

France

Australia

Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions

France

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
D	France		1-1		United States	9 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
W	France		3-1		Italy	1 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
W	France		2-0		Republic of Ireland	28 May, 2018	International Friendly
W	Russia		1-3		France	27 Mar, 2018	International Friendly
L	France		2-3		Colombia	23 Mar, 2018	International Friendly

Australia

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Hungary		1-2		Australia	9 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
W	Australia		4-0		Czech Republic	1 Jun, 2018	International Friendly
D	Colombia		0-0		Australia	27 Mar, 2018	International Friendly
L	Norway		4-1		Australia	23 Mar, 2018	International Friendly
W	Australia		3-1		Honduras	15 Nov, 2017	FIFA World Cup Qualifying – AFC/CONCACAF Playoff

H2H