France vs Australia Preview

France vs Australia

Competition – FIFA World Cup

Stadium – Kazan Arena

Date: 16th June 2018

Kick-off time – 11:00 GMT

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

Lloris
Mendy
Varane
Rami
Pavard
Kante
Pogba
Tolisso
Mbappe
Lemar
Griezmann

Australia

Ryan
Risdon
Sainsbury
Jedinak
Behich
Luongo
Mooy
Leckie
Kruse
Irvine
Juric

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

No previous meetings between these two sides.

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