France is a huge favourite, but Australia will not go down without a fight.
The French were the favourites to win Euro 2016 in their homeland and despite losing to Ronaldo’s Portugal in the final, they are still seen as the brightest young generation in world football. After the disappointing group stage exit in the 2010 World Cup, Les Blues lost to champions Germany in the quarter-finals in Brazil. The ambitions for Russia 2018 are to go at least one step further. Their mission starts on Saturday noon (the earliest starting time of the entire tournament) when they square off against Australia.
World Cup history is on the side of the French as they have not conceded a single goal in a World Cup opening match since losing to Senegal in the 2002 tournament. There are concerns heading into the contest, as Kylian Mbappe, Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe all suffered knocks in practice that have put their places in Deschamps’ starting lineup in doubt. If they were to miss the game, Ousmane Dembele, Presnel Kimpemble and Benjamin Pavard would take over their duties. Antoine Griezmann and Thomas Lemar will join them on the pitch from the opening whistle in a lineup that should also include Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Corentin Tolisso, Raphael Varane, Benjamin Mendy and captain Hugo Lloris.
Australia went through a coaching change after the qualification process that saw them knock off Honduras in the AFC vs. CONCACAF playoff match in order to secure a place among Russia 2018’s 32. The man who coached the team during the 2014 World Cup, Ange Postecoglou, quit, leaving an open post that was filled by Bert van Marwijk, the Dutch manager who left Saudi Arabia’s head coaching position after leading them to the 2018 World Cup. The Socceroos won their last two friendlies in June, defeating Czech Republic (4-0) and Hungary (2-1). It is a good sign for van Marwijk’s team that is not identified as a potential threat for France in the opener.
Didier Deschamps’ men need to be careful here. The Australians always play inspired World Cup football, trying to prove they belong there, especially against European sides. France is obviously the superior team, but they’ve been plagued by inconsistencies in the past. It is something that can cost them dearly against an opponent such as Australia. Griezmann and Pogba, in particular, must be at their best if their team is to avoid a repeat of Senegal 2002.
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